I was recently making a first time visit to a client’s new home. He is in Europe and will not even be here to see the place until the fall. I was outside locating the water main when the neighbor came to see what I was doing. The conversation went like this:

Hi – what are you doing?

I am the home watch provider for this condo and am looking for the water main.

So, they hired you! I do home watch around here.

I see.

Why are you looking for the water main?

To turn off the water. 

Why?

It should be off whenever the home is vacant. Anything can happen: A toilet can overflow. A pipe can leak or even burst. There is no reason to leave an empty home vulnerable.

But that is why we stop by – to see if something is wrong.

I have seen so much water damage in my career. Did you know that a leak in a 1/4 inch ice maker supply line can pump up to 1 gallon a minute? That can be 100 – 1400 gallons in 24 hours! A 3/8 inch line from a toilet can pump 2 – 3 gallons per minute. 

Oh.

Do you drive people to the airport too?

No, we are not licensed or insured for airport transportation.

Oh.

I suppose you have business insurance too.

Yes. I am fully credentialed. And the Affiliate Home Watch companies of Your Home Watch Professionals are trained, have incorporated businesses, are insured, bonded, passed a background check and take part in continuous training.

I guess you guys are the REAL DEAL.

Indeed, we are.