Talk of The Villages Florida

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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Home maintenance normally overlooked (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/home-maintenance-normally-overlooked-337416/)

jojo 12-15-2022 12:49 PM

We just started having water come out of the electrical outlet on the counter in the master bath when it rains. Have no idea where to start to deal with it. Roofer? General contractor? It is happening now.

metoo21 12-15-2022 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoMo50 (Post 2166601)
5. Clean the dryer vent annually. You can buy a kit on Amazon for about $30 that attaches to an electric drill, has a stiff brush, and will reach all the way to the roof vent. You may be surprised how much lint is removed.

Do you have to pull the dryer out to do this? Have a link to the kit on amazon?

retiredguy123 12-15-2022 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo (Post 2166694)
We just started having water come out of the electrical outlet on the counter in the master bath when it rains. Have no idea where to start to deal with it. Roofer? General contractor? It is happening now.

If the house is still under warranty, call the warranty department. If not, you need a roofer to locate the leak.

retiredguy123 12-15-2022 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metoo21 (Post 2166712)
Do you have to pull the dryer out to do this? Have a link to the kit on amazon?

Yes, you need to pull out the dryer. And, if the vent terminates on the roof, you also need to go onto the roof. You can buy a brush kit, but it is easier to call Desmond Harris, 352-308-7457, and get it done for about $100.

retiredguy123 12-15-2022 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob47 (Post 2166692)
It's only a closed system if there's a backflow preventer between the municipal supply and your house. Ours does not have one. Ours only becomes a closed system when we shut the main supply valve in the garage.

I agree, and I assumed that I had one, but I'm not actually sure. I plan to ask The Villages.

retiredguy123 12-15-2022 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob47 (Post 2166692)
It's only a closed system if there's a backflow preventer between the municipal supply and your house. Ours does not have one. Ours only becomes a closed system when we shut the main supply valve in the garage.

Are you sure? I sent a message to The Villages Utility department, and here is the reply I received this afternoon.

"Good Afternoon,
All potable meters have a backflow preventer.
Thank you,

Happy Holidays!

-Brandi"

NoMoSno 12-15-2022 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2166721)
Yes, you need to pull out the dryer. And, if the vent terminates on the roof, you also need to go onto the roof. You can buy a brush kit, but it is easier to call Desmond Harris, 352-308-7457, and get it done for about $100.

Using this kit there is no need to go on the roof:
Access Denied
Might need the extensions for longer reach:
Access Denied

retiredguy123 12-15-2022 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoMoSno (Post 2166767)
Using this kit there is no need to go on the roof:
Access Denied
Might need the extensions for longer reach:
Access Denied

My outlet on the roof has a gooseneck duct and a screen. I'm not sure you can remove all the lint without going on the roof. I don't know if Desmond Harris goes on the roof, but I think he does. In any event, this is not a DIY project for me.

bob47 12-15-2022 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2166748)
Are you sure? I sent a message to The Villages Utility department, and here is the reply I received this afternoon.

"Good Afternoon,
All potable meters have a backflow preventer.
Thank you,

Happy Holidays!

-Brandi"

It may depend on the age of the home. June 2000 construction, no backflow preventer in the meter / shutoff box or in the box right next to the house. No expansion tank either.

Nucky 12-15-2022 07:58 PM

Don't consider calling Desmond Howard a waste of money it is a valuable deed that you are doing for yourself and your family, It is not a learn-as-you-earn type of job. It is usually horrendous cleaning a dryer vent and wondering if you got all the lint or missed some of it. Don't be a stiff get someone to do it who is a pro!

Altavia 12-15-2022 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2166779)
My outlet on the roof has a gooseneck duct and a screen. I'm not sure you can remove all the lint without going on the roof. I don't know if Desmond Harris goes on the roof, but I think he does. In any event, this is not a DIY project for me.

This is correct, gunk gets stuck in the roof vent that requires checking from the roof.

These guys do a good job also.

https://lakesumterdryerventcleaning.com/

jswirs 12-16-2022 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2166779)
My outlet on the roof has a gooseneck duct and a screen. I'm not sure you can remove all the lint without going on the roof. I don't know if Desmond Harris goes on the roof, but I think he does. In any event, this is not a DIY project for me.

In my case one definitely has to go up onto the roof to check for lint. After 6 years of not doing this I found handfuls of lint gathered / stuck to the inside and outside of the vent flap. The flap was held in the open position by all the lint. If it was held closed, we could have had a real problem.

nancyre 12-16-2022 01:48 PM

Check your model home - if your dryer is directly vented outside the wall behind your dryer. You can easily do it your self. Most in The Villages are roof vents and you need someone with the proper tools. ANCHOR floor model is a direct vent through the wall the run is about 6 inches . Just look outside on the wall for the vent cover.

jrref 12-16-2022 11:10 PM

I decided to try Complete Dryer Vent Services on 352-653-0809 from a friend in Fenney who recommended them.

My dryer vent is on the roof and i've cleaned the vent and ducts myself when i moved in but i had to climb on the roof in order to complete the job.

Complete Dryer Vent services is going to probably cost more that the local handyman or companies who clean vents BUT they did the most complete and thorough job that i've ever seen.

They first go on the roof and clean out the vent with several different brushes. They then pull out the dryer and systematically clean out the dryer lint trap and the ducting. They are very careful not to damage the floor and will put sliders under the dryer. The technician had several smaller brushes and maybe even a tooth brush that he used in all the nooks and crannies that he could reach when cleaning the dryer lint trap and duct work. They then use a special rotary brush to clean out the main duct going to the roof. Once done they go back on the roof to clean any additional dirt that came out and check the air flow with a special meter and then use a blower to remove any dirt/lint that got blown around the roof. They did everything along with taking before and after pictures that are sent to you with the bill. The technician reviews everything and shows you the before and after pictures at the end of the job. He spent about an hour and 15 minutes solidly working.

They used mats on the roof so not to damage any of the shingles. They used a special gutter cover so the ladder wouldn't scratch the gutter when they climbed onto the roof. When they cleaned ducts that were in the house they used a damp towel to wipe everthing down after they used the brushes. They did a great job of vaccuming and even cleaned under the washing machine. I just never saw anything like this ever when i've had my dryer ducts cleaned by other professionals in the past.

This might sound like overkill but this company doesn't just run a brush up and down the duct and leave.They have special rotary brushes that remove all the built up dirt and lint so you see clean metal duct work when completed. This means the ducts will take longer to build up dirt and lint than just brushing.

I was very satisified with the work and felt the cost was worth all the work that was done. I guess you get what you pay for. I highly recommend this dryer duct cleaning company even though they are slightly more expensive than the rest. Since you only have to do this service usually once a year the cost is not an issue. There is a special price right now so if you are interested give them a call.

Fenster 12-17-2022 12:05 AM

Thank you
 
This was very thoughtful of you.

It’s excellent.

Thanks so much.

(Clicking on the plus sign is just not enough!)

metoo21 12-17-2022 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2167203)
I decided to try Complete Dryer Vent Services on 352-653-0809 from a friend in Fenney who recommended them.

My dryer vent is on the roof and i've cleaned the vent and ducts myself when i moved in but i had to climb on the roof in order to complete the job.

Complete Dryer Vent services is going to probably cost more that the local handyman or companies who clean vents BUT they did the most complete and thorough job that i've ever seen.

They first go on the roof and clean out the vent with several different brushes. They then pull out the dryer and systematically clean out the dryer lint trap and the ducting. They are very careful not to damage the floor and will put sliders under the dryer. The technician had several smaller brushes and maybe even a tooth brush that he used in all the nooks and crannies that he could reach when cleaning the dryer lint trap and duct work. They then use a special rotary brush to clean out the main duct going to the roof. Once done they go back on the roof to clean any additional dirt that came out and check the air flow with a special meter and then use a blower to remove any dirt/lint that got blown around the roof. They did everything along with taking before and after pictures that are sent to you with the bill. The technician reviews everything and shows you the before and after pictures at the end of the job. He spent about an hour and 15 minutes solidly working.

They used mats on the roof so not to damage any of the shingles. They used a special gutter cover so the ladder wouldn't scratch the gutter when they climbed onto the roof. When they cleaned ducts that were in the house they used a damp towel to wipe everthing down after they used the brushes. They did a great job of vaccuming and even cleaned under the washing machine. I just never saw anything like this ever when i've had my dryer ducts cleaned by other professionals in the past.

This might sound like overkill but this company doesn't just run a brush up and down the duct and leave.They have special rotary brushes that remove all the built up dirt and lint so you see clean metal duct work when completed. This means the ducts will take longer to build up dirt and lint than just brushing.

I was very satisified with the work and felt the cost was worth all the work that was done. I guess you get what you pay for. I highly recommend this dryer duct cleaning company even though they are slightly more expensive than the rest. Since you only have to do this service usually once a year the cost is not an issue. There is a special price right now so if you are interested give them a call.

What did they charge you? Don't need the work done now.

kenlor 12-17-2022 05:16 PM

Thanks for this information.

jrref 12-18-2022 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jswirs (Post 2166921)
In my case one definitely has to go up onto the roof to check for lint. After 6 years of not doing this I found handfuls of lint gathered / stuck to the inside and outside of the vent flap. The flap was held in the open position by all the lint. If it was held closed, we could have had a real problem.

Correct, most homes have that "goose neck" type of vent on the roof that collects lots of lint. If you have a screen take it off because that will clog very quickly. There is really no way to clean the roof vent from the inside of the house because lint will accumulate on the top of the vent and as this person explained it could keep the flapper from opening fully which would be the worst case to happen because that could lead to a fire.

jrref 12-18-2022 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metoo21 (Post 2167367)
What did they charge you? Don't need the work done now.

It's best to just give them a call because i don't know if the charge varies from area to area. But it's definetly worth the money to get this extreemly thorough cleaning done at least once a year. If you are handy and want to run a brush up the vent 6 months in between, that can't hurt.

The key is if you don't scrape all the lint off the metal duct, as you use the dryer new lint will accumulate quicker in the duct. Starting off with a totally clean duct right down to the metal is best because it will take longer for the lint to accumulate.

boxcarwilly 12-18-2022 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2166655)
You mentioned that expansion tanks in your area failed around 11 years. I've never seen them last that long even under the best circumstances. For the cost to replace it, it's best to get ahead of it and just replace it every 5 years and avoid any catastropic problems when it fails.

Our ProFlo has a build code 12/09 and is still functioning.Reads 65 psi. Replacement unit on order though.

jrref 12-19-2022 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxcarwilly (Post 2167715)
Our ProFlo has a build code 12/09 and is still functioning.Reads 65 psi. Replacement unit on order though.

Good idea. Did you do the tap test?

boxcarwilly 12-19-2022 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2167765)
Good idea. Did you do the tap test?

Yes..thud until the top and then ding.

elevatorman 12-20-2022 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob47 (Post 2166692)
It's only a closed system if there's a backflow preventer between the municipal supply and your house. Ours does not have one. Ours only becomes a closed system when we shut the main supply valve in the garage.

Since 1985 water meters have a built in back flow preventer. It is in the code. Water companies in the US have replaced most of the older meters.

jrref 12-20-2022 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxcarwilly (Post 2167830)
Yes..thud until the top and then ding.

Great but i would replace it anyway since it's so old.

jrref 12-21-2022 09:19 AM

Anyone interester in tips and information on surge protection?

jrref 12-22-2022 10:16 AM

We are going to get a hard freeze this weekend so make sure you get an insulated cover for your outdoor hose bibs and leave the bathroom hot AND cold water dripping during the night to avoid any freezing pipes.

bp243 12-27-2022 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2166510)
Desmond Harris, 352-308-7457

Thanks! Also Complete Dryer Vent was mentioned @352-653-0809. Is there a preference between these two?

jrref 12-29-2022 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bp243 (Post 2170461)
Thanks! Also Complete Dryer Vent was mentioned @352-653-0809. Is there a preference between these two?

Complete Dryer Vent will probably do a more thorough job but cost a little more.

Bay Kid 12-29-2022 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bp243 (Post 2170461)
Thanks! Also Complete Dryer Vent was mentioned @352-653-0809. Is there a preference between these two?

Well I'm giving them a chance. A little more expensive but they sound very thorough. I'll let everyone know after Jan. 11th.

edtherock 12-29-2022 08:24 PM

Another Suggestion for the AC Drip Line cleaning
 
My son works on HVAC systems in Atlanta area. He told me to get the wet / dry vac and suck the water and debris out of the line where the drain line discharge is located near the outside AC unit. You will be AMAZED at all the "white noogies" and growth as he called them comes out.. (THis also pulls all the water out of the line which you should refill) Then one other idea was-- by the indoor unit, lift off the water overflow sensor from the PVC tube right near the drain outlet of the AC unit. Push a hose down the tube an inch or two and turn on the water slowly. This is best with two people. So the pressure (Around 60 PSI in most places) also helps PUSH the growth out of the tubes and also fills it back up with water. You are done.:22yikes:

Michael 61 12-30-2022 04:15 PM

As a new home owner here in TV, this has been very valuable info - I have taken notes and placed all these items on a calendar. Besides the references given in this thread, does anyone have a referral for a good handyman that will come by periodically throughout the year for the more minor maintenance items - I am neither handy, nor want to be charged with this kinda of work. Thanks everyone, especially the OP for such useful info.

Altavia 12-30-2022 05:35 PM

If you have a tankless hot water heater, the ignitors have a tendacy to fail early..

They are easy to replace of you keep a spare on hand

Water Heater Igniter RGT20235C

Rheem PROTECH Ignitor Coil RTG20235C https://a.co/d/bi9sW0s

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9OSRhziH...SIkaIECMiOmarE

jrref 01-01-2023 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altavia (Post 2171449)
If you have a tankless hot water heater, the ignitors have a tendacy to fail early..

They are easy to replace of you keep a spare on hand

Water Heater Igniter RGT20235C

Rheem PROTECH Ignitor Coil RTG20235C https://a.co/d/bi9sW0s

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9OSRhziH...SIkaIECMiOmarE

Good advice!


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