Even though we’ve had it pretty so far this fall, old man winter is coming. And it’s almost time to close up the cottage and say “goodbye” until next spring. Check these 10 steps off your list to prepare to leave your home-away-from-home for the season: Inspect your septic tank. If your cottage has a septic tank, be careful to follow the manufacturer’s guide book. If your system is due for an inspection, call in a professional to make sure it’s functioning properly before you close up to avoid any problems in the spring. Keep the sump pump, pumping. If your cottage has a sump pump, make sure it stays in good working order all winter long, or you could experience flooding when the snow starts to melt. Drain your pipes, turn off your water supply and drain your pipes. Drain all water containers to prevent them from freezing or bursting. Clean your gutters. Clogged up gutters can cause water to back up under your shingles, leading to a leaky roof. Clean out your gutters so ra...

One of the most stressful problems for any homeowner to deal with is a burst pipe and the resulting water damage that goes along with it. Even less than a few millimeters of water can cause great damage to your home and your belongings. Frozen pipes, a common plumbing issue in the wintertime, can easily burst if not properly thawed out. The water damage restoration experts at INSPECT IT  ALL SERVICES want everyone to be familiar with how to prevent and how to deal with water damage resulting from burst pipes. The most easily recognized sign of a frozen pipe is if only a small trickle of water comes out when you turn on a faucet. You should be able to locate the frozen pipe by inspecting the pipes along your exterior walls. It'll be the one covered in ice! Frozen pipes can be thawed in numerous ways in order to prevent water damage in your home. Using a hair dryer or a heating pad are probably your two best options for melting the ice. Wrapping hot towels around the pip...