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Same Day Service Since
2001
Call The Gentleman Pros Now!
(403) 879-1819
Same Day Service Since
2001
Call The Gentleman Pros Now!
(403) 879-1819
Simple repairs and home maintenance are often overlooked until we open our home to friends and family. Minor upgrades to your home can make a big difference when hosting overnight company.
Here is a checklist to help you prepare for house guests.
If they drain slowly, use an organic drain cleaner like BioOne, or remove the debris manually. You can often remove hair clogs without a plumber using a “zip it”. It is inexpensive and won’t damage your drain.
Leaking toilets waste gallons of water, increasing your water bill. Check your toilet by adding a few drops of food colouring to the water tank and then letting the toilet sit. After a few hours, if no colour has escaped into the bowl, then there is no leaking. If not, call The Gentlemen Pros to fix your leaking toilet.
Weak flushes can cause embarrassing toilet clogs. Check toilets for weak flushes and call The Gentlemen Pros if you need a toilet repair.
Save embarrassment and install a non-clog toilet! In the guest bathroom, install a comfortable no-clog toilet. A non-clog toilet (sometimes called a no-plunge toilet) has the power to flush away larger deposits of recycled Christmas dinner.
Non-clog toilets are designed with a larger trapway. This means that waste is less likely to clog as it moves through the toilet. Sometimes a non-clog toilet has a larger flush valve, allowing more flow to wash down waste.
This is not just for convenience; this encourages your guests not to flush the wrong things. Often, toilet clogs occur because people flush food, feminine hygiene products, Q-tips, and “disposable wipes” down the toilet.
The only things to be flushed down the toilet are the 3Ps: pee, poop and paper (specifically toilet paper).
Inspect around the toilets, faucets and sinks for leaks. Look for evidence of leaks under the bathroom counters.
If repairs are needed, consider adding shut-off valves to the water lines for the sink and shower.
A working fan helps bathrooms stay cleaner and prevents mildew and mold growth. Test your bathroom fan, and clean it for optimized performance.
Often, we avoid running loud bathroom fans. Installing a quieter bathroom fan will encourage house guests to use it longer. It is recommended to Call The Gentlemen Pros, and one of our electricians can come out and install a new bathroom fan.
Press the TEST and RESET buttons on the outlet to ensure they trip properly. Faulty GFCIs are a safety hazard, especially around water.
Time to clean your light fixtures and replace burnt-out lightbulbs. LED lights can be harshly coloured, but save money. Choose a warm glow LED light for comfort and to save money.
With extra toilet paper, hand towels, and soap. Be sure to have clean towels on hand, and extra toothbrushes and toiletries for emergencies.
If you have a standard water heater, consider turning the heat slightly to meet the demands of extra hot water for guests. Don’t increase the water above 49°C/120°F.
Drain a few litres of water from the hot water tank to remove sediment. This can increase the performance of your water heater.
If you have an on-demand water heater, inspect it for buildup. If you have an on-demand water heater, you should have it professionally inspected and cleaned each year. In the coming weeks before house guests come, schedule a service inspection.
(Our Gentlemen’s Promise Members receive a FREE plumbing inspection every year!)
Change your furnace filter, and ensure it is installed properly. We often find furnace filters that have been put in backwards. (This is a common problem.) If you have animals or a large household, make sure you change your filter every month.
(If you have concerns about air quality, reach out to learn about air quality technology options!)
A furnace cleaning is different from a duct cleaning. Cleaning the inside of your furnace allows the furnace to operate more efficiently. Dust is the enemy to electronics, including the panel in your furnace. Vacuum around your furnace and throughout your home near the air intake vents.
Having your furnace cleaned and serviced every year for older furnaces, and every two years for newer furnaces, is recommended. Your furnace is one of the most important and most expensive investments in your home. Do everything you can to increase the efficiency and lifespan of your furnace.
Forced air furnaces, which are most commonly used, dry the air. Humidity makes the air more comfortable, less drying, but also helps carry the heat through your home. The humidity in the air holds the heat and helps your home feel warmer and more comfortable. In the winter months, be sure to increase the humidity as you increase the heat
Check kitchen drains for clogs. Use a bacterial draining cleaner like BioOne to prevent clogs and naturally break down organic buildup in your drain system. This will keep your drains flowing and smelling better
Refresh your garburator. Run ice and small amounts of dish soap through the disposal to freshen and sharpen the blades.
Don’t put grease, bones, pasta, or peels down the drain. Read more about what not to put down the drain. (Add video and link.)
Look for leaks under the sink. Evidence can include water stains, warped wood and damp areas.
If your fridge has a water line for an ice dispenser or water dispenser, check the connections for leaks. If your ice dispenser isn’t working, fix it, or stock your freezer with ice for your guests.
Try to avoid overloading your circuits, especially with high-demand appliances. Plan ahead to avoid tripping breakers. Test GFCIs in the kitchen area, using the TEST and RESET buttons.
Replace or repair any loose, warm, or non-functioning outlets. Use surge protectors to protect important electronics and appliances. Replace or repair any that are loose, warm to the touch, or not functioning.
Keep the Wi-Fi and Internet equipment clear. Keep cords tidy and power sources stable so the modem doesn’t get unplugged during the festivities.
Post the Wi-Fi network and passwords for your guests.
Check the batteries of your CO and smoke detectors. Ensure all are working properly, and replace the batteries if needed. Batteries are not created equally. Consider investing in long-lasting batteries
Check for burnt-out light bulbs in every room. Add nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, and guest rooms.
Well-lit walkways are important for safety, especially in colder weather. Don’t overlook a burnt-out bulb or tripped breaker. Consider installing motion sensor outdoor lights for safety.
