Why a visit schedule matters

A pipe that splits on the first night of a trip can run for the rest of it. The difference between a puddle and a gutted basement is mostly time, so the value of a house check comes from how soon someone would notice something wrong. A check once a week during a long holiday may not be enough when an arctic front is forecast; a quick walk-through every day or two during cold stretches catches far more.

Some insurance policies also expect reasonable steps to keep a home heated or to have water shut off and drained when a home sits unoccupied. Read the vacancy and freezing language in your policy before leaving, and ask your agent what the insurer considers reasonable for the length of your trip.

The person checking does not need plumbing skills. They need to know what normal looks like, where to shut the water off, and who to call.

What to walk the checker through before you go

  1. Show them the main shutoff

    Walk them to it, show which way it turns, and let them close and reopen it once. Leave a tag on it.

  2. Show them the thermostat

    Agree on a minimum reading, and ask them to call you if the house feels cold or the display is blank.

  3. Point out the risky rooms

    Bathrooms over the garage, sinks on outside walls, the laundry room, and any spot that has frozen before.

  4. Explain the water meter

    If they are comfortable, show them the leak indicator and that it should be still when nothing is running.

  5. Leave a contact sheet

    Your number, your insurer's claim line and policy number, and a plumber you have already vetted.

Questions to settle with a paid house-checker

  1. How often will visits happen, and does that change when a hard freeze is forecast?
  2. What is checked on each visit, and will I get a short note or photos afterward?
  3. Are you comfortable shutting off the main, and will you do it if you find water?
  4. Who do you call first if something is wrong, and can you let a plumber in?
  5. Do you carry your own liability coverage while you are in clients' homes?

A reasonable minimum for a winter trip

Thermostat
Many plumbers and insurers suggest no lower than about 55°F
Cabinet doors
Open under sinks on exterior walls
Garage
Overhead door closed and its seals intact
Visits
Every day or two during cold snaps; less often in mild weather
Backup
A smart thermostat or temperature alert can warn you if heat fails

General information for Parker, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.