Get an air compressor to blow the lines of excess water. Eliminate or dilute the water in drain traps by pouring an “RV” type antifreeze solution into them, as directed by the instructions. Close the sink and tub drains. If a house is to be vacant for a long time, you may prevent water in a toilet’s trap from evaporating (and thereby permitting sewer gases to enter the home) by raising the toilet’s lid and seat and covering the bowl with saran wrap. If you have an indoor or outdoor pool, drain the water. Turn off and drain fountains and other sources of standing water. Drain water from dishwashers and pour RV antifreeze. with refrigerators (with a water dispenser or an ice maker) and washing machines, following the manufacturer’s directions. Remove the water filter from inside the refrigerator. Remove and empty any “whole house” or “in line” type filter canister.
Empty the freezer. Don’t leave anything in it in case the electricity is off for an extended period of time; you won’t necessarily be aware if this occurs, and the food will have thawed and refrozen, which is very dangerous. If you must keep frozen food, here is one method for determining if your freezer has warmed during the winter: freeze a container of water solid, then place a coin on the surface of the ice; if the coin has sunk into the ice when you return, then the freezer warmed, letting the ice melt and then refreeze. Wash the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly. Prop open their doors, the better to forestall mold and mildew (which like to grow in the dark) and their odors, which may transfer to the refrigerator’s plastic parts. To further thwart odors, place an open bag of activated charcoal on the inside of the open refrigerator.
Wash kitchen trash containers and put away soap, sponges, candles and other possible sources of food for vermin. Place a botanical rodent repellent under the sink and on kitchen counters and use rodent deterrents under the sink and in the garage, too.
Vacuum carpets and floors. This will ensure that no crumbs or other sources of food remain for vermin.
Arrange to have the lawn mowed and shrubbery trimmed. Cover any plants that are frost intolerant. Arrange to have your garden watered if necessary.
Leave nothing outdoors that can be blown about by a strong wind.
Close window shutters. Aside from enhancing security, shutters will, along with drapes, blinds and curtains, keep carpeting and fabrics from fading.
Take all small valuables with you.
Pay your bills before you go. You may also wish to make arrangements to pay remotely by internet. Ask a neighbor to be on the lookout for packages which may come to you by UPS, FedEx or any another service.
Consider adding a remote monitoring system to check the status of your temperature, humidity and power. There are even systems that operate over a cellular connection so that you don’t need an active landline or internet connection.
