Many Coachella Valley homes sit empty for months each summer. A slow leak, a failed water heater, or an AC drain overflow can run for weeks before anyone notices, which turns a small repair into a large one.
Before you leave
- Shut off the main water, or ask a plumber about a shut-off valve you can control remotely.
- Install water leak sensors near the water heater, washer, sinks, and AC air handler.
- Arrange a home watch, neighbor, or property manager to check the house regularly and after storms.
- Keep the AC set to manage humidity, and have the condensate drain serviced.
- Ask your insurer about vacancy or unoccupancy conditions in your policy.
When you return
- Look and smell before you turn on the water: stains, warped baseboards, musty odor.
- Watch the water meter with everything off after you reopen the main.
- Check under sinks, behind the refrigerator and washer, around toilets, and around the water heater.
- Look at ceilings under the AC unit and roof penetrations.
Found a leak?
Close the main, document everything, and call your insurer. We can refer you to an independent licensed restoration contractor, who can coordinate access with your home watch or property manager if you are out of state.
How our referral works
We are a referral service, not a contractor. When you call or send a request, we connect you with an independent restoration contractor licensed by the CSLB who serves your city. You contract with and pay that contractor directly, and you are always welcome to choose someone else.
Related: water damage · slab leaks · burst pipes · mold · guides
Guides: What Tropical Storm Hilary Taught Valley Homeowners · Leaving for the Summer: A Leak-Prevention Checklist · Hard Water, Copper Pipes, and Pinhole Leaks · AC Condensate Leaks in Desert Homes
Common questions
Can you help if I'm out of state?
We can refer you to a contractor, who can coordinate access with you, your property manager, or your home watch service.
Does insurance cover a leak that ran while I was away?
Policies vary, and some have conditions for long vacancies or long-term leaks. Ask your insurer.
Request a referral
Four fields. We will call you back and refer you to an independent contractor. Our call line is coming soon.
Need a restoration contractor in the Coachella Valley?
Tell us what happened and we will refer you to an independent, licensed contractor.