When it rains, many times, it pours.  When it pours, all that water can lead to flooded homes.  Did you know homes can flood when there hasn’t been a drop of rain for weeks?  A common cause of household flooding comes from appliances that leak or malfunction. 

Drip, drip, drip.  It’s just a small leak, you barely even notice, but is it causing destruction?  Uh-oh, the washer failed to drain after the cleaning cycle and as the rinse cycle runs more water it overflows rushing from the laundry room into the kitchen and running down the hallways to the bedrooms.  Water from an emergency situation, or a gradual build-up, both can cause costly damage to your home.

Dishwashers, Washing Machines, and Refrigerators with Automatic Ice Machines are the three most common household appliances that cause homes to flood and endure water damage.  Here are some maintenance and inspections tips to follow to lessen the likelihood of falling victim to an appliance caused household flood.

Dishwashers have supply and discharge lines that pump water in and out during the wash and rinse cycles.  If one of those lines springs a leak and ultimately explodes, gallons of water can flood the kitchen causing damage.

Soapy water can also backup in the dishwasher spilling out onto the floor.  This backup of water is usually caused from a malfunction like a faulty float, food and debris clogging the drain gate or the discharge house, or using the wrong detergent.
 
To aid in the prevention of a dishwasher caused household flood, it is recommended that the drain gate be checked frequently clearing debris and food particles.  Hoses and connections should be routinely inspected for leaks.  Also, purchase and use dishwashing detergent recommended for the make and model of your appliance.

A hole as small as a pin prick can cause a constant small drip to lead to big household floods if ignored.  Many times, water can build up and cause hidden damage.  If a washing machine supply line bursts, it can cause great damage. 

Again, prevention is key.  Check your hoses and connections closely at least twice a year.  Are there cracks, holes, any moisture or water spots from the hoses are where connection are made?  Does your hose have plenty of room and lie smooth or are there kinks in the hose?  

If it is time to replace your hoses, think about using stainless steel hoses instead of rubber. Maintain a minimum of four inches between the washing machine and wall.  That way hoses aren’t crowded and cramped.  Installation of an automatic shutoff valve, that can sense water pooling on the floor and shutdown the water supply by closing the valve, might be a good tool to prevent household flooding.

Ice that comes from an automatic maker in the refrigerator/freezer is genius.  We love the convenience but again a leaking line to spell household flood disaster.  

Make sure it is installed properly and the copper hose won’t come loose, or worse, disconnect totally.  Routine inspection of the water line is the best way to detect a small leak before it becomes a big problem.  The four inches away rule applies to this appliance as well.  Leave that gap to prevent crimping.

Routine inspection and immediate repair are the best ways to prevent household appliance flooding.  You should also inspect your homeowner insurance policy to understand what your coverage would be in an event of an appliance caused flood.  

Call Kelly Lee Insurance today for a no-obligation quote for all your insurance needs.

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Ah, Spring!  Summer is a few months away.  Is your vehicle ready for the weekend road trip or summer vacation travel?  Here are a few car maintenance items to check out and do before you hit the road.

Schedule any routine maintenance before your trip so you won’t have to stop for it during your trip.  Oil change still a few hundred miles out? Get it done before you hit the road and to avoid any performance issues.  Have all fluids topped off and make sure your tires are rotated.  Maintaining these things gives you a better ride and lessens the chance of routine maintenance needing to be done when you are away from your trusted car care facility.

Have your tire air pressure checked (including the spare) and have tires inspected for wear.  Many vehicles have only a donut as a spare.  Consider having your spare replaced with a full size tire that way you can continue a trip at normal speeds and distances without a trip to the tire shop.

Replace windshield wiper blades if need be and make certain you have plenty of fluid in the windshield well.  It is recommended to replace them every 6 to 12 months.  

Have all your lights checked just like you would for a vehicle inspection. Turn signals, headlights, and tail lights should all be in working condition.  Don’t hit the road without making sure all are operational.  If you will be pulling a trailer or camper, make certain those lights are all in working order.  It is also a good idea to carry a spare fuse.

If a indicator light is on, have it checked by a qualified mechanic.  It is better to know why the light came on than take a chance while on the open road. 

Have a mechanic check your radiator, hoses, and belts for wear.  Your car will run better and you can prevent being temporarily stranded if these are close to replacement time.  Prevention is the best cure when it comes to hoses and belts.

Have your brake system inspected. Making sure your vehicle can stop on a dime prevents many accidents.  Brake pads wear thin and sometimes unevenly.  You may not notice they are about to go out until it is too late.  Have a qualified professional take a look.

Check the suspension of your vehicle.  Being in a vehicle with worn struts and/or shocks can be likened to flying in an airplane plagued by turbulence.  Bouncing up and down after every little bump in the road does not make for a pleasant trip.  Have worn springs, struts, and shocks replaced.

Have the air conditioning system serviced and checked.  It gets hot quickly in a car and adding to the misery of a hot, humid day is a vehicle without cool air.

Clean your vehicle from top to bottom, inside and out, before your trip.  Maintain the cleanliness inside with trash bags instead of using the floor boards for waste.  At each pit stop, throw your trash away and clean the windshield.

One last thing to check is your car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle insurance coverage.  Knowledge is power, and when traveling knowing you are covered in the event of an accident can greatly increase your chances of relaxing.  Kelly Lee Insurance agents can give you a fast, no-obligation quote by telephone or online.  Make certain you have the insurance coverage you need at prices you can afford, for even the youngest drivers in your family, and take a vacation free from worry.  

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