The water was running off the balcony like a waterfall....

Trust me, I've seen the unthinkable happen multiple times in my 39 years of service. You just never know when a story like this can happen to you. In this waterfall story from above, the homeowners had neglected to shut off the water to their ice maker and it happened to jam open while they were away. This meant that water kept flowing out of the fridge and onto the floor to the point that it filled the entire main level and had no where to go but off the walkout balcony. Their neighbours witnessed it and called them with the bad news. This doesn't have to happen to you while you're away on your much needed summer vacation.

​​Here are some practical holiday safety tips to help your return home become as carefree as possible:. 

• Shut the water supply off to the entire home if able prior to leaving.
• If unable to shut off the entire home water supply due to items needing water such as water softeners, in-floor heating etc, simply go around and shut the water off to the toilets, dishwasher, washing machine, and fridge ice maker if accessible. Regarding the fridge ice maker, at minimum, empty the ice bucket and shut the ice maker off according to the manufacturer's instructions (see operating manual). Do not pull the fridge out unless you have protective sheets under the wheels. 
• A small dish of baking soda or a small opened package of gourmet coffee in the fresh food compartment of the fridge also will help with any unnecessary odors for your welcomed return home from vacation. 
• Vacation mode on fridges works well to save power. Remove most of the food when away. You can always replenish on your way home. 
• A small dish of baking soda in the dishwasher upper rack will help with odours.  
• If away for an extended vacation, open your front load washing machine door slightly and open the dispenser drawer slightly for increased airflow. 
• Notify your security company that you will be away and have a key holder available so in case of an emergency, you are not bothered.  
• For peace of mind, I personally purchased a self-contained data logger online that monitors temperature and humidity.  That way if the furnace quits in the winter or the hot water tank springs a leak, it will notify me of a change on my cell phone.
• A device similar to the one above but instead monitors temperature, can also be placed in a freezer which will advise you if it stops working. With the cost of food these days, it can save you a bundle. 

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If the unfortunate does happen and you find yourself in need of an appliance repaired, needing to purchase a new appliance, needing an installation of a new appliance,  water softeners or filtration, feel free to give us a call.  We'd love to help! 
 
Enjoy your stress free summer vacation!