{"id":10202,"date":"2018-08-20T14:05:13","date_gmt":"2018-08-20T18:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=10202"},"modified":"2026-10-19T05:08:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T09:08:03","slug":"four-easy-ways-to-protect-your-vacant-vacation-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/four-easy-ways-to-protect-your-vacant-vacation-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Four Easy Ways to Protect Your Vacant Vacation Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>If you own a vacation home, you’re probably enjoying the last few weeks of summer while also putting together a “to do” list of all you need to do to close the property for the winter. To safeguard your soon-to-be vacant vacation home, there is a wide variety of simple and affordable home monitoring and protection equipment <\/strong>on the market.<\/p>\n

Whether it’s freezing pipes, faulty plumbing, basement floods or unwanted intruders, these easy-to-use devices will safeguard your summer cottage or cabin from four of the most common threats — and help keep it safe and sound until next season.<\/p>\n

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Frozen Pipes: <\/em><\/strong>I<\/em>nternet or Cellular Alert <\/em>Freeze Alarm\"Temp<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Frozen and burst pipes caused by prolonged power outages or failed heating systems can be a real problem in unoccupied summer homes. If you have internet access and prefer a no-fee monitoring solution, the Temp Stick Wifi Temperature & Humidity Sensor <\/strong><\/a>is a WiFi connected, battery operated smart monitor that sends alerts to your phone or email the instant a significant change in temperature or humidity occurs. It will accurately monitor conditions 24\/7 and you can view and update it from your smartphone, tablet or PC.<\/p>\n

If your home doesn’t have phone or Internet service during the off-season, a cellular freeze alarm<\/strong><\/a> like the MarCELL Cellular Connected Monitoring System <\/strong><\/a>is a great solution. This full-featured, reasonably priced system sends text message, email or voice alerts using a cell phone signal. And you now have a choice of cellular carriers — AT&T or Verizon! <\/b>For added protection, place SPucks\u00c2\u00ae wireless sensors<\/strong><\/a> up to 200 feet from the MarCELL unit to notify you when water is detected nearby.<\/p>\n

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Vandalism or Burglaries: <\/em><\/strong>DIY <\/em>Professional Grade<\/em> Security System<\/em> \"Close<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

If keeping trespassers and burglars out of your unoccupied property is a top priority, a do-it-yourself, fee-free, internet based security system like Risco’s WiComm Internet\/Cellular Security System<\/strong><\/a> with a cellular backup option is the ideal solution. It is easy to install and offers many of the same features and cutting-edge technologies as a professional installation — at a fraction of the cost. Use your iOS or Android smartphone or a computer to control your system from wherever you happen to be. It can also send email and push notification alerts right to your mobile device<\/strong> <\/a>so you’ll know immediately if there’s an emergency that needs your attention. Adding an indoor or outdoor Risco IP camera<\/strong> to your system will allow you to visually check on your home in real-time.<\/p>\n

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Faulty Plumbing: <\/em><\/strong>Automatic Water Main Shutoff System
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Water leaks from old or faulty\"Close<\/a> plumbing can destroy walls, flooring, furniture and irreplaceable personal items. Water main shutoff valves, also known as whole house water shutoff valves, stop water damage before it starts<\/strong><\/a> by turning off the main water supply line. The leakSmart Automatic Water Shut Off System with Internet Control <\/strong><\/a>and Water Hero WiFi Flow Monitor & Shut Off System <\/strong><\/a>each combine smart technology and convenience to deliver the ultimate in automatic water main shutoff systems so you’ll always know your home and belongings are protected.<\/p>\n

Leaksmart’s<\/strong> sensor-based system<\/strong> detects leaks and shuts off the water in less than 5 seconds. The system hub connects to the Internet and sends audible and visible alarms as well as notifications via a smart device app. Water Hero<\/strong> is a flow-based remote water usage monitoring system<\/strong> that also tracks temperature and provides consumption information. It alerts you via text or e-mail to potential leaks and shuts off your water main valve. It also monitors the ambient temperature at the installation site, letting you know if it exceeds a pre-set range. The rechargeable back-up battery ensures continuous operation if the power goes out.<\/p>\n

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Sump Pump Failure: <\/strong>Cellular Sump Pump Alarm
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\"PumpAlarm<\/a>If you use a sump pump <\/a><\/strong>to keep your basement dry and prevent flooding, you are aware that it won’t work if there’s a power outage or a mechanical failure. A sump pump alarm warns you when there is a high water alert or a leak is detected so you can take immediate steps to avoid a basement flood. The PumpAlarm Cellular Water Alarm<\/a> <\/strong>is one of the most affordable alarms you can buy.\u00c2\u00a0 It communicates via a cellular connection (so you don’t need a landline phone or Internet connection) and sends text message alerts to up to three cell phones if there’s a power outage or the water level in the sump pit is too high. The PumpAlarm monitors power and temperature out of the box, and you can add sensors <\/a><\/b>for additional monitoring, including water and sump pit levels.
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More Home Monitoring Devices<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Addressing these four key concerns is essential for protecting your summer home during the off-season. These and other DIY devices will allow you to keep an eye on everything from mechanical failures to trespassers anytime, from anywhere. You’ll find a full range of home monitoring solutions in our online store<\/strong><\/a>, or you can contact us to discuss more ways to keep your cottage or cabin safe all year long.
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