Helpful Household Hints

Preventing Water Damage to your Home 

  • When away from your home for an extended period during the winter, be careful with lowering the heat.  A lower temperature may save on the heating bill, but there could be a disaster if a cold spell strikes and pipes that normally would be safe, freeze and burst.
  • Doors on cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks should be left open during cold spells to allow the warmer air of the room to circulate around the pipes — especially if these sinks are on an outside wall.
  • Exterior pipes should be drained or enclosed in 2-inch fiberglass insulation sleeves.
  • Pipes leading to the exterior should be shut off and drained at the start of the winter. If these exterior faucets do not have a shut-off valve inside the house, have one installed by a plumber.
  • Garden hoses should be removed and stored inside during the winter.
  • Let faucets drip slowly to keep water flowing through pipes that are vulnerable to freezing. Ice forms in the pipes, but an open faucet allows water to escape before the pressure builds to where a pipe can burst. If the dripping stops, it may mean that ice is blocking the pipe; keep the faucet open, since the pipe still needs pressure relief. Pipes in attics and crawl spaces should be protected with insulation or heat. Pipe insulation is available in fiberglass or foam sleeves. Heating cables (with UL label and built in thermostat) are effective in freeze protection. Closely follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Consider installing water leak sensors near the water heater, washing machine, and under the kitchen sink.  These sensors can integrate with alarm systems or operate as stand-alone devices. 
  • Homeowners may also invest in automatic water shut-off valves that can detect leaks and turn off the water. These devices can send alerts via email, text or a phone call, which is especially helpful to part-time residents. 

Some Autumn Maintenance Reminders

  • Have your heating system inspected and adjusted for maximum efficiency.  Many reputable HVAC companies will offer pre-season cost savings for this routine service. 
  • Check the depth of attic insulation. The recommended depths (R Value) have changed, now R38-R60 is recommended for Delaware.  Attic insulation may have settled over the years reducing its effectiveness. Sealing air leaks around “can lights” and ceiling air duct registers pays large dividends in reduced energy use. 
  • Remember to clean the refrigerator coils of accumulated dust/hair, etc. that otherwise make the refrigerator work harder to keep foods cold. A simple coil brush from Ace Hardware, Lowes or Home Depot works well. The same brush can also clean the clothes dryer vent. 
  • For those with a gas fireplace, consider installing a heat circulator fan kit.  The fireplaces installed by the builder are usually equipped with the necessary internal power outlet to accommodate aftermarket variable speed fan kits that can be installed in minutes without tools.  A very comfy feature on chilly days. 

Roofing Replacement Information 

  • If you find yourself in the position of having roof damage and are in need of replacing individual roof tiles (shingles) , some homeowners have reported the roof shingles used by KHOV may still be available for purchase. The specific manufacturer, product name and color code are:  
    • Manufacturer: IKO
    • Product Name: Cambridge
    • Color: Weatherwood
    • STEM: 1119
    • Code: 14W03
  • Homeowners provide this information to your preferred contractor to unsure compatible tiles for your repair. 

Sewer Back-ups

Homeowners experiencing sewer back-up should contact

Sussex County Public Works https://sussexcountyde.gov › sewer-water
302-855-7703
Public service & government in Georgetown, DE
2 The Cir, Georgetown, DE 19947

so the utility can access the sewer cleanout nearest the property line and determine whether the issue is on the county side or the homeowner’s side. If the blockage is on the homeowner’s side, a plumber will need to be called.  Avoid using flushable wipes and refrain from putting cooking grease down sink drains. Symptoms of developing sewer blockages include gurgling in basement toilets, or shower drains, especially while using washing machines or  dishwashers; slow draining toilets, or water backing up in basement utility sinks. Plumbers can use CCTV cameras to inspect sewer laterals and determine the location and nature of the clog, as well as tools to effectively clear blockages.  Many thanks to Art Shapiro. 

Termites 

Termites are a common problem in Delaware.  They are sneaky and never sleep. Termites quietly work underground and behind walls, carving dark tunnels of mud in and around your home, eating as they go. Delaware’s warm and humid climate is just right for two of the most destructive types, eastern subterranean termites and Formosan termites. Although most active from spring to fall, these types can feed on wood and other forms of cellulose 365 days a year in the right conditions.  Unfortunately, it is not a matter of if you will encounter termites, it’s when. The good news is that termite damage is preventable if you stay on top of this troublesome pest. There is a way to protect your home before you get termites.  Several companies Terminix, Orkin, Activ, etc., use a bait system around the perimeter of the home’s foundation. Termites are “dumb”  insects that just burro until they find something to eat. They take this poison in the bait system back to the nest and it destroys the colony. The commercial companies often use patented chemicals, and the services are guaranteed. There are numerous websites, but this is a good start.  https://www.termite.com/termites/termites-delaware.html. Thanks, Jeanne White