Spring cleaning is the perfect time to give your pipes and plumbing a look. Quick checks and minor upgrades now could save you from big headaches later. At Red River Mutual, we want to take out some of the guesswork by giving you a checklist of tips and tricks to avoid disaster. Check out these Loss Prevention Tips and start your Spring with peace of mind.

1.) Check Your Pipes

Once known as “the pipe of the future” Polybutylene plumbing is now hasn’t quite lived up to the name. They’re prone to leaking as the pipes’ interior walls and fittings break down and flake apart. If you see grey plastic pipes in your home, or blue, black or grey pipes entering your house from underground, they could be poly. Poly pipes can break down and leak without warning, warranting significant repairs. We suggest replacing them as soon as your budget allows.

For more information about Polybutylene plumbing and how to save money replacing them, check out the full Red River Mutual Loss Prevention Tip.

2.) Check Your Appliances

A leading cause of water damage in homes is the failure of the flexible rubber hoses that connect the washing machine to the hot and cold-water supply lines. Checking your washing machine hoses now could prevent a leak and save you the cost of new flooring or drywall down the line. Hoses that come with new washing machines are typically low quality. We recommend the following precautions to keep your laundry room dry.

• Inspect hoses monthly
• Keep your washing machine at least 4″ from the wall
• Upgrade your hoses

While you’re checking your washing machine, it’s also a great time to check your dishwasher.

For more tips about washing machine maintenance, check out the complete Loss Prevention Tip.

3.) Check Your Septic Tank

Making septic tank maintenance a priority has benefits beyond your peace of mind. It can also prevent accidents that could have a significant impact on your neighbours and the environment. Follow these tips to ensure you can rest easy knowing your septic tank isn’t a disaster waiting to happen.

• Reduce the amount of water entering the system. Install water‐efficient appliances and devices such as low‐flow toilets and showerheads and maximize your dishwasher and washing machine’s capacity.
• Use biodegradable or environmentally friendly cleaning products. Chemicals that wash down your drain can harm the good bacteria in your septic tank.
• Keep out solids that could clog up the system. This includes fat, grease, oil, coffee grounds, kitchen waste, personal hygiene products, paper towels, medications, disinfectants, bleach, etc.

For warning signs of a failing septic system, check out the Loss Prevention Tip.

Check Now, Save Later

Add these three checks to your list this spring, and you could save yourself an expensive claim this year.

To find more Red River Mutual Loss Prevention Tips, please visit our Loss Prevention Tips Archive.