Hitting Home Blog

Smelly Front Load Washer Settlement

9/28/2016

If you purchased, acquired, or received as a gift a new Whirlpool, Kenmore, or Maytag front-loading washing machine manufactured between 2001 and 2010, you may be entitled to cash or other compensation as part of a class action settlement.A settlement has been reached with Whirlpool Corporation (“Whirlpool”) and Sears, Roebuck and Co. (“Sears”) (together, “Defendants”) in several class action lawsuits claiming that certain front-loading washing machines manufactured between 2001 and 2010 fail to adequately self-clean themselves of laundry residue, resulting in mold or mildew buildup that can cause bad odors and ruined laundry. Defendants deny they did anything wrong. CLICK HERE to see a complete list of the washer models that are included in the settlement, referred to as the “Class Washers.”
If you are included in the Settlement, you may qualify for one of a variety of benefits including a cash payment, a rebate on the purchase of a new washing machine or dryer, or reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to past mold or odor problems in your washing machine.
Your legal rights are affected whether you act or don’t act. Please read the FAQ notice carefully.

I own one of these washers. I filled out the form online. It is easy to do. Just follow the links here for more information.

For your Professional Home Inspection by a certified InterNACHI inspector in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Waverly, Grundy Center, Hudson, Reinbeck, Clarksville, Allison, Shell Rock, Janesville, Evansdale, Elk Run Heights, Jesup, Independence, Dysart, La Porte City, Dike, Iowa call Jon Bronemann Home Inspections, LLC at 319-239-5880

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Dishwasher - high loop drains

9/20/2016

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One of the most noted issues I find when inspecting the kitchen plumbing of a home is with the dishwasher. While there are several things that I inspect here one of them I note most often is "lack of a high loop on the dishwasher drain hose."

The purpose of the "high loop" or a separate "anti-siphon device" on a dishwasher is to prevent the drain waste water from the kitchen sink from entering the bottom of the dishwasher when draining the sink basins. The anti-siphon device is a safer way of acc
omplishing this as it incorporates an air gap making it almost impossible for bacteria to reach the clean dishes, whereas a high loop would only be a problem if both sinks were full and drained at the same time, or the drain from the kitchen sink were plugged partially and the waste water can travel back into the bottom of the dishwasher basin. Once the dishwasher starts its cycle, that waste water combines with the fresh water and is splashed onto your dishes, hopefully getting pumped out and cleaned on the next cycle.

Typically, when the dishwasher is in its drain cycle, you will hear a gurgling noise coming from the kitchen sink drain or the disposal side if that is where it is connected. If any water or waste is backing up the line, there is some issue with the drain itself.

Installing a high loop is quite simple whereas a anti-siphon device will entail drilling into your counter top and installing the appropriate device.

While we are on the topic of dishwashers don't forget the following things:
1. Wipe down the door seals and remove any residue that may keep the seal from performing properly.
2. Clean out the food strainer in the middle of the washer compartment under the washer arm.

High Loop

Air Admittance Valve

Call your local inspectors office to find out which type of protection they require in your city/town. Some jurisdictions require a countertop type anti-siphon device.

For your professional home inspection in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Waverly, Grundy Center, Reinbeck, Iowa and surrounding areas call Jon Bronemann Home Inspections, LLC at 319-239-5880.

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How to Clean Algae and Moss Off Asphalt Shingles

9/2/2016

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I often see algae and moss growing on asphalt shingles during my inspections in the Cedar Falls and Waterloo area and honestly just driving down the street. Ok, I am weird. I look at stuff like this. What I don't get is all of you folks that spot an item for sale in a yard. I never see them. I'm busy looking for defects in houses we drive by...hahahaha. Anyway, here is how you can attempt to solve this issue if you have it on your home.

How to Clean Algae and Moss Off Asphalt Shingles
by Michael Chotiner of The Home Depot

Stains on asphalt roofing shingles make a house look shabby, which detracts from its value. In some cases, stains are merely a cosmetic issue. But sometimes they’re symptomatic of a problem that, if left unchecked, can lead to more serious damage and, eventually, roof failure. It's not always hard to distinguish the causes of stains, nor, in most cases, to get rid of them and prevent the stains from recurring.

Common Causes of Staining
Dark stains on an asphalt roof could be caused by a number of conditions, including:

Eroded mineral surface.
If the roof-covering material has been on the house for 15 years or so, it could be that the surface granules are wearing off the shingles and the asphalt base is starting to show through. On older roofs, you may additionally see cracked and/or shingles with curled edges. If you determine that age and wear are the causes of darkening, it may be time for a new roof.

Algae growth.
More often than not, blue, green or black stains on an asphalt-shingle roof are caused by algae. Algae staining begins with small spots which, over time, can develop into streaks. Algae stains, which are often mistaken for mold or mildew, aren't harmful to anything other than the appearance of asphalt shingles, but nobody likes the look.

Moss.
Green, velvety masses of moss often grow on north-facing roof surfaces and on tree-shaded roofs. Unlike algae, moss left on roof surfaces can develop beyond an aesthetic problem. It can infiltrate the roof structure underneath the shingles and make their edges lift and curl, which can lead to cracking and blow-off during high winds and storms. Heavy moss growth can actually form dams that can cause water to back up under the shingles and damage the roof deck. It's best to clean moss off a roof as soon as you notice it's growing there.

Safety First
Both algae and moss can be easily removed from asphalt shingles with a 50/50 solution of chlorine bleach and water. Laundry-strength bleach is sufficient, or you can opt for any of a number of proprietary roof cleaners, some of which don't contain bleach, lye, or other potentially harmful chemicals.
Since bleach and some cleaners can be harmful to plants and humans, it's a good idea to take some precautions when working with them, including the following:

Wait for a calm, windless day to clean your roof.
Spray landscape plants near the house with water and cover them with tarps to protect them from chemical overspray and runoff.
Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants and gloves, as well as goggles to protect your eyes, and shoes with high-traction soles.

Before climbing up to clean stains from your roof, be aware that about 30,000 people fall off ladders and roofs each year. Consider using a safety harness, just as the pros are required to do, and follow the common-sense rules for properly positioning and using a ladder, which can be found in InterNACHI’s article on ladder safety. Also, be sure to notify someone that you’ll be on your roof. In case of an accident that incapacitates you, you’ll want someone to know where to look for you.

How to Clean Algae and Moss from a Roof
Apply the bleach solution with a garden sprayer. Let it stand on the surface for about 20 minutes, then rinse it off with spray from a garden hose. Don't let the bleach solution stand on the roof for more than 30 minutes or so without rinsing. And don't use a pressure washer, which can damage the shingles by removing their protective layer of asphalt granules.
If accumulations of algae or moss are heavy, at least some of it should wash off the roof surface right away with the stream from the hose. You can try brushing off algae and moss with a brush or broom with medium-stiff bristles, but don't scrub too hard. You don't want to separate the mineral granules from the shingles.
If chunks of algae or moss or heavy stains remain on the surface after rinsing, let the roof dry, then spray on the bleach solution again. Wait 30 minutes and rinse. Don't worry if some staining remains after the second rinse. It should wash off over time with exposure to rain and sunlight.

How to Prevent Algae and Moss Stains from Recurring
Algae and moss tend to grow roof surfaces that are shaded and retain moisture. So, it’s a good idea to cut away tree branches that overhang the roof and block sunlight. Keep the roof surface clean by blowing off leaves and fallen branches during seasonal maintenance.

For long-term stain prevention, have zinc or copper strips installed under the cap shingles, leaving an inch or two of the surface exposed at roof peaks, along hips, and under the first course of shingles at the base of dormers. Copper and zinc are sacrificial metals that shed tiny bits of their surface with each rainfall. The metals coat the roof and inhibit organic growth for many years.
Following these maintenance tips can help homeowners enjoy an attractive roof. They can also help extend the roof’s service life, which is important whether you plan to stay in your home or sell it in the future.

Author Michael Chotiner is a DIY expert who writes about home improvement projects for roofs and other external areas of the house for The Home Depot. Michael is a career carpenter and has owned and managed his own construction business. Visit The Home Depot online to see their roofing shingle options.

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Smelly Front Load Washer Settlement

Dishwasher - high loop drains

How to Clean Algae and Moss Off Asphalt Shingles