When our neighbor had a near-flood, it got our attention.
After checking with our insurance company, we learned many water damage claims are the result of the same problem our neighbor had — a ruptured or split washing machine hose.
If the hose is left under pressure and it lets loose while no one is home, water will flow through the house for hours.
To prevent that from happening you can add a safety valve kit, a leak detection system that automatically shuts off the water whenever it detects a leak in the washing machine. The kit allows water to flow to the machine only on demand, so the hoses aren't left under pressure.
A plumber will install the kit for $185. You can buy and install it yourself for $135, the cost of the device, which we found at onsiteproducts.com. It's easy to install yourself, and you'll save 27 percent. Plug the washing machine into the device's control box and plug it into an electrical outlet. When you turn on the washing machine, the valves open; they close when the machine shuts off.
Pro Cost: $185
DIY Cost: $135
Pro Time: 1 hour
DIY Time: 1.1 hours
DIY Savings: $50
Percent Saved: 27 percent
After checking with our insurance company, we learned many water damage claims are the result of the same problem our neighbor had — a ruptured or split washing machine hose.
If the hose is left under pressure and it lets loose while no one is home, water will flow through the house for hours.
To prevent that from happening you can add a safety valve kit, a leak detection system that automatically shuts off the water whenever it detects a leak in the washing machine. The kit allows water to flow to the machine only on demand, so the hoses aren't left under pressure.
A plumber will install the kit for $185. You can buy and install it yourself for $135, the cost of the device, which we found at onsiteproducts.com. It's easy to install yourself, and you'll save 27 percent. Plug the washing machine into the device's control box and plug it into an electrical outlet. When you turn on the washing machine, the valves open; they close when the machine shuts off.
Pro Cost: $185
DIY Cost: $135
Pro Time: 1 hour
DIY Time: 1.1 hours
DIY Savings: $50
Percent Saved: 27 percent
