The insurance specialists from Fairfield's Lighthouse Agency want to warn you about a potential danger lurking in many homes: faulty appliance hoses. Most homes have several appliance hoses installed at various locations, and each one has the potential to cost thousands of dollars in damages if disaster strikes.

Most washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and gas grills are fitted with appliance hoses, and according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, the failure of just one of these appliance hoses can cost a homeowner upwards of $5,000 per incident. That’s why it’s important to take some simple steps to protect your property and your wallet from these costly repairs!

The agents from Lighthouse Agency recommend following these four tips to avoid unnecessary maintenance and repair services:

• Check for wear and tear: Appliance hoses aren’t made to last forever, and when they begin to wear out, they need to be replaced. Check all of the hoses in your home every few months. If you see blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks, or loose connections, replace them immediately.
• Replace appliance hoses regularly: Even if you don’t see visible wear and tear, you should replace all of the hoses in your home at least once every five years.
• Choose durable hoses: When you have to replace an appliance hose, opt for reinforced steel-braided hoses. They’re durable and tend to wear out more slowly.
• Invest in a monitoring system: For added security, you can purchase a monitoring system that will automatically shut off the water supply in your home in the event of a hose failure or leak.

If your home does incur damage resulting from an appliance hose failure, your renters insurance, homeowners insurance, or general insurance may provide you with some additional protection. To learn more about different types of insurance coverage, or if you need help filing an insurance claim, call Lighthouse Agency at (513) 860-9100.