I had to learn the hard way....This may save your home (and pets!)

[sasvermont]

I went directly to my washer and turned the valve to the off position.

I have that same false sense of security when it comes to things like this....

And to add to this: I had Sears come out to service my washer. Part of the service agreement is to do preventive maintenance. They removed the front of the washer, below (called the kick plate), and cleaned a screen.... and found coins, nails rusting, splinters, broken earings..... and then.... THEY WENT TO THE DRYER. I have always cleaned the lint trap and the vent. They dropped the front of the dryer (below, called the kick plate too) and it was filled with lint too! Who knew? They said it was just a matter of time until a fire started as the lint and dust was near the heating element. I have since read that if the lint trap is not in the front of the dryer, you should remove the back of the dryer to clean the guts of the dryer and if the lint trap is in the front, then the front of the dryer should come off. I assume they mean the kick plate on the front. Then you remove the lint trap to get behind it.

SO FOLKS, DON'T TAKE YOUR LAUNDRY FACILITY FOR GRANTED. BOTH PIECES OF EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING THE VENTS AND SHUT OFF VALVES AND HOSES, ALL NEED TO BE CHECKED AND MAINTAINED.

Thanks again for letting us know about this. I have always heard about the hoses failing, but never knew anyone to have it happen.... Now I do..... And I will always turn off the incoming water when not in use.... Thank you, thank you.

SAS and her pets