While we have fresh summer memories, before we know it our harsh, cold winter will be encompassing our treasured cottages. We need to winterize the home before closing it up for the season. Even if you will reside in the home all winter, you might still benefit from some winterization tasks.  A failure to winterize your home before the freezes of winter begin could result in your pipes freezing and potentially bursting, which could cause catastrophic water damage. There could also be is...

Is there anything as disappointing as stepping into what should be a refreshingly hot shower and instead, getting low water pressure that makes it feel like you’re just standing in the rain? Water pressure problems are something many homeowners deal with in varying degrees of severity. Whether your water pressure changes depending on who’s using the plumbing or it’s always low, you deserve better.  If your water pressure is low, there are some simple things you can do ...

While it’s completely normal for the primary infrastructure of your home (HVAC and plumbing) to make some noises, there are certain noises that can indicate problems that require professional attention. With your pipes, that includes strange knocking or hammering noises.  Have you heard sudden knocking hammering sounds coming from your pipes that you have not heard before? Here are a few of some of the potential causes of this problem and the steps that can help you resolve it. W...

Sump pumps are your first line of defense against a flood or general dampness in your basement. When heavy rains occur, sump pumps get rid of excess water from around your foundation, pumping it out of the house to an area where it can safely flow away and not cause any flooding or water damage.  It’s important to test your sump pump on a regular basis if you have one. You’ll want to be sure the pump is in reliable, operational condition when you really need it. Checks to pe...

Often small problems can bring the biggest headaches. Nothing exemplifies this more than a simple clog in your plumbing. When your shower won’t drain or the water won’t go down in your sink basin, you could find yourself trying everything and anything to resolve the issue. And often, nothing seems to work.  Most people end up calling a plumber to snake their drain, which produces all sorts of unholy mess. Huge clumps of hair. Wadded-up toiletries. Something your kid flushed ...

Your septic system is one of the most important infrastructural components of your home. It is important that you stay up to date with the necessary preventative maintenance. Here is a quick overview of what you need to do to take care of your system and maximize its lifespan. Inspections As a general rule, you should have your tank and system inspected once a year, whether you do it yourself or have a technician do it for you. This will help you make sure there aren’t any small issu...

Homeowners don't have a lot of experience with plumbing, and usually are just looking to save some money. Hiring the wrong plumber to do the job can be a recipe for disaster. There are a variety of important characteristics to look for when hiring a plumber, but perhaps the most important of all is experience. Working with an experienced professional provides you with much greater peace of mind during your project, and greater assurance that the job will be done to high standards of q...

Preparing to take on a new plumbing project at your home? How much is this going to cost is an important question you are looking to have answered. What you expect to pay depends on the kind of project you’re taking on and the extent of the work that needs to be done. This is one area that even the most experienced DIY enthusiasts leave to the professionals. You can help by prioritizing what you want this project to do and what are you willing to compromise on. Keep in mind th...

If you've noticed plumbing issues coming up at your house, you might be tempted to try to resolve the problems yourself. After all, fixing the problem yourself rather than calling in a plumber can save you a lot of money if you know what you're doing. The trouble is, most homeowners don't know what they're doing, so by attempting to repair plumbing problems themselves they might only make matters worse. A professional plumber is capable of taking on just about any plumbing...

The second in a two-part series on renovating your home. You've got the contractor all set. Your design is finalized. You're in the final stages of preparation before work finally begins on your new bathroom renovation project, and you're probably feeling excited to see the end result. But before the work begins, it's important to take some final steps to make sure you and your household are prepared for the job. Here are a few simple steps you should take to make sure you...