Smart Moves Home Inspections, LLC
Bethlehem, Pa
Smart Moves Home Inspections, LLC
Residential Home Inspections
My Blog
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 3:46 PM |
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Over time, all washing machine hoses will wear out. Roughly, the included rubber hoses will last 8-9 years. Cracks, blisters, bulges, drips can lead to costly repairs with the average claim reaching close to $6,000. $6,000 for a repair you don't even need to hire a plumber for! It is imperative to inspect laundry hoses regularly and upgrade hoses to a reinforced, steel-braided type. These replacement hoses are a low cost ($10-20) preventative action against costly repairs (not to mention upset neighbors that live below you) and they are EASY to install. Some really good information can be found here - DisasterSafety.org. Something I recommend on every inspection (along with a drip pan under the washer - especially if there is living space below the unit). This simple upgrade not only will save huge dollars but give you piece of mind. Also consider installing a single throw water shutoff valve AND USE IT! After every wash turn off the water to the hoses to relive the water pressure limiting the risk of failed rubber hoses. |
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:26 AM |
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Posted on May 9, 2012 at 12:36 PM |
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There are many sources of roof staining and they vary in significance, from cosmetic to harmful to the roof.
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Posted on January 19, 2012 at 1:51 PM |
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Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:32 AM |
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Posted on April 25, 2011 at 10:28 AM |
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Posted on February 21, 2011 at 8:43 AM |
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According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fires
and even deaths have been reported to have been caused by this hazard. Problems
due to aluminum wiring expansion, or arcing at the aluminum wiring connectors,
can cause overheating at connections between the wire and
devices (switches and outlets) or at aluminum wire splices. The connections can become hot enough
to start a fire without ever tripping a circuit breaker! CPSC research shows that "homes wired with aluminum wire manufactured before 1972 are 55 times more
likely to have one or more connections reach "Fire Hazard Conditions"
than are homes wired with copper. "Post 1972" aluminum wire is also a concern. Introduction of the aluminum wire
"alloys" in 1972 time frame did not solve most of the connection failure problems. Aluminum wiring is still permitted and used for certain
applications, including residential service entrance wiring and
single-purpose higher amperage circuits such as 240V air conditioning or
electric range
circuits. The fire risk from single purpose circuits is much less than
for branch circuits. But it's not necessarily because of a "new alloy" as some folks
assert. It's because there are
enormously fewer connections (four or six rather than 30 or 40 per
circuit) and thus statistically a smaller chance of a connection
failure. These connections do still
burn up, as indicated by field reports. How to Repair Aluminum Electrical Wiring to Reduce the Hazards - Repair Alternatives & Choices Once the initial steps above have been addressed here are the choices for safe repair of aluminum wiring: Re-wire the Building replacing all aluminum branch circuit wiring with copper, as a "best repair method" for aluminum wiring, OR as a
next-best aluminum wiring repair method Use the special AMP (now TYCO) COPALUM connector and special tool to
connect short copper wires to every aluminum wire end in the building, reconnecting the copper to the
various devices (outlets, switches, lights) and splices.
This "copper pigtailing" procedure is performed by an electrician trained
and licensed by AMP or TYCO to use this COPALUM procedure.
The TYCO COPALUM connector method is described
is described at PIGTAILING USING AMP "COPALUM" CONNECTORS.
Typically this approach costs about half that of completely re-wiring a home with copper. |
Posted on November 24, 2010 at 10:46 AM |
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Posted on November 22, 2010 at 8:44 AM |
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For more information on mold, see the website at www.epa.gov/mold Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any
organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are
molds that can
grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When
excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials,
mold growth will often occur,
particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or
unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in
the indoor environment.
However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling
moisture indoors.
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Posted on November 15, 2010 at 1:29 PM |
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The EPA and the U.S. Geological
Survey have rated every county in the United States as Zone 1 to 3 for radon risk. Links to state maps with county by-
county risk levels can be found at www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html. Go here for great info specifically for Pennsylvanians. The EPA recommends that all homes
in Zone 1 counties be built with radon-resistant features,
which can be easily upgraded to a radon remediation system
if needed. Since homes in Zones 2 and 3 can also have
high levels, it is best to check with your state radon office
to see if they are aware of any local “hot spots.” According to the Surgeon General, Radon is the 2nd leading cause of Cancer in the US. Everyone should have their home tested and now is the best time. It is an easy, inexpensive, non-invasive procedure. Call to schedule for a radon test. |