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Circle Point Homes Real Estate, Inc.

How to Protect Your Property and Some Things That Each Homeowner Can Do Each Year

In living in a multi-family building, there are several things that each homeowner can do to reduce property damage and increase personal safety for the property and individuals alike. The top three national insurance companies make 60% of all claims for water damage concerning hot water tanks, dishwashers, washer machine and toilets due to spillage, breaks in supply lines, back-ups or out dated warranty equipment that fail and frozen pipes. Here are a few things to look for each year:

INSIDE YOUR UNIT

o Washing machine hoses need to be checked to see if they will spring a leak. Replace old hoses with a stainless steel flex hose to have a long term life for this product.

o The dishwasher may need its supply side hose replaced, which may require to have the floor panel cover removed to see the underside of the machine. Also check monthly, the drain in the inside to make sure that nothing is blocking the drain.

o Clean under the refrigerator to reduce dust bunnies on the floor. Cleaning the backside of this equipment and keeping the coils free of dust increases the efficiency of the refrigerator and reduces the energy use which extends the life of the equipment. (be mindful of the ice makers water line)

o Hot water tanks need attention whether it is gas or electric. Since the late 1990's, all tanks have a warranty, which the homeowner should hand print in large letters the information on the front of the tank stating the date of installation and who installed it, warranty time period and how many gallons of water in this tank. Currently, all hot water tanks need an expansion tank, have earthquake strapping, have an over-flow pan and/or over flow drain and have a working pressure reducing valve. ( a visual yearly inspection by a qualified individual is strongly recommended)

o Toilets need to be checked for leaks in the tank, around the base seeping water and any supply line regularly.

o Clogged drains can be clogged due to hair, body oils, garbage disposals, grease and sewage backups. Do not use Drano or any similar product because this type of product will erode the piping and any seals. Please try a plunger (funnel-shaped or heavy duty professional) first to clear the drain line. A product called Hair-away has been effective for hair clogs. It is best not to put any grease down a drain for any time of the year. If the building has a sewage back-up the entire drain must be cleaned to the City main line before the plumbing system can work properly again.

o Visually inspect you r windows and exterior doors and sliding doors for any and all water intrusions and address initially.

o Know where you r main water shut off is located in your unit and for the main of the building.

o Smoke detectors need to be vacuumed each year to remove dust, check and change out the batteries and make sure that the detector does work by using the test button. (Change the battery yearly when you set your clock for the time change)

o Electrical outlet that are visually burned must be replace by a qualified person, breakers that have been tripped multiple times must be replace they will not work when needed otherwise, baseboard and wall heater should be vacuumed inside and around the elements at least once a year at least by the fall, and visually inspect all electrical cords for drying, cracking and replace when needed.

o When you are away from your home or your home is vacant for any reason during the fall, winter and early spring time it is of paramount importance to leave you r heat on at no lower than 60 degrees to keep the popes from freezing and water condensation form forming inside.

OUTSIDE THE BUILDING

o Remove all hoses and store for the Winter in a warm/dry location

o Cover all hose bibs with a cover from all freezing temperatures to prevent the pipe from bursting. (Including enclosed deck)

o          Wash off and remove any algae and mold (slimy stuff) from your deck. Keep your deck s clean at all times.

Please notify us, and give the address of the unit should you need any help or you see any damage beginning to occur immediately.

Appliances’ average life expectancy

• Dishwashers: 9 years
• Dryers: 13 years
• Freezers: 11 years
• Refrigerators: 13 years
• Ranges (gas): 15 years
• Washing machines: 10 years

Should I repair it?

When determining the answer, consider the following:

Yes. If the appliance is still under warranty, call a factory-authorized repair shop.
Yes. If the appliance is an antique or a favorite high-end model you would like to continue to use. Make sure the repairs restore the appliance to current safety standards.
Yes. If the repairs are minor and will extend the life of the appliance for at least three to four years.
Maybe. If the product is not under warranty, call several qualified independent contractors to receive quotes on the cost of repairing. A reputable provider will help you assess your options, including the pros and cons of repairing versus buying.
No. If the repairs are extensive and add up to more than half of the product’s original cost.