Thanks

Another thing I thought of, when I am going to be gone longer than a weekend I turn off the breaker to my hot water tank. I leave a note on the floor of my entryway to remind me to turn it back on as soon as I walk in :D

This is a GREAT thread!
1. How much does the Shark steamer cost?
2. We turn the main water valve going INTO the house off when we leave the house on a trip. Why? Because a 25 cent part on the shut-off valve on a toilet broke in '99, and the toilet tried to fill itself for MORE THAN A MONTH. This is Arizona, so the combo of extremely low humidity (10% or less), wall-to-wall carpeting and water-absorbing wallboard kept water from flowing out of the house. My Mom was taking care of our bills while we were gone, and she got a water bill for $400! She went to our house, turned off the water and called us in Montana. Fortunately, insurance covered all but the deductible, and we wanted to remodel anyway, but Arizona doesn't need wasted water. It could happen to you!
JoanneS

thanks guys. we sure have some smart cookies on this board.
i have learned a ton from you all.