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The Importance of a Housesitter for Water Damage Claims

Flood & Water Damage
January 02, 2026

Many homeowners in Ottawa leave their homes unattended for extended periods during the holidays, especially when school closes, and businesses are on break. But an unoccupied home can come with unexpected risks, especially when it comes to water damage in Ottawa. When leaks, floods, or burst pipes in the city go unnoticed, the damage escalates quickly, often resulting in costly repairs and even mold issues. Many insurance companies in Ontario have a strict rule requiring homeowners to either have a house sitter or a person designated to regularly check on the property while it's vacant. This rule is in place to protect your home, minimize your dependence on insurance, and save you money. Ensuring you have a house sitter can help offset the costs and resources you will have to devote to water damage remediation and mold removal in Ottawa after a flood or leak.

At Canada's Restoration Services, we've helped countless homeowners manage water damage in Ottawa and the secondary damage like mold that comes with it. Despite having a house sitter, water damage, flooding, and mould can still happen. If it does, contact the IICRC-certified experts in Ottawa, Canada's Restoration Services.

Water Damage and the 48-Hour Rule

Most insurers require that someone enter your home at least every 48 to 72 hours while you're away. If water damage occurs and your property has been vacant for longer than this without documentation of a visit, your insurance provider could deny your claim altogether. That could leave you responsible for out-of-pocket repair costs, including structural restoration, replacement of belongings, and extensive mold removal in Ottawa.

Even a small leak from a washing machine, dishwasher, or water heater can go unnoticed for days and saturate floors, baseboards, drywall, and insulation. Once that moisture sets in, it becomes a breeding ground for mold, leading to health risks, poor air quality, and inflated repair costs.

Mold Removal and Insurance Complications

The longer moisture sits undetected, the more difficult and expensive the cleanup becomes. Mold removal cost is a major consideration for homeowners in Ottawa, especially when insurance won't cover it due to vacancy. If a housesitter is there and readily available, there is an increased chance they will be able to catch the problem early, turning off water sources, or in some cases even stop it preventatively. This could significantly reduce water damage restoration costs and eliminate mold removal costs. 

Benefits of Hiring a Housesitter

Whether you hire a professional housesitter or arrange for a trusted friend or neighbour to drop by, the option can save you money and allow you a stress-free vacation. A quick walkthrough every couple of days can detect water issues before they spiral. Signs like warped flooring, wet spots on the ceiling, or musty odours are early warnings that something is wrong. If you or your housesitter notices these signs, contact Canada's Restoration Services right away. Our emergency water damage team is available to help you remove, dry, and restore water damage promptly and effectively.

Deal with Water Damage in Ottawa Effectively with Canada's Restoration Services

If you're dealing with water damage or concerned about mold in your home, reach out to our IICRC-certified team for prompt, professional remediation services. From inspections to cleanup and complete remediation, we're your trusted experts for water damage and mold removal in Ottawa.

Contact our team today.