Plumbing: Ways to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

“Why should I care about a water leak?”
A MAX member left for vacation and asked a neighbor to check on his home a couple times. The neighbor checked the home 3 days after our MAX member left and found the entire main level flooded due to a pipe break. Water ran for 3 days resulting in extensive damage to his home, including mold. The cost of repairs was $20,000.

Typical water damage repairs can take 30-60 days. Want to prevent water damage in your home? Here are some good plumbing tips:

  • Turn off your water if you are gone for a long period of time. Whether you are on vacation for weeks at a time or are a snowbird leaving your winter home vacant during the summer months, it is a good idea to shut off your water while away from home. Another idea is to have someone check on your home daily while you are away.
  • Replace your rubber washing machine hoses every 3-5 years. Think back to when you purchased your washing machine, or better yet look up the receipt. Has it been over 5 years? Replace those rubber hoses with stainless steel braided lines. These lines are much less prone to bursting.
  • Replace the supply lines to other plumbing every 3-5 years. Just like the washing machine above, the same advice holds true for other plumbing supply lines such as toilets, dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers. In addition, consider replacing the toilet fill mechanism every 5 years to prevent failures.

Of course these suggestions depend on the type of connections you currently use for your plumbing. If you are uncertain about any plumbing items in your home, we recommend you consult a professional plumber or trusted handy-person.

Rain Driving Tips

April is the time for rain showers so here are some helpful hints to keep you safe while driving in the rain:

  • Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
  • Turn on your headlights.
  • Let off the gas if you start to hydroplane.
  • Avoid using your brakes if possible.
  • Drive slowly through any puddles.
  • Reduce your speed. It takes longer to stop on wet roads.
  • Avoid cruise control.
  • Never drive through moving water.
  • Drive in the tracks of the car ahead of you.
  • Make sure there is plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you.

Be Safe.

Sources:

http://www.reedberry.com/rain.html

http://www.smartmotorist.com/driving-guideline/tips-for-driving-in-rain.html

Photo by cbowns

Fall Driving Tip: Watch for Leaves on the Road

We all love the colors that fall brings – the changing of leaves is quite beautiful. But, what happens to those leaves once they drop? Well, they end up on our roads and when the leaves are wet, they can be such a hazard while you’re driving. Wet leaves are slippery and thus make the road slick, similar to when you’re driving on ice. Take caution when you see wet leaves on the road because your vehicle could lose traction and increase the possibility of losing control.

Now those piles of dry leaves can also present a challenge while driving. Children love playing in large piles of leaves. Never drive through a leaf pile and use caution going around turns where children may be playing. Leaves can also make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road. Lastly, never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves. You don’t want to spark a fire from your exhaust system.

We hope you enjoy the fall colors this year and keep these safety tips in mind when you’re driving on the roads.

Sources: www.safety.lovetoknow.com/fall_driving_safety_tips and www.wheesl.ca/news/keep-safe-on-the-road-this-fall/ retrieved 9/28/2012.