The things professional home watch operators see fail repeatedly in unoccupied properties — and what you can do to prevent them.
Home watch inspectors visit hundreds of properties annually. These tips come from what they observe failing most often.
1. Know where your main water shutoff is. Many homeowners have never found it. Your home watch provider needs this information.
2. Run your dishwasher and garbage disposal before leaving. Both can develop mold from food matter within weeks.
3. Flush toilets and run faucets before every long absence. P-traps can dry out and allow sewer gas into the home.
4. Turn off the icemaker water line for extended absences. Icemaker lines are a common source of slow leaks.
5. Service your HVAC before leaving for an extended period. Replace the filter; leave extras.
6. Seal pest entry points before every absence. Gaps around pipes and utility penetrations are how insects and rodents enter.
7. Store outdoor cushions inside. They become habitat for wasps and scorpions when left out.
8. Clear gutters before storm season. Blocked gutters cause water to back up under roofing material.
9. Don't pause utilities entirely. Maintain electricity for security, climate, and monitoring systems.
10. Leave your home watch provider an emergency contact in the same time zone. If they find an urgent problem and you're in Europe, a local backup who can make decisions saves critical time.
Related reading: Is Home Watch Worth the Cost? An Honest Breakdown for Vacation Homeowners.
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