The Most Dangerous Places In Your Home
When it comes to safety in the home, it is important to consider some of the areas that may pose risks on a daily basis. The laundry room, basement, and garage are all areas that can be potentially hazardous if not approached with caution. For instance, the basement may house some of the most dangerous appliances in the home, including the furnace and water heater. Meanwhile, the garage may be home to chemicals and potentially dangerous tools, such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers.
It is important to realize the potential dangers that lurk in each of these areas, but often it is the laundry room that is overlooked. While there may only be a washer and dryer present, these appliances should be given plenty of attention, as they too can be deemed unsafe. Thus, it is essential to take the necessary steps to understand and mitigate these hazards to ensure a safe living environment for all in the household. Remember, safety should always come first!
Clothes Washing Machine
Safety Switches.
Clothes washing machine door safety switches are a crucial component in ensuring the safe operation of these appliances. These switches are designed to prevent the machine from starting or continuing its cycle if the door is not securely closed. This feature serves to protect users from potential injuries caused by accessing the machine while it’s in operation. When the door is opened or not properly closed, the safety switch interrupts the power supply to the machine, disabling its functions. This mechanism prevents accidents, such as water spills, contact with moving parts, or exposure to electrical hazards. It is essential to regularly inspect and maintain the door safety switch to ensure its proper functioning, promoting a safer laundry experience for everyone in the household.
Washer Location and Drain Pans.
If your washer is located in an area where a leak can cause water damage you should have an overflow drain pan installed.
Clothes washer overflow pans play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage and the development of mold. These pans are typically installed beneath the washing machine and are designed to catch any water that may overflow or leak from the appliance. By capturing excess water, the overflow pan prevents it from seeping into the floor, walls, or other surrounding areas where it can cause structural damage and promote mold growth. To further prevent mold, it’s important to regularly inspect the overflow pan and clean it as needed. Keeping the area clean and dry, as well as ensuring proper drainage from the pan, will help mitigate the risk of mold formation. Additionally, addressing any leaks or issues with the washer promptly and performing routine maintenance will contribute to a healthier and mold-free laundry area.
Metal high-sided drain pans are superior to the plastic low-side drain pans found at most home stores. A plastic pan simply can not hold the volume of water that a high-sided metal pan can hold and they are prone to cracking.
Washer Water Supply.
Although rubber hoses are typically installed as water supply lines for the washer, they should not be used on a permanent basis unless they were specifically manufactured for prolonged pressurization. Cheap rubber hoses should be used like garden hoses: turn the shutoff valves on to fill the washer and then turn the valves off after using the washer. This is rarely done because the valves are hard to turn on and off, and they are behind the washer, where they are difficult to reach. When left pressurized, rubber hoses will blister and burst.
Considering the damage that can occur from water, and the knowledge about water that manufacturers possess, one would think that washer manufacturers would want to supply the best connections with their appliances, but common sense does not seem to prevail here. So if you’re buying a new washer and dryer, and your installer shows up with the manufacturer’s cheap stuff, as discussed here, ask them to upgrade all your connections. Ask them for quality connections during your purchase so that they will bring the connections with them at the time of installation.
The Drain Line.
In regards to the drain line, it is essential to ensure that the drain line is securely fastened to the drain to prevent water pressure from dislodging the drain hose. This secure connection is important to maintain proper drainage and prevent any potential water leaks or spills. By securing the drain line, you can ensure that the water flows smoothly and safely out of the washer without the risk of the hose becoming detached from the drain line. This simple precautionary measure helps maintain the functionality and efficiency of your laundry system while avoiding any potential water-related issues.
Noisy Water Supply Pipes.
If you notice a banging noise when using the washer (or at any other place where there are water shutoff valves, like sinks), the likely cause is a condition called “water hammer.” It occurs when water shuts off almost instantaneously, causing full-flow water to try to come to an instantaneous stop. If the metal water supply pipes are not secured well within the walls, they will bang against them. Water hammer can usually be stopped by installing water hammer arrestors to prevent banging. Consult with a licensed plumbing professional if you have noisy pipes.
Clothes Dryer
Dryer Vent Material.
Although corrugated plastic or metal foil connectors are commonly used from dryer to flue, they should be kept as short as possible. Corrugated materials should not be used as the main dryer flue since they can result in dryer inefficiency, overheating, and fires. Long corrugated connectors should be replaced with a smooth metal section if the connector is over three feet long. Screws used to hold together sections of vent material should be avoided to prevent the buildup of lint on the screw tips.
Dryer Vent Termination.
Improper dryer venting can cause fires and moisture damage. Dryer lint, which is highly flammable when dry, can lead to lint fires and flue fires. Wet lint is highly absorbent and can cause moisture damage when distributed in areas like the foundation crawl space or attic. Additionally, wildlife can be attracted to lint accumulations. Openings from the attic to the living area can create a health hazard. Dryer flues should not terminate in foundation crawl spaces, attics, or garages. The dryer vent should terminate an exterior location to prevent moist air from causing structural damage. Screens should not be installed on the dryer vent termination. Screens will become clogged with lint and create a fire hazard.
Making Appliances Safer
To make your appliances safer and protect your home, consider implementing the following measures:
- Consider having us perform a home maintenance inspection.
- Inspect washing machine water supply lines and replace them if you see any damage or are outside the manufactures recommended replacement range.
- Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for washers and dryers. Pay attention to the limitations on the length and material of the flue.
- Regularly check and maintain your appliances at least every three months.
- Check the kitchen exhaust vent hood for blockages or restrictions.
- Remove gasoline and chemicals that can off-gas into the homes.
- Check for any recall notices at https://www.recalls.gov/cpsc.html.
