TIPS FROM YOUR SEA WOODS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH contact: Martha - SeaWoodsNWatch@yahoo.com Over the 2010 Summer months we have had some problems with hot water heaters, broken supply lines to the washing machines and air conditioning condensation drains. Please note below the email I received from Sea Woods Property Manager, Linda Armstrong, in regard to these problems. Please read and consider Linda's suggestions. The hot water heater that burst caused expense to the owner, as the unit was flooded causing considerable damage. Insurance covered some of it - but the deductible was the owner's responsibility. Some insurance companies will NOT cover the cost of the broken supply lines to washing machines unless the hoses are the ones reinforced with metal. Problems recently were from a burst hot water heater that was the original heater— so it had to be over 20 years old. Most companies will not give more than a 10 year guarantee and it's pushing your luck to have one over 15 years especially if you rent and/or aren’t here often to check it for rust, etc.. Also, problems from broken supply lines to the washing machine. You can now buy hoses reinforced with metal. If the hoses break and no one is there, water keeps running out since the connection to the washer is turned on at the faucet. The air conditioning condensation drain line gets algae, dust and other debris and clogs — flooding the area where the AC is located and out on the adjacent carpet or tile. Many AC companies will do yearly service for $18.95 and will clear these lines when they service the AC unit. When it is really hot the AC unit will put out gallons of water. A lot of the AC units are over top of hot water heaters, so if the lines back up—it can leak down on the water heater which can speed up the rust process. The A/C drain pipe should be flushed with Clorox at the very least once a year. Other suggestions which are important: 1. Smoke detectors should be changed at least after 10 years. 2. Turn off water when leaving as well as Hot Water circuit breaker. 3 Cover toilets with Saran Wrap to keep water from evaporating. 4. Cover all drains to keep bugs from coming up the drains. 5. Give a key to neighbor to check on unit 6 By law, owners of Condos, Villas, and Verandas MUST give Property Manager a key to unit. If there is a leak or serious problem and we cannot get into your unit, it can end up being extremely costly.