Living in the Pacific Northwest rain can cause potential water damgage in your home but that there are also many other water sources other than rain that can damage you home. Below is a wonderul article courtesy of Jefferson Livingston at Pillar to Post Home Inspection Services to help you educate yourself on potential water damage in your home.
Water damage can come from a variety of sources: storms, flooding, broken water pipes and lines, leaking washing machines, and more. This can lead to mold and odor problems, and worse. If left unmitigated, water damage can eventually cause structural damage, which can entail significant costs to repair and can even affect a home’s value.
Prevention is the first defense against water damage. Here are some basics on preventing water damage and its effects:
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Water supply lines to and from washing machines and dishwashers should be regularly checked for leaks. Both the hoses themselves and the connections should be examined. Even a small leak can cause water damage over time, so any leaks should be repaired immediately. If the laundry room is located on the main floor or above, damage to the floor and ceiling below can be especially problematic.
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Tank-style water heaters are prone to leaking, especially after several years of use. Over time, the bottom of the tank can rust out, causing a serious leak. Ideally, an overflow valve should be installed that will conduct leaking water to a pipe that will drain either outside or to an appropriate interior drain.
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Another common source of water leaks is the icemaker supply line; this should be checked as well.
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Be aware that pipe leakage can occur inside the walls or ceiling and may be impossible to detect visually before damage has already occurred.
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Gutters and downspouts should be checked to ensure that water is flowing away from the home’s foundation. Make any adjustments, and check the flow again using water from a garden hose.
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Water leak detectors can be installed at floor level near water heaters and interior air conditioning units. Simple, inexpensive wireless models are widely available and will sound an alarm when water is detected on the floor near these appliances.
For more information on home inspection services, Jefferson Livingston at Pillar to Post would be happy to help. www.PillartoPost.com/nwwa.com
If you are anything like me than gardening does not come naturally to you. I seem to be the polar opposite of a green thumb when it comes to keeping plants alive. Below are some tips that I have found helpful in the past for keeping my potted plants alive and well.
Almost everyone has had to deal with the issue of a clogged drain in their house. No matter how careful you are with what goes down the drain it seems to be inevitable from time to time. Pillar to Post Home inspection has some great ideas to unclog your drain with a few inexpensive household items. Using items have at home you can avoid a costly visit from the plumber by clearing drain clogs yourself.
There is no doubt about it extreme Winter temperatures have hit Bellingham and all of Whatcom County. Right now my outside thermometer is reading 21 degrees and the wind is gusting to 40 mph yes, 40mph! It’s downright nasty outside. With these cold temperatures we need to not just keep ourselves warm but also our homes. Below are tips to keep fixtures and pipes from freezing around your home during these Winter temperatures.
 Disconnect all garden hoses and other outside water connections. Whenever possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house. Homeowners might also consider using the Foam insulation covers for outdoor faucets.
 With all this hot weather we have been having it’s important not to forget about your lawn. This time of year with the heat it is helpful to mow at the second to the highest setting (2 1/2 to 3 inches long). To insure that you don’t remove too much green, mow off only 1/3 of the blade at a time, since most of the green in your lawn is located in the top portion of the blade. If you mow at these settings you will be helping your lawn by:
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