Leaving your home for an extended period, whether it’s for a long vacation, a business trip, or any other reason, requires careful preparation. This is especially true for homeowners who want to ensure that their property remains in good condition during their absence.
Neglecting to properly prepare can lead to unwanted surprises, such as unpleasant odors, plumbing issues, or even damage due to freezing temperatures. To help you avoid these problems, Income Realty Home Watch has put together a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your bathrooms before you leave.
Income Realty Home Watch specializes in providing peace of mind for homeowners who need to leave their properties unattended for long periods. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your bathroom remains in excellent condition while you’re away.
Essential Tips for Bathroom Preparation
Properly preparing your bathroom involves several important steps. Each of these steps plays a crucial role in ensuring that your bathroom stays clean, dry, and damage-free during your absence.
Sanitize and Sterilize
The first step in preparing your bathroom is to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces. This includes sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. Use a good quality bathroom cleaner to remove any soap scum, mildew, and grime. Follow up with a disinfectant spray or wipes to kill any remaining bacteria or germs.
Give extra attention to areas that tend to develop mildew and mold, like the area around the toilet base and grout between tiles. A thorough cleaning not only leaves your bathroom looking and smelling fresh but also helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mold while you’re away.
Turn Off the Water Supply
One of the most important steps in preparing your bathroom is to shut off the water supply. This helps prevent leaks and water damage that can occur if a pipe bursts or a faucet starts to drip while you’re gone.
Find and shut off the main water valve for your bathroom. If you’re not sure where the valve is, check near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home.
After turning off the water supply, open all faucets to drain any remaining water from the pipes. This step ensures that there is no water left in the system that could potentially freeze and cause pipes to burst during cold weather.
Drain the Tank
To further protect your bathroom from water damage, it’s a good idea to drain the tank of your toilet.
Simply shut off the water supply to the toilet, flush it to empty the tank, and then use a sponge or towel to soak up any remaining water. This will prevent any residual water from causing issues or becoming stagnant while you’re away.
Use Antifreeze
If you live in an area where temperatures can drop below freezing, it’s a good idea to add antifreeze to your toilet bowl and any standing water in your sink or shower drains.
Use a non-toxic RV antifreeze, which is safe for plumbing systems. Pour a small amount into each toilet bowl, sink, and shower drain to prevent the water from freezing and causing damage to your pipes.
For Extended Absences
For those who will be away for an extended period, taking a few extra precautions can make a big difference. Consider removing any toiletries and cleaning supplies from your bathroom to prevent them from deteriorating or causing odors. Leaving the bathroom door slightly open can help with air circulation and prevent musty smells from developing.
It’s also a good idea to unplug any electrical devices in the bathroom, such as electric toothbrushes, razors, or hairdryers. This reduces the risk of electrical issues and conserves energy while you’re away.
Home Watch Services
Home watch services provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind for homeowners who need to leave their properties unattended. These services involve regular inspections of your property to ensure that everything is in good condition and to address any issues that may arise.
Services Provided by Home Watch Companies
- Regular Inspections: Home watch experts make routine visits to your property to inspect for damage, leaks, or other potential problems.
- Maintenance Checks: They ensure that all systems, such as plumbing and electrical, are functioning properly.
- Security Monitoring: Home watch services often include checking that all doors and windows are secure.
- Mail and Package Collection: They can collect mail and packages to prevent them from piling up and indicating that the property is vacant.
- Seasonal Preparations: Home watch professionals can handle seasonal tasks, such as winterizing your home, to prevent weather-related damage.
Income Realty Home Watch
Income Realty Home Watch is a trusted provider of home watch services, dedicated to ensuring the safety and maintenance of your property while you’re away.
Their team of experienced professionals conducts thorough inspections and offers a range of services tailored to meet the needs of homeowners. With Income Realty Home Watch, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property is in good hands.
Bottom Line
Preparing your bathrooms for a long vacation involves several key steps, including sanitizing and sterilizing surfaces, turning off the water supply, draining the toilet tank, using antifreeze, and taking additional precautions for extended absences. These steps help prevent common issues such as water damage, mold growth, and unpleasant odors.
Home watch services, such as those provided by Income Realty Home Watch, offer an added layer of security and maintenance for your property.
They conduct regular inspections, perform maintenance checks, and ensure that your property remains secure and in good condition. By using these services, you can ensure that your properties are well-cared for during your absence.
Taking the time to properly prepare your bathrooms and utilizing home watch services can save you from potential headaches and costly repairs. Trust Income Realty Home Watch to provide the professional care and attention your property needs while you’re away. Contact us today!
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