we'll be gone 16 nights in december. anything in the house insurance about leaving it empty?

Yes, the freezing clause in the policy booklet: damage from frozen plumbing, heating or appliances is not covered while the house is unoccupied unless reasonable care was taken to keep the heat on, or to shut off the water and drain the system. The vandalism and glass limit is for a house vacant more than 60 days and does not apply to a two-week trip.

Behind the panel in the basement bathroom. A January 2024 note says it is sticky.

A burst pipe is not flood. The policy excludes flood and surface water and says flood insurance is sold separately; water from a frozen pipe falls under the freezing clause above, so it is covered only if the heat was kept on or the water was shut off and drained.