Stepping out the door for a hard-earned vacation should bring an immediate sense of relaxation. However, leaving a home unoccupied—even for just a week—exposes the property to specific risks that can escalate from minor maintenance issues into catastrophic losses.
Many common property insurance claims that occur while homeowners are away are completely preventable. Taking a few proactive steps before loading the car or heading to the airport shields your home from damage and keeps you from facing a massive insurance claim when you return.
The Greatest Threat: Managing the Water System
Water damage is one of the most frequent causes of interior property claims, and a small leak can cause immense destruction if left running for days.
- Shut Off the Main Valve: The single most effective action you can take is turning off the main water supply to the house. If a pipe under the kitchen sink or a washing machine hose bursts while the main line is open, thousands of gallons of water will pump into the structure continuously. Shutting off the main valve isolates the plumbing system entirely.
- Drain the Lines: After turning off the main valve, open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the remaining water out of the pipes. This relieves pressure within the system.
- Empty the Water Heater: If your water heater is old or located in a finished living area, consider turning it to “vacation mode” or turning off its dedicated gas or electric supply to prevent tank failure while you are gone.
Electrical and Fire Prevention Measures
With no one home to spot a smoking outlet or a malfunctioning appliance, taking preventative electrical steps is essential.
- Unplug Non-Essential Electronics: Devices like televisions, computers, coffee makers, and countertop appliances draw small amounts of electricity even when turned off. Unplugging them completely protects the items from power surges caused by summer lightning storms and eliminates the risk of an internal electrical fire.
- Check Smoke Detector Batteries: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before departing. If you utilize a smart home system, confirm the connectivity is active so alerts route directly to your mobile device while you are away.
Exterior Security and Deterrence
A vacant home can attract unwanted attention if it visibly looks abandoned. Maintaining the appearance of an active household deters theft and vandalism.
1. Light and Sound Automation
Leaving a porch light on for a week straight signals that the house is empty. Utilizing simple mechanical timers or smart bulbs allows you to program interior and exterior lights to turn on and off at natural times throughout the evening.
2. Managing Mail and Deliveries
An overflowing mailbox or a pile of packages on the front porch is a clear indicator of an empty property.
- Pause Delivery: Submit a temporary mail stop request through the postal service website.
- Coordinate with Neighbors: Ask a trusted neighbor to retrieve any unexpected flyers, newspapers, or packages that arrive on the doorstep.
3. Yard Maintenance
If you plan to be away for more than a few days, arrange for your regular lawn care service to maintain the yard. Overgrown grass quickly tells that the homeowners are out of town.
Setting the Thermostat Appropriately
Turning the heating and cooling system off entirely to save money can lead to unexpected property damage.
During the hot summer months, a completely uncooled home turns into a greenhouse, trapping moisture inside. This sudden spike in humidity can warp hardwood floors, damage drywall, and trigger rapid mold growth on soft surfaces. Setting the thermostat to a moderate temperature—such as 78 degrees—keeps air circulating and controls indoor humidity levels without driving up energy costs.
The Final Check
Before locking the front door, do a quick final sweep of the property. Confirm all windows are closed and securely locked, empty the kitchen trash to prevent odor and pests, and double-check that the garage door is fully down. Taking twenty minutes to complete this routine keeps your home secure and helps maintain a smooth transition back to reality when your trip ends.
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