1. When you leave home, turn the water OFF (at the main valve); slowly and gingerly

• Drain water out of the lines
• Electric water heater can be turned off at the circuit breaker
• Gas water heaters often have a vacation setting
• If you have a re-circulation pump, it must also be turned off
  

2. Love your air conditioner – It works hard, all year long

• Have it cleaned and checked once, or twice, per year
• Change the filters regularly
• The inexpensive, pleated, filters will do the job

3. Monitor the humidity

• Maintain a humidity level of 55% or lower
• Setting the thermostat between 76 – 78 degrees usually accomplishes this
• Set the thermostat to AUTO-FAN. Never turn the Fan to ON. That will just circulate the moist air
• Do not open sliders, or windows, when the AC is operating
• If you have a humidistat, be absolutely certain you know how to operate it properly

4. Brush. Flush. Check for leaks – especially in the bathrooms that you use infrequently

• Always look for leaks behind the toilet, especially at the valve
• Look under all sink drains in the home for signs of leaks
• If the grout lines are discolored, you may have water leaking under the floor
• Usually from the toilet or shower
• If you have any rubber supply lines, change them to the stainless steel, braided lines

5. Conduct your own home watch visit

• Get your flashlight
• Check all ceilings, walls and baseboards for anything that looks irregular
• Spots and stains could indicate wetness or a leak
• Baseboards separated from the wall could be a sign of moisture
• Clean out your pantry
• Old pasta, oatmeal, rice and other grains are home to processed food bugs
• Remove anything that can melt, or spoil, from your fridge when leaving for an extended time

Learn how your home works and where the equipment is located. Never, ever, hesitate to ask questions and always feel comfortable calling a professional.

This information is intended as a very general guideline, to increase awareness, only. Every home is different and the responsibility is that of the home owner.