Tips help lake homeowners plan cabin opening

By Matt Bewley | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, April 7, 2007

Despite the April snow, people all over the country are gearing up to begin the yearly process of opening their lake cabins.

For the few who may be new to this, here are a few tips ti help remember what may need to be accomplished.

n Phone it in

Much of this can be accomplished over the phone before even leaving for the lake. Power, phones, gas and water (if city supplied) can all be handled ahead of time, providing for a more comfortable first day. Remember that with gas, you’ll need to have your pilots lights lit.

• Power up

Turn on all circuit breakers at the service panel (fuse box).

• Charge the lines

After the main water supply is turned on, water should be run freely through each tap until all the air is out of the line. Flush each toilet.

• In hot water

After you close the taps, you can turn on or light the water heater. (Remember that your water heater, which was drained for the winter, must be refilled before you turn it in. Failure to do can cause the heating element to burn out, or worse.)

• Pilots

If your cabin uses gas, light your pilot lights. (The gas company, given access to water heaters and furnaces, will light your pilot lights for you.)

• Plug in refrigerator

Your refrigerator doors should have been left open and the plug pulled out of the wall receptacle for the winter. Close the doors and plug it in.

• Pick up poisons

Take up any mouse or other poisons put out over winter, especially if you have pets. Keep in mind that pests may have left bits of it through out the house. Sweep it all up.

• Uncap chimney

If you covered your chimney with screening or wood to block animals and snow, remove it before lighting a fire

• Test electrical appliances

Plug in all electrical appliances and test for proper operation.

• Fire safety

Install new batteries into each smoke detector and test its operation.

• The grand tour

Make a thorough inspection of the entire property. Look for signs of winter damage or rotting wood. Look at the roof. Did any large branches land on it and cause damage?

• Clean-up time

Clean and dust the entire house. Put fresh sheets on the beds. Protect your investments

• Outside

Clean the yards of fallen tree branches and debris, and rake it clean. Now is a good time to clean up the flower beds.

• Pay-off

All done? Okay, put out a big jar of sun-tea, grab a lawn chair, stretch out and take a breather. All that’s left now is to mow and trim the lawn, plant the garden, paint the fence, fix the shutter ...