Prevent Water Damage in the Laundry Room
by: Terry Allen
The washer and drier are usually located in the laundry room and create heat and moisture. Simple maintenance is required to help avoiding water problems and mold.
The Washer
The washer is connected to both cold and hot water lines. Check them frequently. Start with the joints and fix a leak if you find it. Be sure to check both ends of the water lines. Clean or replace the filters once in a while. A blocked filter will slow the water flow into the washing machine, and may cause some malfunctions. This problem is worse in areas with ?hard water?. Inspect the shut off valve by looking for drips into the washing machine while it is not in use. If you detect a leak, replace the valve.
Hoses & Filters
Like in most appliances, problems often start in the hose. Keep at least 4 inches between the water connection and the back of the washer. This space will prevent the hose from kinking and bursting. Check the hoses and replace them if old. Consider installing steel-braided hoses.
The Dryer
The dryer is connected to a ventilation hose. Check it carefully. The dryer ventilation hose must be connected to the outdoors. Search for lint behind and under the dryer and make sure the vent pipe is not clogged. Make the exhaust short as possible for the dryer to vent efficiently,
Utility Sink
The utility sink is sometimes the source for water related problems. Search for leaks under the sink. A drip in the trap under the sink can be a sign for problems and should be repaired immediately. Slow draining pipes may indicate a partially blocked drain. A constantly dripping faucet must me repaired promptly. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose. Damped or stained walls around plumbing pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed before additional damage occurs.
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About The Author
Terry Allen is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS?, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage prevention, visit
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Preventing Water Damage in the Basement
Preventing Water Damage in the Basement
by: Leo Nov
A wet basement can quickly develop into a complete disaster. Many maintenance systems are installed in the basement. These systems generate moisture leading to potential water related problems. A periodic inspection will provide accurate indications for a water problem somewhere else in your home and can help preventing a much bigger damage.
Heating and Air Conditioning System
HVAC systems must be regularly inspected if located in the basement. Check the drain pans and remove debris to allow it to flow. Do not overlook the filters and replace when needed. When inspecting the HVAC, take a close look at the ductwork. Deteriorating insulations must be treated and sealed.
Ceiling and Walls
Moisture walls are a red flag for a water problem in the basement and may be a hint for internal leaks. Take a look at the walls and search for stains. If visible, follow the trails to locate...
Preventing Water Damage in the Basement
Water > Preventing Water Damage in the Basement
A Guide to Handling Lead in Drinking Water
A Guide to Handling Lead in Drinking Water
by: George Anderson
Although most modern homes have lead free plumbing installation, there are still millions of houses that have older plumbing and thus increase the chances of higher lead levels in water. In the last two decades, measures taken in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act have greatly diminished lead presence in drinking water. However, some metal water taps, pipes connecting homes to the main street pipe or interior water pipes might still produce such problems. Water that stays in pipes for several hours can get contaminated with lead resulting from corrosion of the pipe itself or of the soldering.
There is no other precise way to eliminate the threat of lead in your drinking water unless you have it tested for its chemical composition. The presence of lead cannot be detected by taste or smell, neither can you see the lead particles, as they are microscopic. Another approach...
A Guide to Handling Lead in Drinking Water
Water > A Guide to Handling Lead in Drinking Water
Hidden Costs of Landscaping
Hidden Costs of Landscaping
by: Janeth Duque
A complete makeover of your home?s landscape may not be possible. After all, there is no surprise that if you choose to completely re-do your landscape you will spend a great deal of money. However, there are surprising hidden costs in nearly any landscaping project, even some of the small ones. It is important to be aware of some of the costs that you might not normally think of before you begin a project. Otherwise, you will find that the project?s true cost is much more than you thought it would be, and you may discover that you might not have been able to afford your landscape change after all.
Perhaps the most hidden of landscaping costs involves features that require lighting and water. Many people think only of the cost of the equipment, and the cost of putting it in (which is minimal if they put it in themselves). They fail to consider how much money they will spend in the form of paying for...
Hidden Costs of Landscaping
Water > Hidden Costs of Landscaping
Improperly Testing Your Radiant Heat System with Water Instead of Air!
Improperly Testing Your Radiant Heat System with Water Instead of Air!
by: Larry B Lang
If you?re considering radiant heat, here?s a true story about Bill and Joan Hawley that you should find interesting.
When I first met Bill and Joan they were absolutely exhausted because of the damage to their radiant heat system. What was supposed to be a calm and peaceful time of life was full of stress and worry.
Although their story is not unique it clearly illustrates how a simple radiant heat installation error can have such drastic results.
Bill and Joan were educated consumers that took a vested interest in the design and construction of their new home. They loved the look of tile and hardwoods and were thrilled to discover how a radiant heating system would keep their floors toasty warm.
Yet, they failed to realize how one small radiant heat installation mistake could have such a disastrous outcome.
The crew that installed...
Improperly Testing Your Radiant Heat System with Water Instead of Air!
Water > Improperly Testing Your Radiant Heat System with Water Instead of Air!
Does your Water Supply contain Drugs or Toxins
Does your Water Supply contain Drugs or Toxins
by: Alfred Jones
Scientists have discovered Pharmaceutical Drugs and Toxins in the Water Supply, Are you drinking this potentially dangerous cocktail.
Water treatment plants are set up to eliminate certain types of waste materials, such as pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals from the water supply. They cannot however cope, neither are they equipped to deal with pharmaceuticals, as you will probably know, up to 90% of drugs that are taken in to our bodies, is eliminated by the kidneys and urine, so whatever passes through our bodies, eventually end up back at the water treatment plant and then in to our water supply.
Pharmaceuticals are just one of a huge number of toxins and pollutants that are present in the water supply, they can even contain the residue of DDT, which does not break down for a very long time. There can be drugs which could react adversely with drugs that you are currently...
Does your Water Supply contain Drugs or Toxins
Water > Does your Water Supply contain Drugs or Toxins
Invisible Causes of Water Damage
Invisible Causes of Water Damage
by: Kimberly Duncan
Plumbing:
Plumbing equipment usually develops leaks due failures in joints or hose attachment.
Internal wall leaks are even harder to discover and can cause major damage.
Pipes
The common problems in pipes are blocked toilets and drains (especially kitchen drains), failure of garbage disposals, and roots in sewer lines .
Weather:
Unpredictable summer storms, floods, and other water accompanied disasters such as hurricanes, blizzards, and tornados are some more reasons for water damage.
Heating Systems and Air Conditions:
Neglecting air conditioners leads to poor performance, expensive operating costs and moisture issues. Moist cooling ducts promote mold and other water-borne bacteria.
Appliances:
Water heaters, washers, and dryers tend to crack over time, allowing water to trickle. Although these appliances will start leaking slowly, this...
Invisible Causes of Water Damage
Water > Invisible Causes of Water Damage