How to Protect a Second Home From Water Damage While You’re Away

Second homes and vacation rentals across Kiawah, Seabrook, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton often sit empty for weeks. A small leak that would be caught in a day at your primary home can run for a month in an empty house. Here’s how to protect your second home from water damage.

1. Install a whole-home automatic water shutoff

This is the single best protection. A smart shutoff valve on the main line detects leaks and shuts the water off on its own, then alerts you. FloLogic and Moen Flo are both strong options; FloLogic keeps protecting even if the internet goes down, which matters for homes that sit empty.

2. Add leak sensors in high-risk spots

Place sensors near the water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, under sinks and near the HVAC air handler and condensate line.

3. Check the water heater

Water heaters in coastal homes often fail sooner because of heat and humidity. If yours is more than 8 to 10 years old, have it inspected or replaced before it fails while you’re gone. Consider a vacation setting or turning it down when the home is empty.

4. Replace old supply lines

Swap rubber washing machine hoses and old toilet and faucet supply lines for braided stainless steel lines. They are inexpensive and are a common source of sudden leaks.

5. Know your main shutoff

Make sure you, your property manager and your cleaners know where the main water shutoff is and that it works. Older valves can seize and fail to close.

6. Keep the HVAC running and drains clear

Lowcountry humidity can overflow a clogged condensate line. Keep the AC running at a sensible temperature and have the condensate drain cleared during routine maintenance.

7. Plan for storms and freezes

Before hurricane season and rare hard freezes, protect exposed pipes and know how to shut off water remotely if you have a smart valve.

8. Schedule a pre-season plumbing check

A plumber can check the water heater, supply lines, shutoffs, pressure-reducing valve and drains in one visit. Our plumbing maintenance plan covers routine checks.

Get help protecting your property

ALL Plumbing installs smart water shutoffs and leak protection for second homes and rentals across Charleston and the Lowcountry. Learn about smart water shutoff installation or call 843-761-8002.