Spring has sprung and it’s time to do those Spring time homeowner rituals:

Clean out the garage… Paint the shutters… Fix the fence… and inspect your plumbing, and AC drain system.

Water damage to your home can be costly so here are some helpful tips to keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape through the spring, summer!

1. Check for leaks inside and outside your house. Pay special attention to your outdoor faucets, which might have been damaged during the winter. And make sure your outdoor hoses don’t have leaks or cracks.

2. Clean the traps underneath all your sinks, and cover your drains with mesh strainers to keep from clogging your drains.

3. Take a close look at your hot water heater. If you turned the temperature up during the winter, you might want to reset the thermostat. It’s also a good idea to drain the sediment that collects in the bottom of your water heater or to let an expert plumber handle this important job.

Check your water heater for corrosion and for leaks and call a professional if anything doesn’t look quite right.

• If you suspect that your toilets might be leaking, put some food coloring in the tank. If the water in the bowl turns color within 30 minutes or so, you probably have a leak. Call a plumber If you don’t feel confident that you can replace the necessary parts of your toilets.

 

A leaky toilet can really run up your water bill.

1. It shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to clean the mineral build-up from your shower heads and faucets.

2. Take a close look at the water supply lines that feed your toilets, faucets, washing machine and dishwasher. If you discover leaks, tears or bulges, replace the lines right away or call a plumber. Chances are, if you don’t act, small problems will become big problems before long.

3. Turn all the water valves in your home off and then back on at least once a year, just to make sure they are working properly. After years of not being used, they can become difficult to turn.

4. Clean your gutter and downspouts.  They are probably clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris.  You want April showers to bring May flowers, not water damage to your home.

Check your AC drain system for leaks and blockage to avoid costly water damage to your walls and flooring.  Ask a professional for tips on how to avoid future blockage throughout the year.

We hope these tips help you avoid costly damage and/or high water bills this spring and summer and remember to call a licensed plumber if you feel the job is too big for you to handle.

Because We Care,

Ed Cantu

Your Coastal Home Insurance Specialist protecting Texans since 1985!

P.S. Spring is also a great time to review your Home and Windstorm Insurance policy before Hurricane Season starts!  We’d love to help protect you so reply here or call now at 361 991-3575.

P.P.S. Ask us about our fun referral program at www.WinEdCantusTV.com

New Year’s Eve is a joyful holiday to celebrate. We celebrate the year we leave behind as we welcome the year to come. Unfortunately, too much celebration can be dangerous. These 5 New Year’s safety tips will help you avoid the dangers and help you safely start the new year.

Drinking and driving is Dangerous- Drinking and driving is not only dangerous to you and your passengers, it’s also a danger to drivers and pedestrians around you. January 1^st is the day with the highest percentage of deaths related to alcohol according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In past years, more then 42% of all traffic deaths during the holiday are directly caused by alcohol.

Plan a Sober Ride in Advance- Drinking while celebrating the new year is common so plan for a sober ride if you intend to drink. Have a designated driver or ask a sober friend or family member for a ride. Take Uber, Lyft or even a cab. Here is a list of Free or discounted ride services to help keep you safe and avoid driving while intoxicated.

According to the Caller-Times, Apollo Towing Service will offer free rides and tows today. Tows will be available for individuals in the Corpus Christi, Portland or Robstown zip code areas. The towing service will only transport the vehicle and driver (no other passengers)..  Green-N-Go Cabs will offer a free taxi ride home to anyone that feels like they overdid it on “bubbly” this New Year’s Eve.  Call (361)-299-9999 or text this number with their name and location. Rides will be available from 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. Yellow Cab will offer a free taxi ride home to anyone in need on New Year’s Eve.  Call (361) 299-9999 or text this number with your name and location. Rides will be available from 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. Lyft company offers $5 off to riders living in Texas on New Year’s Eve. Texans can claim their discount by using promo code NYEPLAN18 in the Lyft app.

Even when you or your driver is sober, there is a good chance a driver near you may not be sober so remember to drive defensively and stay alert. Alcohol related auto accidents are highest between the hours of 8pm – 3am.

Be Aware of your Surroundings- There are individuals who will take advantage of the situation during a holiday notorious for lots of drinking. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you leave home so that you can stay in contact with others. Travel in groups with people you know and never accept a drink from a stranger. Don’t be afraid to say something if you feel uncomfortable with someone you think may be a danger to you or your group.

Beware of Fireworks- Fireworks are fun and pretty to look at but they can be extremely dangerous and possibly illegal. Depending on your location, lighting any firework could be illegal. Even if someone else is lighting a firework on your property, you can be held criminally liable for any damage or injuries. Don’t forget about your pets.  Pets often bolt when they hear loud noises. Dogs have run through glass windows. They’ve can run away, never to be found again.  And although it is against the law to use fireworks within the City, you know they will be used so help comfort your pets and keep them indoors to prevent them form running away.

Eat Dinner- Avoiding alcohol poisoning is important. Foods high in protein such as cheese, meat and nuts are helpful. These foods will slow down the absorption of alcohol in the digestive system. This will give the alcohol more time to metabolize in the body resulting in a lower risk or alcohol poising. Our liver metabolizes about one alcoholic drink per hour. A good rule of thumb is a 12 oz. beer = 4-5 oz. of wine = 1.5 oz. of hard liquor. By sipping a drink rather than chugging it, your body will have more time to metabolize the alcohol which will result in less of a hangover. You should also consider snaking on nuts while drinking.

So to recap… Don’t drink and drive, plan for a safe and sober form of transportation, be aware of your surroundings, avoid the dangerous of fireworks and make sure you eat. These are five simple tips that can save your life. Don’t let the dangers of New Year’s ruin your celebration. Be prepared, have a good time, and have a safe, happy New Year!

Because We Care!

Ed Cantu

Breaking News for many Corpus Christi Homeowners!!!

Ed Cantu Insurance Agency will Slash home insurance rates up to 37%!

Exclusive program delivers a 30% Windstorm Insurance rate reduction for homeowners in zip codes 78413, 78414 and 78415 effective 12-23-18.  Offer is Limited specifically for homes built after 1999 when they have a WPI8!

Call us today at 361 991-3575 or visit www.edcantu.com for details.

Because We Care

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