It would be much cheaper and better to get a few wifi connected water alarms. If a pipe bursts and someone isn't coming for two weeks your house will be destroyed by the time they come.

I'd just drain the system and put a few next to the water main.

Is it easy to shut off the main and to drain it?

https://www.zircon.com/tools/leak-alert-wifi/

Keep your house set to at least 58 degrees.

If you want to go overboard:

https://www.1tomplumber.com/how-winterize-vacant-house/

Thank you so much for this, the second option seems tedious!!

This particular alarm probably won’t help in detecting freeze before bursting. Right? :/ … 😣

This is why you get wifi thermostat/sensors

Ahhh, so if the house is kept warm enough, the pipes won’t freeze even if you don’t use it??

Unless there is a storm, the power goes out and the heat doesn't kick on 😑

Don't you have a friend or neighbor who could stop by just to walk through every so often and check on things? Give this person a list of what to look for. And, when you are away, keep an eye on the weather and call when there is a snow/ ice storm or another weather event. If you see something concerning, call this person to check in.

I wish I did, but I don’t have any friends in Pittsburgh 🥹 and am new to the area.

Sublet it.

Yes...

Freezing happens at 32/0 degrees. Depending on insulation, without heat that is what happens to the water inside the pipes.

You combat this via 2 ways: Heating the inside of the house to keep the temperature of the water above freezing.

Or-

Draining the water of the house and purging the lines and keeping the traps wet.

Hunting cabins normally just turn off the water/breaker, drain the pipes at the closest to the cutoff, pour antifreeze in the drains/toilets and saran wrap them shut to prevent evaporation.

It’s unfurnished, and I don’t know or trust anyone to live in it for only 5 months

Wow, the more you know. I really don’t want to drain everything if I don’t have to - but that’s honestly sounding like the best option so far since i don’t really know anyone out in PA. I’ll be moving there May-June and I’m assuming Dec - March will be pretty frigid

So do I understand correctly that you have already bought the house but haven't yet moved into it, but will in the spring?

Yes, precisely! I get the keys in Dec but won’t be able to actually move until Spring since I am contracted at my place of work until June here on the west coast.

Did you use a realtor to buy your house here?

Yes, i was looking at houses on Redfin and they automatically set me up with a realtor but everything has been virtual. I’m flying in this weekend for the inspection.

I would suggest that you ask your realtor for help with this, he/she should be able to give you some direction on what to do. It's not good to have a house unoccupied, in any season. Much luck, and safe travels this weekend!

I don't know why I haven't thought of this, you're a genius! I'm so excited to see pittsburgh! 🙈

Unfortunately I don’t know of any actual property management companies that offer this exactly- I would ask your realtor if they know a house sitter. I would also suggest investing in some smart home devices such as camera, CO/fire detector, leak etc that can alert you on your phone. Also if you can find a wireless keypad or some sort of entry that you can monitor so you actually know someone is checking in on the home! If you’re going to be around before then, try to make friends with the neighbors if you can.

What is a non-awkward way to introduce myself? Lol, should I bring cookies or no cookies?? Should I wear a mask or no mask?? 😭

I would suggest shutting off the main, and having it winterized. I’ve seen water do over $100,000 worth of damage while people were on vacation for a week. It ain’t pretty.

• your friendly neighborhood claims adjuster

Thank you!!! Will do!!