Cottage Life

Check the powerlines

Walk around the property and note any changes you see. Look for fallen trees or branches, as well as any potentially damaged hydro poles or powerlines. If your area experienced spring floods, watch out for water damage and contact a certified electrician if you suspect an issue.

Inspect the exterior

Identify any damage to the property from animals or the environment, such water damage from floods and animal damage like torn window screens or holes created in the roof or soffits. If you find damaged wiring, remove the fuse to that circuit or turn off the circuit breaker, and call a certified electrician. Ensure all railings, steps and footings are secure, as heat-and-freeze cycles can cause the ground to heave or shift.

Safety Tip

Inspect your electricity meter and report any damage to Hydro One at 1-888-664-9376. Check visible wiring to outdoor fixtures, water pumps and other equipment.

Secure the interior

Enter the property with caution when you first arrive. Beware of signs of mice or other critters. If you find animal waste, treat it like a health hazard and call a pest control company. Check appliance cords and electrical plugs for any damage from gnawing animals.

Safety Tip

Never use appliances or light fixtures with damaged cords; replace the cords first.

Power up safely

Inspect first: Before turning to your electrical panel, make sure you’ve inspected all interior wiring and electrical outlets. If any wiring has been compromised or destroyed, turn off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse to that circuit. Then, call an electrician to arrange for repairs. If your electrical panel has fuses, ensure they’re screwed in tightly. Do not use fuses higher than 15 amps, and have some spares on hand.

Power up: If everything’s intact and you’re ready to power up the cottage, start by looking at the secondary or “branch” circuits. Make sure they’re all switched off. Turn on the main circuit breaker. Next, energize each secondary circuit one at a time – this helps to protect against a fault to your main breaker.

Safety Tip

Once you power up, go from room to room checking for flickering lights, burning smells or sparking fixtures. If you find any, have them addressed immediately by a certified electrician.

Turn on the taps

Turning on your water system is next. You’ll start by ensuring that the drain valve at the bottom of your water tank is closed. Then, open the hot water tap at any sink, making sure to choose a tap that’s at a higher level than the water tank. Open the cold water shut-off to the tank. Leave the hot water tap opened until water starts running. Finally, turn on the power to the water heater at the fuse box or electrical panel.

Safety Tip

Check the tank and drain the valve for leaks.

Get comfortable

Ventilate your space by opening the windows and get the air moving. Musty smells are a sign of trapped moisture. Address mildew or mold issues by ventilating and drying out the cottage.

Safety Tip

Test your heating system – whether it’s baseboard heaters, forced air, radiators or boilers – to ensure it’s functioning properly. If you have a forced-air system, it’s a great time to change the air filter.