Sacramento home inspector shows how to cut water cost

Sacramento Home Inspector Shows How to Cut Water Costs and save…  (ARA) - Most of us give little thought to how much water we use. Compared to other utilities, like heating, water bills are relatively inexpensive for homeowners. Renters typically don’t pay for water at all. These factors and the seeming abundance of water in many areas tend to put water conservation under the radar for most of us.

“The plumbing industry has long been concerned with making products that use less water,” says Colin Thielmann, who is part of the research and development team for Delta Faucet Company. “However, in the past, many products that saved water didn’t perform to consumers’ needs and expectations. Technology has allowed for the creation of products such as electronic kitchen and bath faucets and water-saving showers and toilets that deliver a great experience while using significantly less water.” Having the right products is only part of the answer. Changing behaviors at home can go a long way toward conserving water and energy - and at the same time preserving our environment. Here are a few ways you and your family can help: Out of Doors Wash the car using a bucket of soapy water and a bucket of clean water rather than running a hose. Use biodegradable soaps that are environmentally friendly. This keeps water that drains into storm sewers free of caustic substances. During summertime, be conscious of using hoses and water sprinklers for fun. Water the lawn early in the morning or in the evening when water evaporates more slowly. On rainy days, turn off the automatic sprinkler system. In the Kitchen Learn to reuse: don’t pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it, such as watering a plant or cleaning. Don’t use running water to thaw frozen foods. Use the microwave or put them in the refrigerator to thaw the night before. Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl rather than running water. In the Bath More water is used in the bathroom than any other room in the home. Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth. Make sure the drain stopper is in place before you turn the faucet on when taking baths. Take shorter showers. You can even set goals and time yourself. Install a low-flow showerhead. This will not only save water, but also will conserve the energy that it takes to heat the water. Fix a leaky faucet or a running toilet. Fixing leaks can save around 20 gallons of water per day. These are just a few of the things that can be done in everyday life to conserve water and energy. The earth may be two-thirds water, but only 1 percent of it is considered drinkable. By changing simple behaviors within the home, we can all do our part to preserve this precious resource. For more tips and information on water-saving products visit www.deltafaucet.com or call Delta Faucet Company at (800) 345-DELTA.

Sacramento, beware of Toxic Chinese drywall

This could turn into a Big Deal for Sacramento home inspectors and other inspectors throughout parts of California & Arizona.  Americas Watchdog and its Homeowners Consumer Center are saying the Chinese drywall disaster in Florida is about to become a gigantic disaster in California & Arizona. According to the group, “the Chinese drywall used in US new home construction from 2003 to 2007 & it is about to become a biblical type disaster, for US homeowners unfortunate enough to have this building product in their new home, or condominium. If it’s toxic enough to corrode AC coils and electrical wiring, our biggest worry is, what is it doing to the people who live in the homes, or condominiums? ” Americas Watchdog is calling the toxic Chinese drywall issue, “another biblical type disaster for US homeowners, that is coast to coast.” For more information, homeowners who suspect they might have the Chinese drywall in their homes should call the Homeowners Consumer Center at 866-714-6466 or contact them via their web site at Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

 

(PRWEB) March 16, 2009 — Americas Watchdog and its Homeowners Consumer Center are dramatically expanding their investigation of imported toxic Chinese drywall into California & Arizona.. The group has already identified numerous victims in Florida, California, Virginia, Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, Georgia, Nevada, the Carolinas, Texas, and in Canada. According to the group, “the imported Chinese drywall is coast to coast, and it is so toxic, that it will corrode air conditioning coils, and electrical wiring. This mentions nothing of the health affects related to exposure.” The Homeowners Consumer Center is saying, “there is about to be a seismic shift from Florida, to the West Coast & Texas. Most people we talk to never realized the problem with their home was the drywall. This is the absolute worst environmental disaster ever faced by US homeowners.” If you are a homeowner in a new home built since 2001 in California or Arizona, that has a rotten egg, or sulphur smell, and you have charred, black electrical wires, or corroded air conditioning coils, along with health issues, you should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466, or contact the via their web site at Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com.

The Homeowners Consumer Center is begging for the California, and Arizona print news media to call the group for more information, because of the serious exposure issues for homeowners living in the California or Arizona homes. ” We did one newspaper interview for a Vancouver, BC newspaper last week. Because of this newspaper article we received over 400 calls from homeowners in the Vancouver metro; 100 of which we are sure have the toxic Chinese drywall in their homes. We need to also talk to the print media & newspapers in Texas, New Orleans, Virginia, Colorado, New Mexico, Las Vegas, Oregon, the Carolina’s & Mississippi.”

According to the Homeowners Consumer Center, “we always expected to find very heavy concentrations of the Chinese drywall in California, Arizona, Las Vegas, the Pacific Northwest and the Mountain West, because most of the product was shipped through the ports of Long Beach, Oakland, and/or Seattle/Tacoma. ”

What California or Arizona communities will have large concentrations of the toxic Chinese drywall? In California: the Sacramento metro, Riverside County, Modesto, Fresno, San Jose metro, LA County, In Arizona the Phoenix metro & Tucson metro areas.

In other states, what big metro areas will have large concentrations of the toxic Chinese drywall? Texas: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio & Austin. Colorado: Denver, Boulder & Colorado Springs. New Mexico: Albuquerque, Santa Fe. Nevada: Las Vegas, & Reno.

What should homeowners in these cities who have a new home built between 2001 and 2008 be looking for with respect to the Chinese Drywall?

* The house has to have been built or remodeled after 2000.Most homes that will have the toxic Chinese drywall were built between 2004 & 2007

* There may be a rotten egg, sulfur-type, or acid type smell in the home or condominium.

* Sacramento homeowners, building owners, or occupants in most cases will have seen continuous failures of their air conditioning coils, or HVAC units beyond anything normal.

* Sacramento homeowners, building owners, or occupants may have noticed corroded, or black electrical wiring in their walls, in properties built, or remodeled since 2001. Homeowners who suspect their home may have the Chinese drywall can remove electrical receptacle plates to see if the cooper ground wire has turned black. If the wiring inside the receptacle boxes have turned black it is a strong indicator of the toxic Chinese drywall. If a homeowner in any state see’s this, they should call the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466.

* Sacramento homeowners, building owners or occupants may have experienced mild to severe upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, headaches or other potentially serious medical conditions.

* Oven, or stove elements, or refrigerator coils may have failed in the homes, or condominiums a number of times.

* Silver jewelry or silver plated utensils may be tarnished

Note: Americas Watchdog’s National Mortgage Complaint Center has been taking regional & national homebuilders for years, with issues ranging from appraisal fraud, predatory mortgage lending to title insurance scams. Http://NationalMortgageComplaintCen ter.Com

A repeat special call out to our friends in New Orleans, Texas and all Gulf Coast States. “We were in New Orleans before, during and after Hurricane Katrina. If you know, or suspect the toxic Chinese Drywall is in your house, please call the Homeowners Consumer Center at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

Americas Watchdog and its Homeowners Consumer Center are trying to get the word out about the Chinese drywall and the group is intensifying its state by state and national investigations to increase public awareness. According to the group, “if you have friends, family, co-workers or loved ones, who live in a new home built after 200, that has a sulphur, or rotten egg type smell, and or if the homeowners

Sacramento home inspector tips on a/c fuses

Sacramento Homeowners. Do not use foreign objects to replace you’re A/C fuses!

 

 

Step1

At the beginning of the Sacramento summer months, it is a good idea to pick up some replacement fuses to have on hand just in case you need them. They are relatively inexpensive and when the temperature is in the 90s, you do not want to wait too long before you get the central air conditioning back up and cooling. The fuses can be purchased at your local Sacramento hardware store.

 

Step2

Before you pick up your new fuses you have to have an idea of what kind you will need. In most central air conditioning installations there should be a disconnect switch located near the compressor outside. This is where the fuses are located. Before you open up the door on the disconnect switch, turn OFF the circuit breaker delivering power to it. It will usually be a two-pole, 30-amp breaker in your electrical panel, but not always, so be sure to check. In addition, turn OFF your thermostat before you begin troubleshooting your air conditioning unit.

 

Step3

With the circuit breaker and the thermostat OFF, head over to the disconnect switch, turn the switch OFF and open the door. Inside you will see two cartridge fuses with wires connected to terminals above and below them. Take your voltage tester and probe the two wires coming into the disconnect switch which are connected above the fuses (touch one probe to one terminal and the other probe to the other terminal). If you get no reading, probe the bottom wires as well. If you get no voltage readings on any of the wires, then it is safe to proceed.

 

Step4

Use the fuse pullers to pull out the cartridge fuses. There should be an amperage listed on the fuse (typically 30 or 40amp). You will also want to know whether your unit requires standard, fast or delay-rated fuses. For easiest replacing, take one of your fuses to the hardware store and choose one with the exact specifications. Do not temporarily replace fuses with a foreign object like tin foil or nails like the photo above.

 

Step5

Now that you have your new fuses in tow, test the existing fuses for continuity (see link in Resources below for how to test a fuse). It is possible that only one fuse may be bad, but even if that is the case, I would replace both fuses so you are not in the same position next week.

 

Step6

If the fuses are in fact the problem, then install the replacement fuses. You should use the fuse pullers to insert the new fuses into their clamps. Make sure that the fuses are fully seated into their clamps. Close the door on the disconnect switch and turn the switch back on.

 

Step7

Turn the circuit breaker back on, and lastly, turn the thermostat back on. Dial down your thermostat and you should hear the wonderful click and hum of the central air conditioning kicking on. Ah, the sound of heaven.

 

Sacramento Keep Your Home cool this summer

 solar window screen will aid in keeping the rays of the sun out of the house. This helps in lowering energy bills, a concern for many people today. Of course, these screens can do much more than simply lower energy bills.

 For example, a solar window screen is capable of reducing sun damage to furniture, walls, rugs, and other sun-sensitive items. It is not uncommon to pull a couch out from its place beneath the window and find that the entire couch has faded except for the parts that were never in the sun. At other times, a painting may be removed from the wall to reveal that the paint beneath it has not faded as the rest of the wall has. The purchase of a solar screen can aid in preventing these situations from occurring.These screens can block out 80-100% of harmful UV rays.Another benefit that a solar window screen can offer is privacy. These screens block the view into a home, while still allowing those indoors to have a good view out.Of course, it is good to keep in mind that people will be able to see into a home at night when it is lit from within. It is also good to know that plants may need to be moved closer to screened windows to ensure that they receive the right amount of light they need.Depending on where a solar window screen is purchased and on which type is bought, it may make a window look dark from the outside. If this is undesirable, a different color of screen besides black is a smart move. Researching photos of other homes which have added the screens is a good way to gain a clearer idea of how they may appear on a different building. Before and after photos are very useful in this situation.

 

Solar power for your home

 

Solar power for Sacramento  residential homes can provide hot water, warm pools, heating and even energy for cooking. This resource can be tapped with an initial investment that will pay for itself over a reasonably short period of time. Instead of paying power companies for use of non-renewable resources, families can not only save money, but help save the environment as well.

Most systems that provide solar power for residential homes compliment the traditional power systems in the house. During peak times of extreme cold, additional hot water can be heated using traditional sources. During extreme heat or cold in, solar powered Sacramento  home heating and cooling systems can be supplemented with additional use of traditional systems. Even those residential homes that obtain only forty to seventy percent of their power from solar power systems enjoy a huge savings over a period of time.

Depending on what solar power for your Sacramento residential homes are chosen, the initial investment can range from about $2,000 for a do it yourself home water heating system to much higher for systems that store power in batteries for use for heating, cooling, cooking and lighting as well as hot water. A small home created solar powered pool heating system can be built for as little as $1,000 or perhaps even less. Use of recycled material in these solar power residential systems can reduce the cost significantly. This is one area where it pays to be creative.

Of course, if you are not a do it yourself handyperson, you can have a qualified, licensed and insured contractor provide and install a complete solar power system for your Sacramento  residential home. Of course, this is more costly than a do it yourself system but it can pay off in the long run. Your solar power system will have a warranty and you will be assured of certain performance standards. If you choose to build your own panels from recycled materials, finding design plans online or in a book, there is no such guarantee or warranty. You can choose to purchase commercially available solar panels and install them yourself; this provides a warranty on the solar panels while saving money. Be sure to read the warranties and be certain that they will be valid in a self-installed system.

Some residential homes display large roof top arrays of solar panels called solar photovoltaic panels. This type of solar panel is often used to heat pool water and provide some or all of the household’s hot water needs. Often several solar arrays are necessary to meet the needs of an average family’s solar power requirements.

Probably the most common use of solar power for residential homes is to heat water for the swimming pool. The solar power system required for this application is very simple and low cost. There are even designs that can be found that use empty aluminum cans, such as beer and soft drink cans, and old sliding glass doors to create a perfectly functional system at very low cost. A little carpentry, some bending of copper pipes and the ability to follow simple instructions is all that is needed for a person with a good collection of hand and power tools to be able to build a solar power system of this type.

How complex or simple a system for solar power for residential homes you choose, you will enjoy the knowledge that you are doing your part to save the dwindling resources of our planet. You will also enjoy the fact that you will save on energy bills and, over time, the solar power for residential homes always pays for itself.

About the Author: Anita van Wyk

Getting a Sacramento home inspection can save you thousands!

Purchasing a home is probably the single largest purchase you will make in your lifetime. Don’t let a few dollars today cost you thousands tomorrow. By getting a Sacramento home inspection you will be provided with the information you need to make an informed decision about your potential new home. Home inspectors in Sacramento and the rest of California are unlicensed and unregulated and the quality of their work varies greatly. We at Golden State Home Inspections believe that no licensing and no regulation of home inspectors is a bad thing. We regularly hear horror stories about some of the poor work being conducted by local Sacramento home inspectors.

At Golden State Home Inspections, we will provide you professional assistance and guidance and let you know what needs to be maintained or repaired and why. We will explain everything in terms you will understand and educate you about your new home.

Our quaifications include a California general contractors license, member of the National Association of  Certified Home Inspectors, certifications in mold testing, infrared technology, energy audits and other related fields, We have several years of commercial and residential construction experience along with thousands of home inspections performed.

Let Golden State Home Inspections give you the safety, security and peace of mind you deserve.

Call us today 800.441.0804  for your Sacramento home inspection!

Should You Get a Home Energy Audit?

 

Whether you are concerned about your energy usage or you are in a place where you would like to make your entire home more conservative in terms of resources used, you will discover that an energy audit is something that you need to take a look at. Not only can an energy audit help you identify places where energy and thus money are being wasted, you will find that having done an energy audit recently can actually make your home attractive to potential buyers. Take some time to consider what an energy audit is, what it does, and why you need one as soon as possible!

First, many experts consider an energy audit to be the first step in making your home more efficient. Some people will find a checklist that they can go through online, while many others decide that they would rather leave something this important in the hands of professionals. Essentially, your home is examined in a step-by-step process that takes into account all the ways that you use energy and how you are going to be able to prevent the wasting of energy. In any household, there are going to be places where energy seeps away unnoticed, and the goal of an energy audit is to stop this from happening.

One important reason why you might want to have a professional energy consultation done is that it will give you a quantitative and qualitative measure of the energy that is entering and leaving your house. You will not only know what areas are not secure, but you will also have an idea of how much energy is being leaked through those areas. More importantly, it will tell you where to focus your efforts when you are looking to make sure that your energy is being preserved. There is a lot of great information out there that can help you stop energy leakage, but to make use of them, you are going to need to know when the leaks are occurring and to what extent you need to be worried about them.

Also remember that when you preserve the energy of your home, it is going to make a huge difference to your energy bill. Especially if you live in an older house and have not made the improvements that you need to make yet, you’ll discover that an energy audit can save you hundreds of dollars from your energy bill, particularly if you are facing a long winter where heating is going to be important. Similarly, if your home uses air conditioning, you’ll discover that you are going to need to think about how you can avoid air conditioning the entire neighborhood.

Take some time and really consider how an energy audit can help your household. This is something that can make a huge difference to the way that you pay your bills and even your general comfort. There are so many different ways to lose energy through that you need to notice them now and fix it.

Contact Sacramento-Home-Inspector today to schedule your energy audit.

 

Sacramento, the Grace Foundation Needs Your Help!

Natural Ant Control

 Natural ant control around the home and garden.

Ants in the garden are good guys!

Natural ant control presupposed the ants are in the house. Ants in the garden are doing their job and while they may be unsightly, they are part of nature’s design. They’re actually like little vacuum cleaners, sucking up bits of fungas and garden detritus that would otherwise act as a food source for bad guys.

If you have ants in the lawn, 

Simply mow the grass higher. you won’t see the ant hills and both you and the ants will be happier. They’ll keep cleaning up the fungus and other problems that you’ll never see-so you won’t have a need for natural ant control.

Natural ant control in the house is another matter. Here are some suggestions that have been known to work.

Ants follow “trails” left by other ants so that’s why you’ll see them in a line. If you put the food on the trail, they’ll find it. Others will go around it but soon you’ll have a line straight for your food source.

Apparently baby power or talcum power is not appreciated. I’m told if you dust the ants and the trail,they’ll stop coming.

I have used vinegar to destroy their trails and if you can get it close to the source, they’ll get confused and not come in for a while. I used it at full strength but some folks have diluted it with water. The other benefit to this of course is that it cleans the counters as you wipe out the ant trail.

Cinnamon-from the spice rack is increasingly being used in garden insect control. You might find it of use to dust the outdoor nest. As an indoor natural ant control you might want to use it as a barrier to stop them from coming indoors.

Black pepper has the same effect as above.

Bay leaves have been used for centuries for ant control. Put a leaf or two behind canisters on the counter, in your silver drawer,food shelves,anywhere ants have congregated.

Peppermint spayed around the edges of your home and at ant entry points will deter ants as will growing peppermint and other types of mints in your garden.

If you have cats, I have found a great way to keep ants away from their food dish. If you feed your cats from a bowl you can put a bread dish filled to the center rim with water and a squirt of dish soap. Mix the soap and water with your finger and place the cats bowl on top. I tried this recently and  have had no ant problems this  far. You can also get a feeding dish that has this same concept for around $20.00 at www.theantser.com

 

 

 

Read more: http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/natural-ant-control.html#ixzz0Ki18l9Te&C

Read more: http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/natural-ant-control.html#ixzz0Ki0PIMf2&C

Natural ant control presupposed the ants are in the house.  Ants in the garden are doing their job and while they may be unsightly, they are part of nature’s design.  They’re actually like little vacuum cleaners, sucking up bits of fungus and garden detritus that would otherwise act as a food source for bad guys. 

Read more: http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/natural-ant-control.html#ixzz0Khz6uUQM&C

 

Natural ant control presupposed the ants are in the house.  Ants in the garden are doing their job and while they may be unsightly, they are part of nature’s design.  They’re actually like little vacuum cleaners, sucking up bits of fungus and garden detritus that would otherwise act as a food source for bad guys. 

Read more: http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/natural-ant-control.html#ixzz0Khz6uUQM&C

 

Natural ant control presupposed the ants are in the house.  Ants in the garden are doing their job and while they may be unsightly, they are part of nature’s design.  They’re actually like little vacuum cleaners, sucking up bits of fungus and garden detritus that would otherwise act as a food source for bad guys. 

Read more: http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/natural-ant-control.html#ixzz0KhywDQQM&C

Summer Maintenance Tips For Your Home

Summer tips

• Check all recreational equipment and review outdoor safety tips
• Check your wood deck or concrete patio for possible deterioration
• Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
• Check exterior siding
• Check all window and door locks for proper operation
• Have your roof inspected for potential leaks once every few years
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Check your home for water leaks
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
• Check your water heater
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Socialize your dog to help reduce potential dog bites

Check all recreational equipment and review outdoor safety tips

Swimming Pool Safety

• Pool equipment should be checked frequently.
• Consider removing diving boards. At a minimum, check them periodically to make sure bolts are tightened, the base is secured to the concrete and surfaces are slip-resistant.
• Pool slides can be particularly dangerous. Never go down the slide headfirst. Make sure bolts are tightened and secured.
• Provide handrails where narrow or steep steps are present and cover steps with a nonskid material. Check routinely to make sure they are secure and have no sharp edges and replace all broken treads.
• Make sure there is secure fencing around any pool to keep children and unauthorized individuals from the pool area. All gates should be self-closing and lockable.
• Completely remove pool covers when anyone is in the pool. Extreme care should be taken to prevent children from climbing on top of the cover or getting caught underneath. Check the cover often and remove water that accumulates on top; make sure the cover is properly anchored and tied down.
• Make sure there is rescue equipment around the pool.
• Depth markings should be completely visible to all swimmers.
• Secure all grates and drains so they cannot be removed without the use of tools. Instruct all swimmers on the dangers of entrapment and drowning that can occur when fingers, toes or the body come too close to these items. Anyone with long hair should also be cautioned not to get his or her hair near a pool outlet because the suction can be strong enough to hold even an adult under water.
• Follow manufacturer directions for proper storage of all pool chemicals in a clean, well-ventilated area that can be secured.
• Make sure all electrical appliances are kept away from the pool and use ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets at outside receptacles.

Trampoline Safety

• Trampolines should be used only with adult supervision, including spotters.
• Beginners should wear elbow and knee pads over their clothing.
• No jewelry, belts with buckles or other dangling items should be worn.
• Place the trampoline away from obstructions and use ground mats to soften a fall. (The surface surrounding the trampoline should be soft.)
• There should be only one person on a trampoline at a time; horseplay should not be permitted.
• No one should use the trampoline when tired, on medication or under the influence of alcohol.
• Consider using safety devices, such as a harness-like belt that attaches to the sides of the trampoline to keep the jumper centered.
• Somersaults are the leading cause of quadriplegic injuries. They should never be allowed.

Check your wood deck or concrete patio for possible deterioration

• If you find any exposed wood surfaces, they should be stained or painted.

Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs

Other safety ideas for stairs:

• Tile and painted wood or concrete stairs can be slippery when wet or when a person’s shoes are wet. Resurface the treads with slip-resistant strips near the stair nosing.
• All stairs of at least three risers should have a handrail.
• Do not store items on the stairs.

Check exterior siding

Brick veneer

• Check for any open cracks that are wider than 1/16 inch. Seal these with a clear silicone sealant or have them tuck-pointed. Fill only the crack to prevent excessive water from getting inside the wall.
• Check for soft mortar joints, which crumble. If the mortar joints are still flush, they should be watched. If they have washed out beyond 1/4 inch from the face, the mortar joints in this area should be tuck-pointed. Mortar joints are usually most susceptible to deterioration. The mortar should be firm and extend to the corner of the brick. Contact a qualified professional to complete these repairs.
• If the mortar is soft and crumbly or has holes, exposing the brick edges, the mortar joints need to be tuck-pointed. This involves removing the existing mortar back at least 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch and replacing with new mortar. Contact a qualified professional to complete these repairs.

Synthetic Stucco (EIFS siding)

• For additional information on EIFS, go to the Institute for Business and Home Safety at http://www.disastersafety.org/

Vinyl and Aluminum Siding

• Check for cracks or damaged siding; replace or repair. The biggest threat to siding is the wind. Wind can catch seams and corners and tear lightweight vinyl or aluminum siding off the walls. This then allows water into the wall cavity, causing water damage.

Wood Siding

• Check for any peeling paint. Scrape and repaint these areas.
• Remove vines growing on the house, siding, brick or mortar. They can compromise the integrity of the siding.
• Trim or cut back tree branches away from your home to reduce damage in the event of a wind or ice storm.

Check all window and door locks for proper operation.

• Windows that can be opened by breaking the glass and unlocking the lock are less effective deterrents to criminals. Check with your local hardware store for window lock alternatives.
• All exterior doors, including doors from your attached garage, should have deadbolt locks.

Have your roof inspected for potential leaks once every few years.

 

Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

 

Check your home for water leaks

• Read more about Preventing water damage in your home.

Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles

• Replace hoses that show signs of leaking. If needed, hire a qualified plumber.

Check your water heater

• If you have a gas-fired water heater, make sure it is venting properly. Light a match next to the vent and wave it out (don’t blow it out). See if the smoke is pulled up into the vent. If it isn’t, have a professional inspect and repair it. Otherwise, carbon monoxide and other byproducts of incomplete combustion can build up in the home.
• Check around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. If your water heater is over 5 years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced.

Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer

• Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust duct and cause fire.

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