If you're simply going to be away from home for a few days or more, you may want to shut off your water completely and drain your supply by opening the lowest faucet in the house. For toilets, sinks and other pipe sources that don't drain easily, put some antifreeze in them. It's also a good idea to have a trusted neighbor come into your home periodically to check for water damage. Trim back any trees or shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate hiding places for would-be thieves. Some central vacuum systems have power nozzles for carpets that are driven by electric motors.
Power is supplied through small ribbon-like conductors which are moulded into the hose.
Over time continued flexing of the hoses cause these conductors to short out but go unnoticed because motor could continue to work fine.