6/10/2013 1:50:00 PM by Harris Services
A water damage can be a tragic event! No one is comfortable arriving to their home from either a hard day of work, a well-deserved vacation, or even a trip to the supermarket, to find a house that has taken on water from a busted water supply line.
A helpful hint to keep water where it belongs is to replace your existing traditional supply lines with braided steel lines. A braided supply line is usually constructed with a durable braided outer sheathing that covers a tough nylon tubing. These flexible supply lines are designed with screw-on connectors on both ends, allowing you to make an easy connection to the water shut-off valve.
It is recommended that you consider replacing the lines leading to toilets, sinks, wash basins, clothes washers, dish washers, and ice makers. Some of the benefits of a flexible braided line include:
- The flexible hose is like a plain old garden hose, it hangs loosely when it’s installed, and the excess length hangs in a loose loop
- Since you don’t have to cut the hose, it comes preassembled with nipple ends, plastic or soft metal
- The ends are watertight, so no compression fitting has to be added
Also, please remember to turn off the main water supply to you home if you plan on taking an extended trip. After shutting off the main valve, turn on your faucets to drain the remaining water. Turn off your faucets when the water stops flowing.
While updating your supply lines is a capital expense, it is a cost effective means to upgrade and protect your home from a potential catastrophe.