In the realm of Home Watch services, the debate over whether to open a home has been a topic of discussion. Diane Pisani, a respected Home Watch Educator, and the Founder of the Home Watch Academy, delves into this discussion and challenges conventional wisdom.

Many Home Watch websites boast the service of "Opening the Home" which may be the process typically involving turning on electric breakers, water mains, water heaters, ice makers, and more. However, a professionally trained Home Watch Reporter may question the logic behind such practices.

During scheduled Home Watch visits, a trained Home Watch Reporter underscores the significance of a visual check for irregularities and potential signs of damage that could lead to disasters. It is emphasized that, in most cases, water to the home is turned off when unoccupied and activated during the visit. This facilitates a proper cycling of water, involving actions such as flushing toilets, running taps, and checking for leaks – a vital part of the process.

Pisani recounts stories shared by Home Watch Reporters who discovered leaks weeks into their regular visits, emphasizing that such incidents are not exclusive to unoccupied homes. She recalls a case where renters in a home experienced a flood due to a burst water line, leading to significant damage and the guests having to cut short their vacation.

The Water Zone Home Watch Method™, followed by trained Home Watch Reporters at the Home Watch Academy, emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the vulnerabilities of every water source in a home. Pisani argues that untrained individuals, when opening a home, expose clients to potential damage. What if a leak occurs after the water is turned on, hours or days before the client's arrival?

There are potential risks associated with opening homes, especially in high-rise buildings where a leak could affect not only the client's property but also neighbors below. The danger of a high-rise leak damaging neighboring properties adds another layer of concern.

While the idea behind opening a home is to ensure a pleasant return for the client, is the reward worth the risk?  A collaborative approach is to emphasize that Home Watch is a team sport, with Home Watch Reporters responsible for educating homeowners on best practices.

In conclusion, Pisani, drawing from years of experience and a commitment to property protection, suggests that the best practice is for homeowners to leave water off when the home is unoccupied. It becomes the homeowner's responsibility to activate water and water heaters upon arrival and deactivate them upon departure.

Note: This article reflects the professional opinion of the author and may vary based on household equipment and climate.