Leigh Plumbing and Bio-Clean

Avoid the 10 Top Costliest Homeowners claims

Plumbing Tip # 2

*Insurance adjusters have ranked the most common, yet preventable, homeowners claims.

Five of them - that’s half the list - are plumbing related.  

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1. Burst washing machine hose– Plastic or rubber washing machine hoses eventually leak and even burst.   Three bad combinations here: The machine jars and jumps; the lines get hot and cold repeatedly; laundry rooms are typically located in low-traffic areas, meaning it may go unnoticed a while. Damage is often extensive—and expensive, which is why it’s ranked #1.
Precaution: Plastic hoses should be replaced at least every three years, and frequently inspected for leaks. 

               2. Slow leaks around tub/shower grout and edges– Grout and caulking decay over time, and cracks can develop.  Water seeps into walls and floors little by little causing tub and shower pans to corrode or to actually sink due to softening wood supports. The problem greatly accelerates...to major repairs in plumbing, carpentry, tile work and more.  Homeowners insurance rarely covers these expenses.
 Precaution:  Frequently inspect and repair seals...  

                 3. Toilet seal leaks – If your toilet wobbles it could mean that the seal is worn, or that it was            improperly installed.  Since the seal prevents sewage gases and other wastes from leaking into your home, this is not just a costly repair—it’s a health issue...sewer gases are a health risk...Get this fixed.

Precaution: Periodically check the base of the toilet for water.  If a leak is present, have it repaired immediately. 

4. Refrigerator water-supply line leaks – The small water line that goes from your refrigerator...can easily become kinked...also become brittle from use, which leads to leaks...can cause extensive damage to the walls, floor, and cabinets around the refrigerator.  Precaution: If lines become brittle, replace them as soon as possible.  Be sure to check metal lines for crimps or kinks...

      5.  Roof leaks ...Signs of a leaking roof include spots or stains that appear on the ceiling, or curled, upturned shingles around the edges of your home.  Precaution: Don’t try to stretch the life of your roof past its time.  But to ensure a longer life, make sure that gutters are cleaned regularly.  Also check for loose or missing shingles...

6.  Chimney/fireplace fires...Before your next family weenie roast, you should know that dirty or plugged chimneys regularly cause home fires.  Precaution: Before you start a fire, clean any excessive amounts of soot and ashes from the chimney.  Also, maintain a regular chimney-cleaning schedule.

      7.  Hot water tank leaks– When was the last time you thought about your hot water tank?  Probably not any time in the recent past unless you had a problem or repair.  Since hot water tanks develop leaks and rust as they age, this “out of sight, out of mind” mentality can lead to major home damage. Sometimes, you begin to notice that you run out of hot water more quickly, indicating poor performance or maybe sediment in the tank. Both indicate service or replacement need. 
Precaution: Periodically check for water damage in the flooring around your hot water heater.  If your water heater was installed more than five years ago, a qualified technician should check it at least annually.  

     8.  Electrical cord fires– Do you have a lot of “gadgets” and appliances plugged in throughout your home?  Hiding those unseemly cords with throw rugs?  Bad idea.  Electrical cord fires result primarily from overloaded circuits, cords under throw rugs, and baseboard heaters.

9.  Unattended cooking or candle fires – Candlelight flickering shadows on the wall is relaxing, beautiful, soothing...Contained fires can become ‘uncontained’ quickly and violently. It’s from one thing: Lack of attention.

10. Garage door opener theft – You want your home to comfortable, safe, and secure. You may lock your doors, but sly criminals often snatch garage door openers, gaining access to garages and homes.