Water water everywhere

This tip could save you money, time and a lot of aggravation.

Years ago, I lived in a 3 family house that I bought in 1982. We lived on the first floor and my son, who didn’t speak words at the time but merely grunted a lot, came running into the living room pretty much uttering, “blagey, frunkle, dooblat” and pointing to the kitchen.

I ran after him only to see water pouring through the pantry ceiling. I grabbed my keys and ran up to the 2nd floor and when no one answered, let myself in. As I ran into their kitchen and my foot hit the floor, I slid across the length as if on a slip and slide and slammed into the far wall. Pretty funny looking back on it but at the time the several inches of water on the floor were not.

The hose from their washing machine had let go and water was spurting out by the gallons.

I had forgotten this story until last week when a client called with such a story. Fortunately, their washer is in the basement so the damage was contained there.

Water damage can be extensive so here are a couple of ideas to eliminate and warn you of a potential water issue.

First, replace the hoses on your washer with the new stainless steel types. Ideally, one should turn off the water after using the machine but that doesn’t always happen. These hoses aren’t much money and can be found at home Depot or Lowes, etc.

There are also devices that will warn you of a leak (you need to be home to hear them) and can be placed behind your fridge if you have an ice maker or water dispenser or near a water heater. Zircon is one brand. These devices may warn you before your non speaking child can.

Equally important. If you live BELOW someone, make sure they have newer hoses if their washer is above you.

Here is a link to check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/Zircon-Leak-Alert-Electronic-Batteries/dp/B002Q8GRPG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=13...