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DON’T BE A DRIP!

By
Real Estate Agent with DL Jones & Associates

 

Water damage! One of the biggest freak outs a homeowner can imagine! The thought of water getting into your wall cabinets and all over your possessions just ain’t a happy one.

You insurance company doesn't like it too much either. Damage caused by water is the number one type of property claim that insurance carriers handle.  Many of these claims involve appliance failure—when the hoses in a washer, dishwasher, or icemaker grow old and burst.  Even worse than the water itself is the destruction to your expensive furnishing and valued keepsakes!

By taking a few precautions, you can keep the water damage goblins away:

Check all the windows in your household and ensure that the seals are tight. Make it a habit of check around the windows after a heavy rainfall

Inspect your shower stall for leaks, and inspect and replace old or brittle caulking. In addition, check your sink and toilet. Water stains around the toilet may be an indication of damage to the rim and tank seals.

In the kitchen, regularly examine the icemaker, dishwasher, sinks, and the garbage disposal for leaks. Also, replace these hoses every five years—a small investment that can prevent an expensive accident from occurring.

Inspect your washing machine hoses and check for signs of brittleness or corrosion. I strongly recommend changing standard rubber hoses to stainless steel reinforced hoses, which will reduce the likelihood of leaks, and guarantee a longer life.

Check your hot water heater for leaks and corrosion. Rust is a sign of imminent tank failure.

For valuables, keepsakes, and other memorabilia that you do not regularly display, consider plastic storage containers.

Good luck, and stay dry!

 

Comments (2)

Cheryl Frei - Realtor® & e-Pro Certified Realtor®
Elite Realty - Absarokee, Montana and Billings, Montana - Absarokee, MT

Chris - This is a good point!  My husband does that for us on a regular bases.  Before the winter and then when summer start.  Then in the fall.  I do not like water leaks at all.  Epoecially when it cause mold.  It better to stay on top of it then have it do some damage to the property. 

May 29, 2008 02:48 AM
Rick Sergison
EXP Realty of Canada Inc., Brokerage - Pickering, ON
Durham Region Real Estate Blog

I just stopped by to welcome you to Active Rain. I hope that you find it a great benefit to your business and that you see the value that I have also found here. I am from Charlottesville Virginia and using Active Rain has really increased my business!

My main blog on Active Rain is here: Charlottesville Real Estate Blog, not the link at the bottom of this post. 

I hope you will look into the many groups as there are some great group both local and broad based,.... 

enjoy!

May 29, 2008 01:00 PM