Prevention through investigation is the first defense against water damage. Here are some basics on preventing water damage and its effects:
Washing machine hoses should be regularly checked for leaks. Both the hoses and connections, and the valves should be examined. Even a small drip when the machine is filling can cause major water damage and conducive conditions for insect infestations over time, so any leaks should be repaired immediately. If the laundry room is located on the main floor or above, damage to the floor and ceiling below can be expected too.
Those metal hoses everybody is always touting as the best? Actually in our experience, among the least reliable. The washing machine moves during the spin cycle – a lot. So the hoses move too, and the hose is made of rubber. Metal rubbing on rubber doesn’t mix. Find a high quality rayon hose with brass couplings. Wrap the threaded connections with Teflon plumbers tape; insert a quality washer and tighten securely.
Always turn the water valves off between wash loads. What isn’t on, can’t leak. It’s that simple. I know a lot of people see that as hard to remember and if the valves are difficult, just a pain in the neck. So is a flood. If your valves are in poor shape, call a plumber and get them replaced with a single lever mixing valve. Easy to use and if installed right in sight, they’re easy to remember too. Ok, you don’t want to do all that? Fine. Just look at the valve and hose connection when you start a load and make sure you don’t see even a drop of water leaking.
Water heaters are also prone to leaks, especially after too many years of use past a rated service life. Did you know that some water heaters have as short a service life as six years? It’s true and they are one of the most commonly installed water heaters we see! We joke around that plumbers are very social fellows and they like to see you often, so they sell you a six year rated tank so they can come over more often. Seriously, they’re the cheapest tank, so of course lots of them are installed, and lots of them leak! When you replace a tank make sure you insist on a 10 or 15 year rated tank. Well worth the minimal extra investment.
When the tank is replaced, the very old, gate style water shut-off valve is often left in place. Again, well worth the small extra investment to request that the plumber install a brand new ball-style shut-off valve with the tank to prevent leaks.
Next up is the dishwasher drain line usually located under the kitchen sink. It’s connected with a radiator clamp that can come loose because it too moves around when water is pumped through it. The easiest way to check for leaks is to get a little organized. Pull everything out of the kitchen sink cabinet. You’ll be surprised at what you may find. Who knew you had a dozen sponges under there? Is the bottom of the cabinet wet? If so, you may have a leak – look further with the dishwasher on; then with the kitchen faucet, and then with the sink spryer. Be patient – you’ll find it.
Self-piercing saddle valves are a very common source of water leaks. Those are those funny looking little valves that appliance installers use to hook up the ice maker supply line; or the water supply for your whole house humidifier. They’re junk. Get a plumber and have them do the job right with a real shut-off valve that can be counted on for years of trouble-free service.
It’s too late now, but a full gutter in winter is an ice dam just waiting to happen. Make sure you clean your gutters in the early winter after all of the leaves have fallen. Downspouts should be extended to drain at least four or more feet away from the home's foundation to prevent basement water intrusion.
Your dad taught you not to go looking for trouble because you’d find it. He was right, but he didn’t mean in your own house. Now that you know where to go, have a look and see if trouble is lurking.
Article courtesy of David R. Leopold, ACI
David Leopold
146 Coleman Road
Fairfield, CT 06825
tel: 888-801-7111
fax: 203-374-4564
David.Leopold@pillartopost.com
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