Life’s Lessons

The house was vacant for more than 4 years. Before we moved, we requested for a reconnection of the water and power line. People from the water district suggested we hire a plumber to check on the water pipes for possible leaks before they will reconnect the line. Are they serious? How could we check for leaks when we have no water supply? So they re-opened the line. True enough, there is a leak. We requested our mason to send us a plumber to check on the pipes but the latter is not available. We just turn off the water meter at night to save water while the leaking pipe isn’t fixed yet.

In this part of the world, while we are dealing with leaking pipes, people from the other side of the world probably deal with frozen pipes during winter. It’s probably worse than having leaked pipes. But there are ways to prevent pipes from freezing. Probably it could help to do the following:

1. Apply electrically powered heat tape; this will ensure protection against frozen pipes in the coldest weather as long as the utilities are on. Apply the tape in a spiral pattern following the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the distance between individual coils.

2. Warm the area with a heat lamp if all the pipes are concentrated in one small space.

3. Use foam rubber or fiberglass insulation to cover all exposed lengths and joints of the pipe if electrical solutions are inappropriate.

4. Secure the sections of insulation with tape as needed.

5. Prevent drafts of frigid winter air. Secure all crawl space openings or windows and insulate and caulk any cracks in the structure’s foundation.

I’ll try to keep those tips in mind. But for now I need the immediate services of a good plumber to check on our leaking pipes.

A friend of mine is a construction worker.  He has been in this job for quite some time now and he has seen different styles and ways to improve a house.   He just signed up a contract to improve the house of our neighbor.  As of the moment they are gathering information on what materials to buy.  The owner wants a modern house with classic touch.  That is why my friend and his colleague are taking their time in choosing the best and quality materials to use.

I’ve suggested that they visit and check Richmond Virginia Home Improvement.  All the materials can be found in the website.  For sure they will get the owner’s approval and go signal. One particular house item that they loved was the Richmond, VA Paragon Doors . They found the doors so fitting and suiting for the house they are going to build.  I just hope that the construction will turn out fine, I am looking forward to seeing the newly built house.

We are lucky we have a neighbor that owns Mana Pest Control here in Davao City. He was referred by our next door neighbor who also availed of their pest control services. Since there are traces of termite infestation in the comfort room’s door jamb and the cabinet door jamb below the kitchen sink, we decided to have the whole house treated before me move in.

We were offered a discounted package fee with five-year warranty – just paid for the materials and a very minimal service fee so we closed the deal the other day. The next morning, the neighbor treated the house and the surroundings – injected anti-termite medicine around and some portions inside the house, sprayed using his power sprayer in the ceiling, and did mosquito fogging using his redmax leaf blowers. It was sweet of this neighbor to include the adjacent houses so they will also be protected in case the termite will find its way to their house. At least we’re all safe from these harmful pests that can damage a sleeping investment – the house.