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Showing posts from March, 2023

Five Ways to Fix a Slow Sink Drain

A slow, sluggish sink drain is a very common plumbing problem. The bathroom sink is the one most frequently afflicted with this particular problem, and several things can contribute to a slow sink drain. Often the pop-up that is used to stop up the sink can collect a lot of hair and debris, because the sink is used on a daily basis. Also, soap and other products that are washed down the drain can slowly collect in the drain pipes. The build-up that naturally collects over time reduces the size of the drain, effectively slowing the progress of draining water. This drainage issue happens naturally over time and usually cannot be avoided. The only solution is to clean the drain periodically to keep it flowing. Clear Out Debris With a Zip-It Tool - The first step to getting the sink drain flowing again is to clear out any hair and debris that has collected there. One quite easy way to do this is to use the Zip-it tool, an inexpensive tool that works wonders in just minutes. The Zip-it tool

Kitchen Planning Guidance

A renovated kitchen is one of the biggest selling features in residential real estate. It's worth considering any such projects as a long-term investment - and taking the time to carefully plan every aspect. Right from the start, the most critical challenge is achieving an efficient kitchen layout. Regardless of the size, a kitchen should have the sink, refrigerator and oven/cooktop situated in classic work triangle or quad layout for ease of access within a few steps. It is also important to plan for adequate task lighting, as well as ambient, accent and/or overhead lighting.  In addition, when designing the kitchen, consider window treatments for ambience and privacy. Even though an abundance of daylight or direct sunlight is generally appreciated, it will probably need to be diffused or screened at different times of day. Once these basic perimeter decisions are determined, devote any available space to comfortable seating, an organized counterspace and practical cabinetry - inc

GTA REALTORS® Release February 2023 Stats

February sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were down substantially from the pre-rate hike levels of early 2022. However, the number of new listings also dropped substantially year-over-year. The result was that the average selling price and MLS® HPI continued to level off after trending lower through the spring and summer of last year. “It has been almost a year since the Bank of Canada started raising interest rates. Home prices have dropped over the last year from the record peak in February 2022, mitigating the impact of higher borrowing costs. Many homebuyers have also decided to purchase a lower priced home to help offset higher borrowing costs. The share of home purchases below one million dollars is up substantially compared to this time last year,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Paul Baron. GTA REALTORS® reported 4,783 sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in February 2023 – down 47 per cent compared to February 2022, the last full month before the

TRREB MLS® Sales-to-New Listings Ratio February 2023

TRREB MLS® New Listings February 2023

TRREB MLS® Sales February 2023

TRREB MLS® Average Price February 2023

Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

There are a few things you can do to prevent the problem of freezing pipes from occurring.  Leave the faucet dripping during the coldest times. The steadily moving water will keep the pipes slightly above the freezing point and prevent them from freezing. No one wants to waste water, but it is better than dealing with burst pipes. A burst pipe can easily spill several hundred gallons of water per hour. Open cabinet doors to allow the heated air from the room to reach pipes inside the cabinet. This is often sufficient to prevent kitchen pipes from freezing on the coldest nights. Wrap the problem pipe with electrical heat tape and plug it in when the weather is especially cold. Insulate problem pipes with foam insulation wrap, especially those that run through unheated spaces. But remember that insulation merely slows the transfer of heat and will not prevent a pipe from freezing if the surrounding air is cold enough. ​ Install a permanent heater to keep areas with pipes above the freezi