FIXING A FROZEN PIPE

What should you do if a water pipe freezes? When water freezes, it tries to expand inside the pipe, and it pushes against the sides of the pipe, as well as any nearby valves, seams and faucets, and this results in costly damage if not taken care of fast. Whatever caused the pipes to freeze you need to get them thawed out as soon as possible so you can have running water again. If the pipe is not leaking that means that the water inside is frozen, or is ice. You’ll discover you have a leak only after the ice starts to melt.  If you’re not at your Vancouver home when the pipe thaws, it can cause major damage.

There are several methods for thawing frozen pipes. What ever method you use, always open the faucet the pipe supplies. Thawing the pipe will create steam inside and it could burst the pipe if there is no way for the steam to escape.

• Method #1: Use electric heat tape on the pipe, and wait for it to thaw out. This is a good method to use because it slowly thaws the pipe.
• Method #2: Wrap the pipe with several layers of cloth or toweling and pour hot water over the cloth or toweling. Repeat several times until the pipe is unfrozen.
• Method #3: Direct a heat lamp on the pipe itself. Place the lamp at least a foot away from the pipe. Be sure that the heat lamp is grounded properly.
• Method #4: Hold a hand-operated hair dryer to the pipe, and slowly move up and down the length of the frozen section. You will know the pipe is thawed out when water starts to trickle out of the open faucet. Let the water run for a while to completely clear the pipe. Then, close the faucet and check for leaks. Now you must find out why the pipe frozen and fix the problem.

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Help for Low Income Families to Purchase a Portland Home

Through the free, statewide Home ownership Hotline, this group offers free information for first-time home buyers who often face multiple barriers to home ownership. By calling WHC, you will be given a home ownership readiness assessment. This basic assessment includes a review of your family size and income, credit history, housing and location requirements, and other factors used to determine eligibility for a variety of first time buyer programs. You will then be referred to the appropriate resources and encouraged to call us back throughout the process for further assistance. This is a great first step to owning your own Portland home.

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Time to Winterize your Vancouver Home

August is a good time to start thinking about getting your Vancouver home ready for winter. By starting now you wont have to rush at the last minute. Here are some tips on getting your most valuable investment ready for the cold and wet weather that lies ahead:

• Have a HVAC professional inspect your furnace, clean ducts. Stock up on new filters.
• Check the thermostat and replace if not working properly.
• Clean the fireplace, the flue and spark arrestor at the top of chimney. Make sure the damper works properly and fits correctly. Check the mortar between all bricks and look for any cracks in the fireplace and chimney.
• Check all door and window insulation in house and garage.
• Caulk around windows and doors. Caulk around toilets and tubs, under sinks.
• Get your storm windows prepared to install.
• Check all gutters, downspouts, clean and make sure they don’t leak.
• Check for any worn spots on roof.
• Have gas company adjust all pilots and burners on stove, water heater, dryer, heater and gas outlet in fireplace. Check all gas lines and appliances for any gas leaks.
• Blanket the water heater.
• Clean dryer vent or replace.
• Check around foundation, fill in any cracks. Make sure crawl space covers are tight.
• Check out all Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, put in new batteries.
• Check all faucets inside and out, fix any leaks, and insulate outside faucets and drains.
• Make sure you know where turn off valves are located for gas main, water main, and electric.
• Prepare the air conditioner for winter, drain and cover.
• Check laundry area for any water leaks.
• Check all fans in kitchen over stove and in bathrooms, clean the fan and exit ducts.
• Clean any grease filters.
• Lubricate all door knobs, locks and hindges, including garage hindges and opener.
• Clean ceiling fans and flip the switch that allows you to reverse the fan to help circulate the warm air during winter.
• Fix the air leaks under doors, and where pipes or wires come into the house.
• Check attic insulation, add more or replace if necessary.
• Have a supply of candles and batteries, and emergency kit.
• If you are on a septic sewer system, have it checked and drained if need be.
• Prepare patio, furniture, outside bar for winter. Put away any hoses.
• Prepare lawn sprinkler system for winter.

Note:  Use licensed professionals to work on your home and get referrals prior to hiring any contractor or other home improvement professionals.

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Portland Homes Dot Ninty Five Diverse Neighborhoods

Portland is known as one of the most environmentally friendly cities anywhere. This is a city made up of 95 different and unique neighborhoods, each offering its own personality and lifestyle. Portland homes come in just about every type, style, price and size to satisfy anyone’s wants or needs. There are custom built single family homes, condos, town homes, lofts and large estate type homes available for sale. Portland has so much diversity and offers so many housing opportunities that it is wise to see your Realtor who can show you all of the different options available to you.

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Portland – Vancouver Metro Area Tributes

Over the last few years, the Portland – Vancouver metro area has received numerous “Best Places” tributes, by Forbes and other media, and has made the “top city lists” for many things, including:

Forbes Lists:
* #15 Best Places for Business and Careers*
* #106 in Cost of doing Business*
* #86 in Job Growth*
* #39 in Education*
* #10 America’s Most Wired Cities 2010*
* #3 America’s Safest Cities 2010*
* #16 Best Cities for Singles 2009*

Combine these with the beautiful neighborhoods such as Edgewood Park and homes, great schools, wonderful houses of worship, city amenities, hometown pride of the residents, great shopping, entertainment, medical facilities and caring city fathers and you have a winning and forward looking team.

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