Utilities and Insurance?

[nioka]

Anytime I go away from my home for more than a few days I turn off the water at the street. I open my faucets to allow the water in the pipes to drain. Most important, I also turn the breaker off for the water heater.

Why not do the same if you are going to leave a house vacant?

As to the electric, as bcohen pointed out, if there is a sump pump in a house that is prone to flooding keeping the electric on would be wise.

[Stilltheone]

Our auction was yesterday and we canceled our policy. As for utilities, we haven't paid them in months but we have a winter moritorium here. When we leave, the mortgage company can pay them.

[nioka]

To protect the pipes from freezing you can turn the water off at the street and drain the water from the pipes. Then there is no way for the pipes to freeze. Most important that if you do this you must turn the breaker off for the hot water heater.