How to Prevent Water Damage While You're Away or on Vacation

Some of the most severe water damage we see happens when no one is home. A supply line fails, a water heater bursts, or a pipe freezes — and with nobody there to catch it, the water runs for hours or even days. A little preparation before you travel can turn a potential disaster into a non-event.

Before You Leave: The Water Checklist

1. Shut off the main water supply if no one will be home and you don't have systems (like sprinklers) that need it.
2. If you can't shut off the main, close the valves to the highest-risk appliances — washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker.
3. Inspect washing machine hoses and under-sink supply lines for bulges, cracks, or corrosion, and replace anything worn.
4. In winter, keep the heat at 55°F or higher and let a faucet drip to prevent frozen pipes.
5. Test your sump pump and confirm any battery backup is working.

Smart Devices That Help

• Leak sensors placed near water heaters, washing machines, and sinks that alert your phone at the first sign of water
• A smart water shut-off valve that automatically stops the flow when a leak is detected
• A smart thermostat so you can monitor and adjust the temperature remotely in cold weather

Have Someone Check In

Even with everything shut off, ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to check the house periodically — especially during extreme cold or after a big storm. A quick walk-through can catch a problem days before you'd otherwise find it, and gives someone the ability to call for help.

If You Come Home to Water Damage

If you return to a leak or flood, shut off the water, document everything for insurance, and call a restoration team right away — water that's been sitting for days needs fast professional extraction and drying to limit mold and structural damage. Our Baltimore team is available 24/7, whenever you get home.