Opening the cottage

Starting up the various water supply and disposal equipment is a major step in making the cottage functional. That should be followed by a careful inspection to determine the extent of any damage that might have occurred during the off season.
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1. Power up your cottage
2. Start up the water supply
3. Check your water and waste disposal system
4. Check for damage
5. Proceed with the seasonal clean-up

1. Power up your cottage

Power up your cottage.

1.1 

If your cottage is connected to an electrical power utility:

1.1.1 

First conduct a visual inspection of the outdoor electrical wiring leading to your cottage from the transformer located on the utility pole that services your home. A master electrician should check any problem.

1.1.2 

Turn on the main circuit breaker, making sure all auxiliary breakers are turned off. Then, systematically turn on, one at a time, individual breakers to be sure they are in working order, except for the breaker that controls the water heater, which must be filled before you test the breaker to avoid burning the heating element. Connect your electrical appliances.

1.2 

If your cottage uses propane:

1.2.1 

Check the condition of the tank, of the main supply line and of the secondary lines.

Tip: You can test the integrity of the connections by mixing up some liquid soap and water and apply this mixture to the fittings with a brush. If you see any bubble you will need to tighten or replace the fitting.

1.2.2 

Shut off all lamps and appliance valves connected to the main supply source and open the main valve. Be careful to eliminate any source of sparks before proceeding with this phase. You can then make sure that all lines in the network are airtight. Should there be a leak, you will detect a gas odour.

1.2.3 

Once you have completed that inspection, you can connect and operate your appliances, except for the water heater, which must be filled before you can start it.

1.2.4 

Do not forget to light all pilot lights for propane or natural gas appliances.
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