There’s a ticking bomb in your right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one. And each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.
We here at Berkshire Insurance Services are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course.
Consider your humble washing machine: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), washing-machine failures cost an average of more than $5,000, and faulty hoses are responsible for more than half of those failures.
You can take steps to defuse these ticking time bombs — or at least make them less likely to go off. Here are the common hoses and tubes you should be checking:
Washing Machine
Most washing machines come with rubber hoses that connect to your water supply — hoses that can wear out and eventually burst. The IBHS says to check frequently for blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks, and loose connections. Even if there is no obvious wear, replace hoses every five years. Use a reinforced steel-braided hose, as they are less likely to fail.
Dryer
Although you should clean the lint trap in your dryer with every load, danger lurks behind the dryer as well. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), lint build-up in the dryer or the exhaust duct can block the flow of air and cause heat build-up, resulting in a fire. To help prevent fires, the CPSC recommends the following steps:
- Clean the lint screen/filter before or after each load
- Clean dryer vent and exhaust duct regularly
- Clean behind the dryer where lint can build up
- Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct
- Take special care when drying clothes soiled with volatile chemicals
Refrigerator
If your refrigerator has an icemaker or water dispenser, it also has a hose connecting it to the water supply. Replace the standard hose with a steel-braided line for added security.
Dishwasher
Dishwasher leaks can easily go undetected, so it’s important to check these connections regularly as well. Make sure that hoses and lines have no kinks, and periodically remove and clean the filter in the dishwasher, which is designed to stop food pieces from making it into the drain hose.
Gas Grills
At least once a year (typically when you fire up the grill for the first time after winter), check the hose connecting the fuel source to the burners. Simply brush it with some soapy water, turn the gas on (do not light the grill), and check the hose for air bubbles. If you see any, replace the hose and fitting.
In addition to checking your hoses regularly and replacing them when needed, there are monitoring systems available now that can automatically shut off your water supply in the event of a failure. Some detect leaks with moisture indicators, while at least one new system actually checks your water meter for unusual activity.
To further protect you, your Homeowner’s Insurance may cover certain damage that results from appliance hose failures. But, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and on your specific policy. You may find that an appliance hose failure is not covered by your insurance, so it’s best to maintain your appliances to avoid damage in the first place.
If you have questions about your Homeowner’s Insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Berkshire Insurance Services are happy to help. Give us a call at (610) 376-7300 or find us online.
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