Has your life of late been all about packing, wrapping and sealing boxes and eating pizza from a take-out cardboard box? Yup, you’ve just moved! Have you taken an owner’s tour of your new place, yet? Beyond lamenting the loss of your trusty kettle and damning your overall lack of organization, here are three things you should always make it a priority to check when you first move into a new home.
1- Test smoke and monoxide alarms
Just because it doesn’t smell like trouble doesn’t mean you’re home free. After all, a gas leak is odourless… Prevention is the order of the day. Check to see where the smoke alarms are located; there should be one alarm per floor, including the basement, with one near the bedrooms.
Interesting fact: just like your yogurt, smoke alarms have an expiry date. Since 1997, manufacturers have been required to indicate an expiry date on the housing of their devices, which have a life span that ranges between eight and ten years. Don’t see a date? Then your smoke alarm was manufactured before 1997. We’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions…
What about carbon monoxide?
Often neglected, a carbon monoxide detector is a valuable safety device. Keep in mind that a smoke alarm won’t go off in the event of a deadly gas leak, which is toxic and undetectable to humans. At seven years, the life span of these devices is somewhat shorter than that of smoke alarms.
What causes leaks?
- Poorly maintained gas appliances
- Entrusting installation to a brother-in-law who promises to “get it done cheap.”
- Inadequate ventilation
- A blocked or cracked pipe
Prevent problems by adding a pipe deterioration detection test to your annual checklist.
2- Inspect water ingress sources
Check all the taps in your new home as well as the toilet and pipes under the sinks. Inspect ceilings for mould or bulging and, before getting out your paintbrushes and paint, carefully inspect the paint already on the walls. Paint or wallpaper that peels off is often a sign of water infiltration problems. Take note of any recent repairs or cracks. Check the water pressure by running water through the taps and shower head. Is the flow adequate? If not, here are a few simple tips to help you turn things around.
3- Assess the water heater
Does your new water heater have what it takes to go the distance with you? If you’re moving into a new apartment, check to see whether the water heater is dedicated to you or practices polygamy with the other tenants. If the latter scenario applies, you may want to avoid peak hours to take a shower.
For you’re a new homeowner, check for signs of rust. Look for any signs of debris or chipping in the vicinity, which may indicate an imminent water heater leak.
Plombier Expert, a solution that offers peace of mind
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