A Leaking Water Heater is a Time Bomb

Water heaters sometimes leak from the drain valve or relief valve. Those valves are easy to replace. But if a leak is coming from the tank, then you have a serious problem. A water tank is lined with a thin coat of glass. Eventually, that glass begins to crack, the steel begins to rust away and a puddle appears. Left alone, the tank will rupture, causing an instant flood. It may take months for a leak to become a flood, or it may take days. But it will happen. Don’t gamble. Replace that leaky water heater now.

Deal with Drainage

Water has the potential to cause problems in any home, and the skills to deal with drainage issues can be a huge money saver in the long run. Extending downspouts is an easy fix, but knowing how to make a drainage plan is going to provide long-term results for minimal effort.

Clean Dryer Vents

A plugged dryer vent will cause your dryer to run inefficiently, and could also cause a house fire. Dryers that are centrally located in houses are most prone to plugging because of the longer ducts. Excess lint is only one reason ducts get clogged; nesting pests and stuck exhaust hood flappers can also cause backups. Stronger odors and longer dry times are two signs your vent is plugged.

You’ll have to remove the vent from the back of the dryer to clean it. Suck debris from the ducts with a wet/dry vac. If your ducts need replacing, get smooth metal ducts, they stay cleaner longer than the rough corrugated surface of flexible ducts.

Test and Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors should be tested monthly, and the batteries should be replaced every year, so make this part of your regular spring maintenance routine. Test the batteries by simply pressing the ‘test’ button and making sure the unit chirps. Even if it works, replace the battery (or back-up battery, if your is a hardwired model) and re-test it. If the alarm does not pass the test, replace it immediately.

Smoke detectors have a lifespan of 10 years, so look for a ‘replace by’ sticker or date embossed on the inside of the unit to see if it needs to be replaced, even if it passes the chirp test. If you can’t find a date, replace it anyway immediately. On new detectors, make sure to write the ‘installed’ date on the inside cover on a piece of masking tape.

Weather conditions have created the ideal conditions for these pests. If you feel like you're slapping away more mosquitoes than usual this summer, you propably are.

Weather conditions this spring have created the ideal habitat for mosquitoes to thrive, according to M. Jackson, executive director of Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station. The higher-than-normal snowpacks, which caused high river levels combined with heavy rain created the, “perfect storm for mosquitoes.” 

There are 53 different species of mosquitoes in BC, but only the females bite people. Mosquitoes are attracted to light, heat and carbon dioxide. Some only target specific areas of the body. For example, if you live within 1.5 km of the coast, one species only attacks ankles.     

So What Can We Do About It? 

People should protect themselves with repellent against the more than 50 species of mosquitoes that live in B.C. There are good repellents, but you should NOT use the most well known DEET. Instead use products that contain picaridin, or icaradin which are highly effective, but not harmful. While mosquitoes do carry some viruses, they do not include Covid-19. Experts say that mosquitoes cannot spread Covid-19.

So if you are out and about, remember to wear a light coloured long sleeved shirt and pants and have some mosquitoe repellent near by.

Your porch or balcony can play many roles: a place to have your morning coffee or tea, to watch your kids play, to have dinner on a beautiful summer’s night, to sit enjoy the sun, to read a book. But it is probably not the first place you think of when considering home repairs and upgrades.

There are several budget-friendly improvements to make your porch or balcony the place you want to be.

Update Small Details 

Do you notice wobbly railings or faded paint on columns and trim? For a cleaner, more stylish space, consider tightening screws, replacing old wood or giving the area a fresh coat of paint. You can also order outdoor decor, like throw rugs and placemats, to cosy up the space. If your front door’s seen better days, you might consider replacing it — or painting it a vibrant, happy colour.

Replace Old Lighting and Electrical Fixtures 

If your porch light is buzzing, humming, flickering and/or dimming, it’s likely time for a replacement. It’s a good idea to call an electrician to evaluate and handle the issue. If your fixtures are dated, replacing them is a simple project with instant results. Hanging string or fairy lights can also add a special, inviting touch to any outdoor space.

Bring Plants into the Picture 

Potted plants are the gold standard when it comes to sprucing up your porch for spring and summer —whether you’re keen to keep things monochromatic or go all-out with a vibrant mix. For a fail-safe design, consider hanging plants on the interior and placing potted plants at either side of the door and along the edge of the porch itself. You can also use potted plants and flowers to line your walkway — and add a few path lights to highlight them at night.

Clean and Maintain Hardscaping 

Porches, pathways, driveways and other hardscaping elements require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Springtime is a good time to do it yourself or have a professional pressure-wash concrete around your home’s exterior — as well as siding and other exterior surfaces. It’s also a good time to inspect for and take note of any cracks or damage. If you notice an issue, call a pro to take a look and get ahead of costly repairs.

Opt for Comfortable Furniture 

Soaking up the sun or settling in for a glass of wine is so much better when you can lean back and relax. Even the smallest porches can usually accommodate a chair or two. When it comes to seating, the sky’s the limit: choose a classic bench swing, a bistro set, rocking chairs, colourful Adirondacks or even trendy hanging basket chairs. When it comes to perking up your porch, it all comes down to what best fits your space, budget and taste.