Is your vacant apartment prepared for the hidden risks of a Portuguese heatwave?

The traditional four seasons often feel reduced to just two: winter and summer. And if heavy winter rains can cause structural problems in a property, extreme summer temperatures bring their own hidden risks. When a Lisbon apartment sits empty for months, particularly in July and August, the water in the plumbing P-traps (found in sinks, showers, and toilets) completely evaporates. This removes the natural barrier, allowing toxic sewer gases and pests, like cockroaches, to enter your apartment freely.

The good news? It’s a simple problem to address. Running water through sinks, showers and other drains during regular property checks helps replenish these water seals and can reduce the risk of sewer odours developing while you're away.

We flush the toilets and run the taps during our routine management visits.