Guides / Protect and plan
Away from home
An empty house is more exposed to leaks, freezes and break-ins, because no one is there to notice early. A simple departure routine and a trusted person to check in covers most of the risk.
What to check
- Water
- For longer trips, consider turning off the main water supply, or at least the supply to the washing machine and ice maker.
- Heat and cooling
- In winter, keep the heat on, many guides suggest at least 55°F, to protect pipes. In humid climates, keep cooling or dehumidifying on to control mold.
- Looking lived-in
- Use light timers, hold the mail or have someone collect it, and arrange for lawn care or snow removal.
- Trusted contact
- Ask a neighbor or friend to walk through the house regularly and give them your contact info and the shutoff locations.
- Insurance
- Check your homeowners policy for rules about vacancy. Some policies limit coverage if a house is unoccupied for an extended period.
- Social media
- Consider waiting to post travel photos until you are home.
When to do it
Use this list before every trip of a week or more, and before any seasonal absence.
Call a licensed professional for
- A professional home watch or property check service for long absences
- Winterizing plumbing in a house that will sit unheated
- Monitored alarms with water and temperature sensors
This guide is general information for US homeowners. Codes, climates and houses vary. It is not a substitute for an inspection or advice from a licensed contractor, and in an emergency call 911.