You finally took that trip you’ve been planning for months. Sun, sand, mountain air, or a city skyline, anything but your usual routine. But while you were on the move, something back home got out of hand. A frozen pipe bursts or a leaking water heater floods your basement. Now you’re staring at messages, photos, or videos of water damage in your house while you’re hundreds of miles away.
It’s a nightmare scenario, but one you can manage. The key is to move quickly, even from afar, and keep a few smart strategies in your back pocket for next time. Here is how to handle home water damage while traveling.
Get Someone You Trust on the Ground
If a neighbor or friend is checking your place while you’re gone, they’re already halfway to being a hero. Have them assess the situation, take detailed photos, and stop any ongoing damage if it’s safe to do so. That might mean shutting off the main water valve or moving items out of standing water.
If nobody’s nearby, you might need to call in a local handyman or plumber. Look for services that offer emergency response, and don’t rely on general online reviews alone. Call and ask if they’ve handled water shutdowns or temporary repairs in unattended homes. You’re not asking for a renovation—just a pause button.
Contact Your Insurance Before You Touch Anything Else
Reach out to your insurance company right away. Even if you’re not home to see it for yourself, reporting it quickly helps your claim get in the queue. Explain the situation clearly and send any photos you’ve received. Ask what steps they expect you to take next. Some providers will send out an adjuster or connect you with water remediation companies they work with regularly.
Avoid cleaning up or throwing out anything until your insurer gives you the green light. It’s tempting to tell your friend to start ripping out carpet or tossing soaked items, but documentation matters more than speed at this stage.
Line Up a Water Damage Cleanup Team
Water doesn’t wait politely while you figure things out. Once you’ve filed your claim, get a professional restoration company involved. These are the people who can dry out walls, clean up flooring, and prevent mold from settling in while you’re still away.
Some companies even offer remote coordination, which means you can give permission for access and approve the work from wherever you are. Ask if they can update you with photos and progress reports. That kind of transparency makes a big difference when you’re not there to see it unfold.
Start an Inventory While You’re Traveling
Even if you can’t inspect every item in person, you can start building a list. What was in the affected area? What furniture, electronics, documents, or personal items were damaged? Reference receipts, past photos, or digital records. The more info you provide the insurer, the faster the claims process will move once you’re back.
If anything valuable was in the line of fire, flag it in your communication with the cleanup team. You want them to treat those items carefully or set them aside for specialized cleaning.
Don’t Forget About Mold Risk
If you’re away for several days or longer, the water damage may create ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold can start forming in as little as 24 to 48 hours in warm, humid environments. Be proactive in asking your cleanup team to assess and document any signs of mold and begin treatment immediately if needed.
You might also consider a follow-up inspection when you return home to confirm that the area is fully dry and safe. Remediation efforts are most effective when they start early, and catching mold before it spreads saves time, money, and stress.
Think Ahead
Once you’ve dealt with the damage, it’s worth thinking ahead. There are small changes that can save you from another long-distance disaster. Install a smart leak detector with automatic shutoff. These devices can catch issues early and send alerts directly to your phone. During winter travel, give your pipes a fighting chance and set the thermostat to a level that keeps things warm enough to avoid freezing.
If you’re away for more than a quick weekend, have someone swing by to check on things while you’re gone. A walk-through can catch problems early, and if you want a simple way to lower the risk altogether, shutting off the main water valve before you head out can prevent a minor drip from turning into major damage that ruins your relaxing vacation.
Plan for Peace of Mind
In addition to prepping your home, make sure your emergency contacts know who to call and how to access the house if something goes wrong. A written list of local plumbers, restoration companies, and your insurance provider’s info can save time in a crisis. Share this with anyone keeping an eye on the property.
And for even greater peace of mind, you can set up remote surveillance systems or smart home alerts that notify you if water is detected. Technology can be your best line of defense when you’re out of town.
You Can’t Be Around All the Time—So Prepare for Time Away
Travel is supposed to shake up your routine, not soak your cabinets. Handling water damage from miles away isn’t something anyone wants to add to their itinerary, but it doesn’t have to ruin everything.
With a solid response and the right help on the ground, you can keep the damage contained and your home protected. A few smart moves can turn a stressful moment into a manageable one, so the memories from your trip aren’t replaced by the cleanup waiting when you get back.
Denver Clean-up & Restoration Services
With over 150 years of combined experience, the Colorado Cleanup Services, Inc. team has the knowledge, skill, and commitment necessary to handle any emergency cleanup services you may require. From
flood and
fire damage restoration to
sewage backup and coronavirus cleanup services in Denver, CO, you can always turn to us when you need deep,
disinfecting cleaning for your home or business.
Family-owned and operated, our cleaning company is proud to provide the services of trained and certified technicians to all our clients. Our impressive team knows what it takes to return damaged properties to their original condition with the highest level of professionalism. Don’t settle for anything less when you require high-quality disaster recovery services. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure you receive the help you need when you need it. Give us a call:
303-237-4406.
