Spring Checklist

At last, the dark, cold days of winter are giving way to the warm rays of spring. It's time to awaken your summer cottage from its winter slumber and prepare it for wonderful summer days and evenings. Here is a guide to help ensure everything is ready for a season filled with relaxation and enjoyment.

When opening your summer cottage for the season, it's important to thoroughly go through both the exterior and interior, as well as check the water and sanitation systems. Here we offer practical tips and steps to ensure your cottage is safe, clean, and welcoming. Let's step into spring and prepare for a fantastic summer!

Outside

Start with a thorough inspection of the cottage's exterior.

Roof and gutters: Check the roof for any damage or leaks and make sure the gutters are clean of leaves and debris to avoid water damage.

Windows and doors: Review all windows and doors. Caulk and paint where needed to prevent drafts and moisture.

The grounds: Clear away branches and debris from winter and prepare the garden for summer activities.

Inside

The exterior gives the first impression, but it is, after all, the interior that makes it homey.

Heating and ventilation: Ensure that the house's heating system is working correctly and that no ventilation shafts are blocked.

Mold and moisture: Inspect for signs of mold and moisture, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, and address these issues immediately.

Cleaning out: A thorough spring cleaning is a must. Wipe surfaces, vacuum and mop floors, and air out all rooms.

Water System

Check pipes: Examine all water pipes to identify any leaks, especially if they have been turned off during the winter.

Water quality: If you have your own well, send a water sample for analysis to ensure the water is safe to drink.

Prevent freezing: Make sure all pipes exposed to the cold are properly insulated to avoid future problems.

Fire Safety

Check smoke detectors and fire extinguishers: Test all smoke detectors and ensure they have new batteries. Ensure fire extinguishers are available and in working order.

Fireplaces and chimneys: Clean chimneys and fireplaces of soot and any bird nests to minimize fire risk. Is it time to maintain your fireplaces?

The toilet

Now it's time to get your Separett toilet up and running!

Do you have a urine diverting toilet?

Check and clean the fan housing of your toilet. How to clean the fan housing varies depending on the model, but the main thing is that any debris is removed by dismantling, emptying, rinsing, and reassembling the fan housing. Ensure that the urine drain is properly connected and free from obstructions. Check and test the toilet's functions to ensure it is ready to use without any issues. Is the latrine container positioned correctly? Does the privacy shield work as it should?

Do you have an incinerating toilet?

Check the entire ventilation pipe and vent hood to ensure it is free of obstructions. Also, look inside the toilet and the ash pan to make sure no small animals have gotten in there. Once the toilet has been thoroughly checked, you can replace the ash pan, connect the toilet to the ventilation pipe, and plug the power cord into the outlet. Check the toilet's functions to ensure it is ready to use without any problems. That is, start a program. Is the heating element working properly? If you are unlucky, it is possible that moisture has entered during the winter. Have you tried turning it off and on again? Turn off the toilet, turn on the heat in the space, and let the toilet stand for a couple of hours before trying again. Once you have started a program and the toilet is heating, let the entire program run without any waste in the ash pan.

Finally

Did everything go well? Wonderful! Once you have gone through these points, your summer cottage is ready for the season, and you can be sure that it is in top condition. Welcome back to your cottage—the place for the best summer memories! 

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Tip! Save the checklist!