The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Care And Repair Of The House

Make sure that all exposed water pipes are protected from freezing, especially if located under a porch, or in some other unheated space.

If there are floor drains in the basement or garage, see that there is sufficient water in them to maintain a seal in the traps.

Heating Equipment.

As there are various types of heating systems, the details of the inspection of such equipment will necessarily vary. The most favorable time for this inspection is in the spring when the plant is shut down for the season.

If the smoke pipe is taken down in the spring, and cleaned, and put in a dry place until fall, its life will be greatly prolonged. Ashes should be removed from the fire box and ash pit and soot from the chimney. The baffles in a hot-water boiler above the fire box also require frequent brushing to remove soot. The hinges of the boiler doors should be oiled and the doors left open during the summer.

If the grates are warped or broken, or if the walls of the fire box are cracked, such matters should be noted and repairs made, or new parts ordered promptly. Boilers should be examined for possible cracks or leaks.

The coating on the boiler may need patching, or some of the heating pipes may require covering.

Examine tne chimney to see whether it needs pointing and whether the cement is sound around the smoke pipe where it enters the chimney. Notice whether woodwork adjoining the chimney requires covering to lessen the fire hazard.

Stoves and stovepipe should be carefully inspected during the summer, and necessary repairs or replacements should be made before the colder seasons begin.

Exterior Walls.

After the structure and equipment of the basement have been thoroughly examined, the inspection of the exterior parts of the house might follow.

If the walls are of masonry, look for cracks or broken bricks, or blocks, especially above door and window openings, and see whether mortar joints require pointing. Also note if there is efflorescence (moldy or white blotches or streaks) on the face of the wall, particularly below window sills and near down spouts.

The principal signs of defects or deterioration in stucco are cracks and the chipping off or falling out of particles. The most likely places to observe such signs are over doors and windows and near the ground. These surface marks are more readily seen after a rain, where dampness penetrates. Discoloration in the form of dust or rust streaks may appear below window sills or other ledges.