Annandale Chamber of Commerce - Annandale Real Estate Water Water Everywhere

Annandale Real Estate: Water, Water Everywhere

By: Pat Sawhney, ReMax 100

DID YOU KNOW?

Having been a full-time Realtor for many years I have gleaned much information, some of which I will share here:

Any time you make a claim on your home insurance policy your agent typically files a report with the CLUE, which remains on the record. This can have negative ramifications for you in the future so best to discuss with your insurance agent. Best to remember that insurance is more for catastrophic events Filing too many claims (especially small ones that might best be handled out of your own funds) can run-up your home insurance premiums, or even cause a policy cancellation upon renewal.

Example: I recently called my Erie Ins. rep as a client has a minor water issue that is mysterious, has a $1000 deductible, and had filed a claim. I asked my rep what the ramifications are, which you can actually find online. Filing a claim can actually impact the cost of insurance on a future buyer, or impact you on a future purchase. This may result when the insurance company believes your claims are or excessive. I simply suggested to my client that he call his rep to ask about the ramifications.

¨ When a claim is being remediated you have the option to have your own contractor do the work and not the company recommended by the insurance company. Lately, I have seen too many negative stories on Next Door about such matters. I’ve also had conversations with homeowners about shoddy work. On one of my buyer transactions I even had to become very involved to obtain satisfaction from the renovation company on behalf of my client.

Example: In a discussion, which actually precipitated my writing this article, remediation for basement water damage had been completed, but upon closer inspection it was discovered water was still in the basement, mold developed and the homeowner developed pneumonia. More extensive remediation then had to be performed. Long story, short, the company that did the first repair had insurance but it didn't cover this situation. So, now her insurance company is suing on their behalf.

It’s not a good idea to treat water that is flooding into your basement with an interior fix or simply an interior fix. Start outside where the water originates. Always address the proper grading making sure the earth is graded away from the house and downward. Even the slightest downgrade will keep the water running away from the foundation and basement and not toward it. Then look at the downspouts, add extensions to move water away from the foundation, and even bury them making certain they eventually sunlight much further down the yard. Check that your gutters are cleaned and not overflowing like a waterfall directly over the foundation. If water accumulates in abundance, install a drain. Often, simply digging down a foot or two and filling with gravel can eliminate many problems. A more extensive drain system can also be designed by a professional if needed.

More Did You Know in my next article.

Prevent Water Disasters
Prepare in Advance to Protect Your Property
Tips from Fairfax Water

Burst Water Pipe When the weather outside is frightful, water can pose a specific and significant risk to property.

Whenever temperatures drop into the teens, Fairfax Water suggest that you leave a thin, steady stream of cold water running. This stream should measure out to be about a quarter gallon of water per minute. At a minimum, the dripping faucet should be the one that is the greatest distance from your main water cutoff valve. Also, consider allowing a slow drip in areas that are least protected from the cold, such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, the garage. There are several other measures that can be taken to prevent winter water disasters suggested by Fairfax Water.

It is a good idea to locate and mark your main-line valve and check it for proper operation. This valve controls water flowing into your home and is usually found near where the water line that comes into your house. Marking the valve will allow you to quickly turn off the water if a pipe should burst or you have other water problems. You can download and print a tag to mark the valve from Fairfax Water or call 703-289-6019, TTY 711 to request a tag.
Make sure the water line to outside faucets is turned off and the line is drained. Drain each outdoor spigot after turning off the valve to prevent any remaining water from freezing and bursting the pipes. Some spigots have anti-siphon devices that must be opened to properly drain the line.
Eliminate drafts. Check around the home for areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas and take measures to prevent the flow of cold air in these areas. Look under the house, in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if water is not running through the pipe, and the water temperature becomes cold. Insulation supplies are available at your local home improvement or hardware store.
If your water pipes do freeze, never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
If you will be away from your home, keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature to make sure all areas with water pipes are kept above freezing.

Insulate pipes in unheated spaces. Hardware or building supply stores carry insulation designed to keep pipes in these areas from freezing.

If your water pipes do freeze, never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

If you suspect you have a frozen water meter, call us for help. Do not attempt to thaw the water meter yourself as this can result in extensive damage., call Fairfax Water Customer Service at 703-698-5800, TTY during normal business hours. After normal business hours, the emergency number is 703-698-5613. www.fairfaxwater.org/winter-water-tips

If your water pipes do freeze, never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

If you suspect you have a frozen water meter, call us for help. Do not attempt to thaw the water meter yourself as this can result in extensive damage., call Fairfax Water Customer Service at 703-698-5800, TTY during normal business hours. After normal business hours, the emergency number is 703-698-5613. www.fairfaxwater.org/winter-water-tips

Pat Sawhney
ReMax 100 Realty
5501 Bradlick Rd.
Springfield, VA 22151
703-395-9214
patsawhney42@gmail.com

More on Annandale Real Estate
Median Home Price in Annandale
2010     $507,800
2015     $539,900
2019     $615,533
2021     $667,500

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