The short answer
Holiday Travel Leaves Homes Unattended
When you travel for the holidays, your home sits empty. A minor leak from a washing machine hose or a slow drip under a sink goes unnoticed. Without anyone present to shut off the water, a small issue can flood multiple rooms over days. This is a common reason for severe water damage discovered upon return from a trip.
Some homeowners turn down their heat to save energy while away. In cold climates, this can allow pipes in exterior walls or unheated spaces to freeze and burst. The resulting flood often happens when the home is empty, leading to extensive damage before anyone can respond.
Increased Household Strain and Usage
Holiday gatherings put extra strain on your plumbing. More guests mean more showers, toilet flushes, and dishwasher runs. Older pipes and drainage systems can be overwhelmed, increasing the chance of a clog or backup. Kitchen drains are especially vulnerable to grease and food waste from holiday meal preparation.
Extra cooking involves more use of the garbage disposal and sink. Pouring fats or starchy foods down the drain is a frequent cause of blockages. A slow drain can become a complete stoppage, causing water to back up into sinks or even onto floors during heavy use.
Winter Weather and Freezing Risks
Winter holidays coincide with freezing temperatures in many regions. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are at risk if they are not properly insulated. A sudden cold snap can freeze and crack a pipe. The ice inside acts as a plug, but the flood begins when the ice thaws.
Even in milder areas, overnight frosts can affect outdoor spigots and irrigation lines. If garden hoses are not disconnected, trapped water can freeze and expand back into the pipe inside the wall. This often causes a split that leaks when the water is turned on again.
What to Do Before You Travel
A few simple steps before a holiday trip can prevent a disaster. The most important is knowing where your main water shutoff valve is and testing it. If you live in Oklahoma City, keep your shutoff valve location written down. Shutting off water to individual appliances like the washing machine adds another layer of protection.
Having someone check your home every other day can catch a leak early. They can look for damp spots, listen for running water, and check the water heater area. This simple visit can mean the difference between a minor cleanup and a major restoration project.
- Locate and know how to operate your main water shutoff valve.
- Consider shutting off the water supply to your washing machine.
- Set your thermostat to a temperature that will keep pipes from freezing.
- Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your home periodically.
- Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas like attics and garages.
- Clear gutters and downspouts so melting snow can drain away.
If You Discover Holiday Water Damage
If you come home to a flood, safety comes first. Do not enter standing water if the electricity is still on. Your first step is to stop the water source by turning off the main water valve. Then, call local water damage pros for emergency water extraction to prevent further damage and mold growth.
The pros use moisture mapping and structural drying to save your home's materials. They can assess damage to subfloors, drywall, and flooring. Acting quickly is crucial, as water soaks into materials rapidly. Document the damage with photos for your insurance company before any cleanup begins.
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Call (405) 565-9833 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (405) 565-9833Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover floods from a burst pipe during a holiday?
Most standard policies cover sudden, accidental water discharge like a burst pipe. However, coverage may be denied if the damage resulted from negligence, like failing to maintain heat. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Always check your specific policy details and report the claim promptly.
What are the first signs of a hidden leak while I'm away?
You might not see signs until you return. A neighbor might notice water pooling outside a foundation or hear running water inside. At home, check for a higher than normal water bill, musty smells, or warped flooring. Subtle stains on ceilings or walls can also indicate a slow, hidden leak.
Can holiday cooking grease really cause a house flood?
Yes, indirectly. Pouring grease down drains causes major blockages. During a holiday meal with heavy sink use, a blocked drain can cause wastewater to back up and overflow onto kitchen floors. This contaminated water can then spread, damaging cabinets and flooring, requiring professional cleanup and repair.