What an unnoticed leak can look like over time

Mold growth often begins on wet materials within a day or two, which is why drying quickly matters. In an empty house, nobody starts that clock.

Day 1
A supply line under a guest bath vanity begins to drip, or snowmelt backs up at a window well.
First few days
Water spreads under cabinets and into the bottom of drywall; carpet pad absorbs it.
After a week or two
Growth can be visible on the back of drywall and on cabinet bases; the closed house holds the humidity.
Return home
A strong musty odor, warped floors and stains far from the original leak.

Before a long trip

  • Shut off water to fixtures that will not be used, such as wet bars, guest baths and ice makers, if the valves are accessible and working.
  • Consider turning off the main water supply if no system needs it; ask a plumber about boilers, fire sprinklers or irrigation that depend on it.
  • Leave heat set high enough in winter that pipes in exterior walls and garages do not freeze.
  • Install water-leak sensors under sinks, near the water heater and by the sump, ideally ones that send phone alerts.
  • Make sure sump pumps work and have a backup if the basement relies on one.
  • Arrange for someone to walk through the whole house on a regular schedule, including the basement and mechanical rooms.

Why large homes are more exposed

Bigger houses have more fixtures, more appliances with water lines and more rooms that are rarely entered even when the owners are home. A guest suite bath or a basement kitchenette can leak for a long time without anyone walking past it. When the household travels, those rooms go from rarely checked to never checked.

House sitters and property managers are a big help, but a quick look at the kitchen and mail is not enough. A useful walk-through includes opening sink cabinets, sniffing closed rooms, checking ceilings below bathrooms and looking at the floor around the water heater and furnace.

If you come home to a problem

  • IfWater is still running or anything is near electrical panels or outletsThenShut off the main water valve if safe, keep away from wet electrical equipment, and call the utility or 911 if there is any danger.
  • IfMaterials are wet but you see no growthThenStart drying immediately with professional help; photograph everything for the insurer first.
  • IfVisible growth or a strong musty odorThenDo not run fans at it. Close the area off and arrange an assessment of the moisture source and the affected materials.

General information for Cherry Hills Village, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.