Dear Glenn: My daughter will be gone for at least one year. Would you suggest the water be drained from the house? Should the water heater and softener be drained and the heat turned off or left on at 50 degrees? What about draining the washer lines? How long will the water in the dishwasher take to dry out?

Evelyn, Ann Arbor

Dear Evelyn: I took your question to Nick DiSalvio, Environmental Water Services (800) 371-7873, for an expert answer. He says that turning off and draining the water tank would be a good idea but that your daughter should keep the water on and the water softener running.

Over a prolonged period, the salt and metal in the water softener will fuse together and destroy the water softener. The house should be inspected inside and out at least once a week.

Once every six months or so, someone will have to add salt to the water softener. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher and washing machine, but whoever is looking after the house should pour a cup of water into the dishwasher every month to keep the seals from drying out. Keep the house temperature at 55 to 60 degrees.