Submitted by Cabbagefolk t3_yfslxc in pittsburgh
Does anyone know of a reasonably priced property management company that would check in on my home twice a month to make sure the pipes and toilets don’t burst? I’ll be away Dec-May.
Comments
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu53b8o wrote
Is it easy to shut off the main and to drain it?
AlleghenyCityHolding t1_iu54me5 wrote
https://www.zircon.com/tools/leak-alert-wifi/
Keep your house set to at least 58 degrees.
If you want to go overboard:
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu55k40 wrote
Thank you so much for this, the second option seems tedious!!
This particular alarm probably won’t help in detecting freeze before bursting. Right? :/ … 😣
AlleghenyCityHolding t1_iu55wh5 wrote
This is why you get wifi thermostat/sensors
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu57u4y wrote
Ahhh, so if the house is kept warm enough, the pipes won’t freeze even if you don’t use it??
AlleghenyCityHolding t1_iu5to0g wrote
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.
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu5v845 wrote
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
happyjazzycook t1_iu59xg5 wrote
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.
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu5cprh wrote
I wish I did, but I don’t have any friends in Pittsburgh 🥹 and am new to the area.
happyjazzycook t1_iu62hlu wrote
So do I understand correctly that you have already bought the house but haven't yet moved into it, but will in the spring?
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu69y2s wrote
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.
happyjazzycook t1_iu6goat wrote
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!
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu6kqk2 wrote
I don't know why I haven't thought of this, you're a genius! I'm so excited to see pittsburgh! 🙈
happyjazzycook t1_iu6fqnv wrote
Did you use a realtor to buy your house here?
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu6g29h wrote
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.
pegolasgreenleaf t1_iu8l39d wrote
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
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu956vc wrote
Thank you!!! Will do!!
wagglytail t1_iu7eq5b wrote
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.
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu7mik4 wrote
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?? 😭
JustYourNeighbor t1_iu5leao wrote
Sublet it.
Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu5urtz wrote
It’s unfurnished, and I don’t know or trust anyone to live in it for only 5 months
hereforthebeers t1_iu50mkv wrote
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.