Blog Authored by: Ken Mogren, CPCU
A typical home washer and dryer, sitting side by side, only take up about 6 square feet of space, but those 6 square feet are potentially the site of some very costly events.
Overheated dryers are a common source of house fires and obviously can spread far beyond the laundry room. Lint is often the culprit, so the lint filter is your friend, provided you clean it out after every load. It’s also a good idea to never leave the house with the dryer running.
The hoses that bring water to your washer are also a potential trouble spot. They sometimes burst and when that happens, water will run until someone discovers it. Things could be floating before the discovery if the problem occurs while you are on vacation.
The risk of a hose failing increases with age. Experts recommend replacing them every 3 to 5 years, even if they look fine. Buying the cheapest hoses increases the risk. Braided stainless steel hoses or high quality reinforced rubber hoses are your best bet, but even the best hoses can fail.
It’s also smart to turn off the water supply to your home if you will be away for an extended period.