How To Prepare a Home for Vacation to Prevent Water Damage from Occurring

A vacation preparation checklist can help you spot a leak before leaving and give someone a useful response plan while you are away. This matters for both full-time residences and Lake Oconee homes that sit empty between visits.

Start early enough to arrange repairs. A last-minute look around the house is less helpful if a worn connection or active leak cannot be addressed before departure.

Check likely leak locations

Look for visible moisture around accessible sink connections, appliance hoses, toilets, and the water heater. Pay attention to staining, corrosion, dripping connections, and unusual pooling. Have a qualified plumber or appliance technician assess anything suspicious rather than making a rushed repair.

Arrange gutter and roof maintenance safely, using an appropriate contractor when needed. Ask that drainage concerns be evaluated for your property rather than relying on a universal downspout distance or a sealant-only solution.

Make an absence plan

Ask a trusted person to check the home and share emergency contact details. Show them the main water shutoff and explain any alarms or monitoring devices. A sensor can provide an alert, but it cannot inspect every room or guarantee that a leak will be detected.

Discuss water shutoff or winterization with a plumber before leaving. Heating, irrigation, fire protection, and other systems may affect what can be shut down. Follow equipment instructions and keep appropriate temperature and humidity control in operation.

If damage is discovered

Tell your contact to prioritize safe access and call for help. A plumber addresses a failed pipe or fixture; a mitigation company assesses water that has entered surrounding materials. Provide the property address, access arrangements, and the best number to reach you.

Matrix can document its mitigation work and drying progress. Your insurer determines coverage and payment under the policy; restoration services do not guarantee an insurance outcome.

Contact Matrix Mitigation Services

For 24/7 emergency mitigation assistance, call 855-541-1010. Tell us the property location and current conditions so we can discuss the next steps.

Learn about our water damage mitigation services or contact Matrix.