[notmytarga]

My brother has a cabin that had a bad design were water pipes ran through an uninsulated section above a porch. Fixed now, but it was interesting keeping the water flowing when we visited.

Of note is that the water meter may have an indicator of very small flow rates. Surely listen for leaks and all - but looking to see if that triangle on the face of the gauge is moving at all will stop hidden water collections.

This would be my plan to avoid further damage.
- Keep the water off at the meter until the weather changes or water is needed in the vacant house.
- When opening the main valve for the first time shut it back off after 10 secs or when flow stops if it seems to be slowing down as things purge.
- After shutting the valve, wait a few minutes and see if you still have pressure.
- If you have pressure, incrementally purge the system of air - never leaving the valve open for long. Toilets, appliances, sinks - get all the air out. Use a few helpers - cellphones etc.
- Once it is all flushed and purged - that triangular gauge indicator will tell you if there is a leak that you would never see or hear - trust it. If it moves then water is flowing. It might be your purging or it could be a leak. The other test is to close all the valves for a time and see how much pressure stays in the system. The best test could be done before purging - Use an air compressor or bike pump to pressurize the system to 15-30 PSI at first and a pressure gauge to watch the pressure level fall or hold steady. Air means no water damage. My local ACE sells a fitting that has a Schrader (bicycle pump) valve and gauge on a 1/2 inch FPT or hose thread fitting that can be placed on a hose bib. All plumbing installations are tested like this - if done right.

But you will want to directly inspect the most susceptible plumbing and replace if damaged. Good luck.

I am not a plumber - but I play one on the occasional weekend.