Most people don’t think about a lot of simple steps they can take as preventative maintenance within the home. In this short post you’ll find a few important ideas for preventing issues within your laundry room or laundry area.
There are several items that should be checked on an annual basis including:
- Water supply line connections and condition
- Drain line connections and condition
- Drain line condition and condition
- Dryer vent connection
- Dryer vent cleanliness
Washing Machine Water Supply Lines
One of the top reasons for insurance claims is leakage at washing machine water supply lines. Inspect these lines at least annually and replace them every three years if they are plastic. If you notice the metal ends rusty or discolored in any way replace them immediately.
Washing Machine Drain Lines
Washing machine drain line condition is as important as the water supply lines. Checking the connection at the washing machine should be done annually by tightening the line with an adjustable wrench or pliers. The line should not be able to be tightened any further if the line is properly tightened.
Dryer Issues
When it comes to dryers it is important to periodically monitor the dryer when it is running. If you smell a mustiness or otherwise high humidity an investigation of the vent is warranted. Dryers must vent directly to the exterior. Often times we find vents that terminate in attics, garages or even the laundry room. Many people think that they can recover some of that heat to help heat the room. The problem with that is while you do recover that heat you also recover that moisture. Want a moldy room? This is a good way to do it.
Back to maintenance tips. Your lint screen should be cleared between each load. This not only prevents fires but also help increase the life of the heating element. Another good tip is to clean the lint screen with warm water and dish soap at least once a week. This helps keep the screen free of fabric softener residue. While we are on the subject, cleaning the dryer vent is another important act in preventing a possible fire. Cleaning the vent annually is a must, every 6 months would be better especially if you dryer is older and the lint screen in damaged at all.
Many of these steps should take less than 15 minutes and are good preventative maintenance to be performed as part of your annual maintenance program.
As always, I hope you have taken some value from this post. If you have a suggestion for a maintenance topic please submit them to my email below.
-AZ
Aaron M. Zuehlke is the owner and inspector at Zuehlke Inspection Service, LLC, a full-service home inspection company serving Southern Wisconsin. Specializing in Home inspection, Radon Testing, Mold Testing/inspection, Residential Thermal Imaging, and Manufactured Home Foundation Certifications. He also manages several rental properties through Zuehlke Properties, LLC. He can be reached by email at Aaron@Zuehlkeinspections.com or by calling the office at 608-931-7485.