Water Is the Most Preventable Major Loss Water is one of the most destructive forces a vacant property can face — and one of the most preventable. When a property is occupied, small leaks get noticed quickly. When it sits empty, a dripping pipe or a cracked foundation seal can go undetected for weeks, turning a minor repair into a major loss. Here's what property owners need to know. Plumbing leaks The single most effective step before vacating any property is shutting off th