Because there’s so much to do when you’re getting ready to leave home for an extended period, there is one thing you’re likely to overlook: your dishwasher. Dishwashers are complex appliance with many components, and several things can go wrong that may cause a problem. The last thing you want when you return home is a large puddle in your kitchen!
Prepare Your Dishwasher for your Absence
Preparing your dishwasher for vacation is relatively simple and straightforward. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your dishwasher is ready for your absence:
- Clean the dishwasher. Before you leave, clean the dishwasher thoroughly. Remove any food debris or residue from its interior and run a cycle with dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar to remove any build-up or odors.
- Empty the dishwasher. Remove clean dishes and put them away in your cabinets.
- Turn off the water supply. To avoid potential leaks or water damage, turn off the valve located under the sink.
- Turn off the power. If your dishwasher has a power switch or circuit breaker, turn it off to prevent potential electrical issues.
- Prop the door open slightly. Prevent moisture build-up or mold growth, and let air circulate inside the dishwasher to help it stay dry by propping it open. Use a wooden spoon as a spacer to help keep the door open.
Protect Your Home From Dishwasher Water Damage
Water damage is a serious concern for homeowners, especially when you’re leaving home for an extended period like a vacation. Here are some additional steps you can take to protect your dishwasher and your home from water damage while you’re away.
- Shut off the main water supply. This prevents water from entering your home’s plumbing system including your dishwasher.
- Inspect dishwasher hoses. Look for signs of wear and tear. If you notice cracks or leaks, replace the hoses before leaving for vacation.
- Install a water leak detector. This can alert you to any leaks that occur in your home while you’re away. Place it near the dishwasher or any appliances that use water, and connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi network to receive alerts on your phone or email.
- Turn off the hot water heater. You don’t need to heat water when nobody’s home, so turn it off to conserve energy and prevent leaks or malfunctions.
- Have someone check your home. Having a trusted person check on your home, like a Home Watch service, can ensure that everything is in order and report any issues to you.
Common Dishwasher Issues
We already said that dishwashers were complex, but most people don’t know that there are many ways that your dishwasher can fail or develop issues. They can include:
- Filters clogged with food particles
- Spray arm blockages
- Leaking
- Malfunctioning water inlet valve
- Faulty motor
- Broken or malfunctioning door latch
- Electronic control board issues
- Overloading
Protect Your Northern Virginia Home with Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge
We never like to see problems like water leaks when we inspect our client’s homes in Northern Virginia, but it does happen. That’s why we like to provide you tips on how to prepare and protect your home in the best ways possible prior to departing for your vacation, work assignment or other reason you need to be away for an extended period.
Your peace of mind is important, and with Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge, you can rest assured that your home will be watched over as if it were our own. We’ll go over your home using our multi-point inspection report and provide you with a detailed description of our visits after each one.
Let us design a Home Watch program tailored to your needs. Contact us at 855-928-2424 today for a free initial consultation. Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge is a member of the National Home Watch Association