Dragonfly Home Inspections

04/27/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡
Ottawa, Cornwall, Brockville & Area

04/09/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡
Tarion Warranty New Build
613-915-0977

04/05/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡
Tarion Warranty

03/30/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡
Maintaining Split AC System

For best efficiency and to prolong life of system

In this video, heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey explains the maintenance needs of mini-split HVAC units and how a homeowner or professional shou...

03/21/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡
Ottawa, Carleton Place, Perth, Rockland, Cornwall, Brockville & Area

03/17/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡
Home Tips For Spring

As the snow melts and the days get longer, your home is likely exhaling a sigh of relief. Winter is tough on a house; freezing temperatures, heavy ice, and fluctuating moisture levels can cause quiet damage that quickly turns into expensive repairs if left unchecked.

Spring maintenance isn't just about "spring cleaning"—it's about protecting your investment. Here is why a seasonal check-up is essential:

1. Stopping Water Damage

The transition from ice to rain is the biggest threat to your home’s integrity. Gutters clogged with winter debris or frozen leaves will overflow, sending water directly into your foundation or behind your siding. A quick spring cleaning of your drainage system prevents basement flooding and wood rot.

2. Roof and Attic Health

Winter storms and ice dams can loosen shingles or crack seals around chimneys and vents. Catching a small leak in April is significantly cheaper than replacing a moldy ceiling in July. A visual inspection from the ground can help you spot missing granules or shifted tiles before the spring rains arrive.

3. Preserving the Exterior

Salt, sand, and grit from winter road treatments often find their way onto your siding and deck. These abrasives can wear down protective finishes. Washing your home’s exterior and resealing wooden surfaces now prevents the sun’s UV rays from bleaching and cracking the wood throughout the summer.

4. Maximizing Efficiency

Your HVAC system worked overtime during the winter. Replacing filters and cleaning the outdoor AC condenser unit ensures your system runs efficiently when the first heatwave hits. It lowers your utility bills and extends the lifespan of your equipment.

The Bottom Line

An afternoon spent inspecting your home in the spring can save you thousands of dollars in emergency repairs later. By being proactive, you ensure your home remains a safe, dry, and efficient sanctuary for the year ahead.

03/13/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡
Preparing Sump Pumps For Spring

As the winter snow begins to melt and spring showers approach, your sump pump becomes the most important appliance in your home for preventing basement flooding

Follow these steps to prepare your sump pump for the spring thaw.

1. Clear Debris from the Pit

Begin with a visual inspection of the sump basin.

Remove the Cover: Take off the lid and check for any mud, gravel, or small stones that may have accumulated.

Clean the Pump: If possible, lift the pump out and clean the inlet screen or grate on the bottom. Debris here can cause the motor to overwork and eventually burn out.

Check the Float: Ensure the float arm can move freely up and down without being obstructed by the pit walls or debris.

2. Inspect the Power Source

A sump pump is useless without reliable power.

Verify the Connection: Check that the pump is plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.

Examine the Cord: Look for any signs of corrosion or damage to the power cord.

Reset if Necessary: If the pump seems unresponsive, try "rebooting" it by unplugging it for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.

3. Test the Pump’s Operation

Testing is the most critical step in spring preparation.

The Bucket Test: Slowly pour about 5 to 10 gallons of water into the pit.

Watch for Activation: The pump should automatically turn on as the float rises.

Listen for Issues: Listen for unusual grinding, thumping, or excessive vibration, which could indicate worn-out parts.

Check the Check Valve: Ensure the check valve is working correctly to prevent water from flowing back into the pit once the pump shuts off.

4. Clear the Exterior Discharge Line

If the water has nowhere to go, it will simply cycle back into your basement.

Check for Blockages: Inspect the pipe where it exits your home. Ensure it isn't blocked by leftover ice, snow, mulch, or even rodent nests.

Confirm Proper Drainage: The discharge pipe should direct water at least 10 to 20 feet away from your foundation to prevent it from seeping back into the ground near your walls.

5. Verify Your Backup System

Spring storms often come with power outages.

Test the Battery: If you have a battery backup, unplug the main pump and perform the bucket test again to ensure the backup system takes over.

Install an Alarm: Consider a Sump Pump Alarm that provides an audible notification if the water level rises too high or the pump fails.

03/03/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡
613-915-0977
DragonflyInspect.ca

02/07/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡

Why get a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a critical safeguard in the home-buying process that provides a professional evaluation of a property's structural and mechanical condition.

01/09/2026

Dragonfly Home Inspections 🏡
Ottawa, Cornwall, Brockville & Area
613-915-0977