Case study: theft discovered—water damage averted

During a routine weekly home watch visit, we arrived to find the garage door open. The washer/dryer and a refrigerator had been removed, and the laundry valve where the washer had been connected was left open with water running. Fortunately, the appliances were located in the garage, so the water was contained there rather than inside the living areas—preventing what could have been significant interior damage.

what we did immediately

• shut off the water and verified no additional leaks

• documented the scene with and a report

• contacted the owner and recommended filing a police report

• secured the property and confirmed alarm/entry points

• coordinated next steps for a rekey of exterior doors and insurance documentation as requested

key takeaways

• weekly, in-person checks catch problems fast—before they escalate

• unsecured garage entries are common targets; verify door settings and sensors

• consider closing laundry valves (or the main) when a home is vacant

• ensure exterior lighting, cameras, and alarms are functioning

Incidents like this are unsettling, but quick action made a big difference. If you travel or keep a second home in the Seattle area, our checklist-based, photo-documented visits help deter issues and limit damage when the unexpected happens.