A lot of people who have summer houses tend to leave them unattended during winter. If you’re one of these homeowners, the last thing you’d want is to come back to your summer abode for a vacation, only to find that your place has been water damaged or flooded. Luckily, though, there are some preventive measures you can take to avoid this situation.

FloodCo, a contracting company in Columbia Falls, MT, offers emergency water removal, fire mitigation, carpet cleaning, floor drying, mold remediation, and more. Their disaster restoration specialist shares some of the things you can do to protect your unattended home for the winter:  

• Shut Off Water & Drain Your Pipes: To protect your home against damage caused by leaks, make it a point to turn off the main water valve when your home is going to be vacant for a while. You should also drain your pipes to prevent them from freezing. If you’re going away for an extended period, pour antifreeze into your sinks and drains for added protection. If you do experience water damage or flooding, contact a disaster restoration specialist right away.   

• Check The Sump Pump: Apart from your main water supply, rainwater and storms may flood your basement while you’re away. Before leaving, make sure your sump pump is working properly. The outlet pipe, which directs water away from the basement, shouldn’t be clogged or frozen. If you find that it is, get in touch with a professional to remedy the problem before you leave. 

• Clean The Gutters: If the gutters are blocked, melting snow can seep into gaps in your roof. This may cause damage to your ceiling and could even flood your attic. Clean your gutters by removing any debris that can block the downspout.  

• Ask Someone For Help: Allow yourself to have peace of mind by asking a close friend, relative, or trustworthy neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you're away. Give them the house keys and security codes so they can gain access in case of an emergency. If you know your home is prone to certain kinds of problems – say, for example, you know there’s a small leak in one of your rooms when it rains – let them know so they can keep a close watch.

Whether you need carpet drying or water removal, you can trust the experts from FloodCo. Contact their disaster restoration specialist at (406) 892-1717. You may also visit their website for more information.