Be On The Lookout For Wet Basements And Crawlspaces

Slowly but surely spring is coming, and with the amount of snow we have this year it could become a problem in your home if it melts too fast. Water can exert tremendous force on your basement walls, and no expensive interior sealant will keep it out if the hydraulic pressure is great enough. With temperatures forecast into the 30's and 40's for the next few days many of us will find out how well our basements and crawlspaces are sealed. Dirt crawlspaces with no poly seal are a particular problem since soil gas and mold spores have direct access to the home, often through leaky ducts.

If you have basement or crawlspace moisture problems call me at 475-2415 ext. 35 or stop in my office at Trust Lands - 27 Store Road. We can determine why the moisture is intruding and give advice on flood cleanup and steps that can prevent future floods. Give me a call!

Do You Ever Think About The Water Suppy Hoses To Your Washing Machine?

You Should!

The rubber hoses commonly sold for this can unexpectedly fail, particularly the hot water supply. Failure of these hoses are one of major sources of water damage in homes, and most people never even consider this until they are up to their ankles in water.

I was reminded of this the other day when one of these hoses began leaking after I had moved a washer slightly. The homeowner said the hoses were put in when the washer was installed - about fifteen years before. Rubber hoses need to be replaced at least every five years, or better yet replaced with stainless steel flex hose.

I never thought about them myself until I was at one of my mold trainings last summer and found out how often the rubber hoses fail. I went out and immediately bought stainless and now I sleep better at night.