Page 92 - At Home Prince Edward County

BUYING, BUILDING

OR RENOVATING A HOME?

T TH HI IN NK K A AB BO OU UT T Y YO OU UR R W WA AT TE ER R! !
by Jim Blakely, Ecowater Systems.

hether you’re buying, build- There are ways to prevent the build-up
ing or renovating a home, it’s of hardwater, staining, odours and
Wimportant to talk to a water unpleasant tastes. In the city, you can
professional before you set your eliminate itchy skin by removing
budget, make your offer or start chlorine. Today, it is important to
construction. purchase equipment that is efficient in
Too often water treatment is over- water use, efficient to operate and better
looked by the builder or the home for the environment.
buyer, and when it’s left too late in the Educate yourself on good water.
project, minor problems can become What is considered potable water? Is
major concerns. your water safe to drink or bathe in?
It’s important to start where the If you’re buying a house, run the
water enters the home. In the country water for a short time, take time to taste
you need the proper size water pump and smell the water. Look in the back of
and pressure tank for your individual toilet tanks to see if there is staining.
needs. Know if the well is low yielding Check the water to see if all the
and, if it is, look into the best way to in- equipment is working and has been
stall a trickle system. properly installed and maintained. If
What type and size of water pipe the equipment is new can warranties be
should you use to feed water into transferred?
your house? When buying equipment you want
to know what your warranties are and
Can you separate outside water who services it. Is equipment monitored
before any water treatment?
so you know it’s working properly, and
Will your mechanical room have are the technicians properly trained on
enough space to accommodate your systems?
what equipment is required? Yes, there are many things to look
Are there proper drains and into and consider. You’re investing a lot
electrical available? in your home, you’ll be wise to invest in
a water system that makes using every
Yes, there are a lot of questions that tap in your home a pleasant experience.
need to be reviewed and answered. And remember: the question not
Your local water consultant can assist asked is the one that will haunt you!
you with these. Then, when you’ve got For peace of mind, just call and talk
your water infrastructure all set up, with your local water professional.
think about protecting your fixtures,
your appliances, hot water tank etc.
with the proper equipment.

92 @HOME CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION & GARDENING DIRECTORY