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I send out a routine reminder around this time of year to the owners of vacant homes and my clients in order to be sure they are informed. 

When a home is vacant, the possibility exists that the home will have frozen water pipes if not winterized.  Never does a winter season go by without several horror stories circulating around the real estate community. 

If the water is not shut off and all toilets and traps filled with antifreeze and all water lines blown free of water, disaster can result.  Just turning the main water value off doesn't work, the water is still in the pipes.

Leaving the heat on is no guarantee the furnace won't quit.  Boulder winds blow pilot lights out, blower motors can quit and electronic ignition pilot lights can fail.  It only takes one day of below zero weather to freeze all pipes solid.  Since water expands when it freezes, it splits the copper water pipes.  When the ice thaws, the water starts to flow through the new cracks and the inside of your house will look like a car wash going full blast!!

So my recommendation is that you have your house winterized.  I have had good luck with Rocky Mountain Weatherizing, Jim Graas (303) 888-9880 or (303) 986-3984.  Also, my favorite plumber is Bernie's Plumbing (303) 442-7060.  Any plumber can do this.  I would be happy to call your choice of plumber and coordinate this if you would like.

In addition, because the house is vacant, it is important that you check with your insurance agent to see if there are any issues with continuing coverage.  If your agent says you need someone living there to be covered, I can help with that.

And finally, do you have someone in charge of snow removal?  This is an important liability issue as well as the "turnoff" factor to buyers and agents if snow blocks their ability to see your house.  It is not possible for me to just make a phone call when we have a two foot snowfall and find someone to clear it.  Snow removal companies work on a contract basis for the season.  You will need to hire someone now.