RECALL: Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves

(from CPSC) ** Please note: 2Patriots Property Inspection, Inc. provides this recall statement as general information only. Posting of this recall does not state or imply that any of our clients have the mentioned recall product. If you own this product - or have questions about it, please contact the manufacturer directly. Contact information is provided below.

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves for Large Water Heaters Recalled by Watts Regulator Due to
Rupture and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: One-inch 140X-9 Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves
Units: About 900
Manufacturer: Watts Regulator Co., of North Andover, Mass.

Hazard: The relief valve can fail to reduce pressure and avert failure or rupture of the water heater tank and associated valves, posing rupture and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the one-inch 140X-9 Temperature and Pressure Relief valves, which are typically used in large water heaters for commercial buildings or possibly for large homes. The valves bear item codes 0259844 (75 psi/210°F); 0259924 (100 psi/210°F); 0259708 (150 psi/210°F); 0259925 (125 psi/210°F); and 0259930 (150 psi/210°F). The affected date codes are 0641R through 0930R. The date code is printed after the model number “M15” on a green metal tag fastened to the pressure relief valve.

Sold by: Authorized distributors nationwide from October 2006 through July 2009 for between $250 and $280. The valves were typically sold as replacement parts for large water heaters used in commercial locations or possibly large homes.

Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Watts Regulator to schedule a free repair.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Watts Regulator toll-free at (888) 272-4649 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.watts.com/

RECALL: Window Covering Safety Council Recalls to Repair All Roman and Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation

(from CPSC)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) are announcing today a voluntary recall to repair all Roman shades and roll-up blinds to prevent the risk of strangulation to young children. This recall involves millions of Roman and roll-up blinds. About five million Roman shades and about three million roll-up blinds are sold each year.

CPSC has received reports of five deaths and 16 near strangulations, since 2006, in Roman shades and three deaths, since 2001, in roll-up blinds. Strangulations in Roman shades can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Strangulations in roll-up blinds can occur if the lifting loop slides off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

“Over the past 15 years, CPSC has been investigating window covering hazards and working with the WCSC to ensure the safety of window coverings. We commend the WCSC for providing consumers with repair kits that make window coverings safer and look forward to future steps to eliminate these hazards,” said Inez Tenenbaum, CPSC Chairman.

Over the years, CPSC has been investigating deaths associated with different types of window coverings and has worked with the WCSC to address the hazards posed by them. In 1994 and in 2000, CPSC and WCSC announced recalls to repair horizontal blinds to prevent strangulation hazards posed by pull cord and inner cord loops. As a result of CPSC investigations, the industry has modified its products and provides free repair kits for existing horizontal blinds and other window coverings. In October 2009, CPSC issued a new safety alert to warn parents about the dangers associated with window coverings.

Consumers that have Roman or roll-up shades in their homes should contact the WCSC immediately at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling (800) 506-4636 anytime to receive a free repair kit.

To help prevent child strangulation in window coverings, CPSC and the WCSC urge parents and caregivers to follow these guidelines:

Examine all shades and blinds in the home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC and the WCSC recommend the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.

Do not place cribs, beds, and furniture close to the windows because children can climb on them and gain access to the cords.

Make loose cords inaccessible.

If the window shade has looped bead chains or nylon cords, install tension devices to keep the cord taut.

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CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.


To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Tips to Make Your Holiday a Safe One! (from the CPC)

Trees:

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.

Lights:
• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates conformance with safety standards. Use only lights that have fused plugs.

• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.

• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use.

• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.

• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks. Or, run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores).

• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

• For added electric shock protection, plug outdoor electric lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.

Decorations:
• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.

• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.

• Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair." Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Fireplaces:
• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.

• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

If you are viewing this as an email, make sure to visit the blog directly  and bookmark it. You will be able to view and read all the tips and safety recalls.

Electrolux ICON® and Kenmore PRO® Gas Ranges Recalled Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard

** Please note: 2Patriots Property Inspection, Inc. provides this recall statement as general information only.  Posting of this recall does not state or imply that any of our clients have the mentioned recall product.  If you own this product - or have questions about it, please contact the manufacturer directly. Contact information is provided below.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Electrolux ICON and Kenmore 30” PRO Gas Ranges
Units: About 900

Manufacturer: Electrolux Home Products Inc., of Augusta, Ga.

Hazard: An incorrect part allows more fuel to pass to the range’s oven than can be burned efficiently, causing incomplete combustion and the release of carbon monoxide. This poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Electrolux has received four reports of incidents involving carbon monoxide being released from the recalled gas range. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The following Electrolux ICON and Kenmore PRO 30” free-standing gas range model and serial numbers are included in this recall. For Electrolux ICON, the model and serial numbers are located on the back of the range. For the Kenmore PRO, the model and serial numbers are located near the base of the range just below the bottom right portion of the oven door and also on the back of the range. Not all serial numbers within these ranges are included in the recall.

Brand Model Serial Number Range

Electrolux ICON Gas Range E30GF74HPS NF83000000 – NF93633000

Kenmore PRO 30” Gas Range 790.76913800   790.76913801

Sold at: Appliance retailers nationwide from August 2008 through October 2009 for between $2,500 and $3,500.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the range’s oven and contact Electrolux for the Electrolux ICON or Sears for the Kenmore PRO to schedule a free repair. Consumers can continue to use the cooktop (top burners) and the broiler as well as any clock and/or timer functions.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Electrolux toll-free at (888) 360-8557 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gasrangeorifice.com. Consumers with Kenmore PRO brand ranges should call Sears toll-free at (800) 733-2299 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.

Gas Lighter Bars and Gas Log Maintenance

Those handy gas starter pipes start a fire quickly, but they deteriorate over time and need to be replaced (as do their gas mixing valves). Look for excessive rust scaling, cracks, stripped threads on the joints or blocked gas outlet holes. Many fireplace/heating supply stores carry them or can order them for you. Be sure to get the proper natural gas or propane mixing valve.

Gas logs should be serviced annually (we suggest your dealer) to help assure proper performance. Over time, the materials that help create the realistic gas flame will become worn and dirty, and replacing the embers and sand/vermiculite will help your log set perform and look like new. Consult your Owners Manual to determine the correct type of material to use and how it should be applied.

Do not substitute materials or attempt to make alterations to your gas log set; doing so may cause dangerous conditions. Some helpful items to renew the realism of your fireplace include soot remover spray, replacement "glowing ember" lava rocks and rock wool mixture to replace the original material that came with your gas log set.

Thank You Veterans!

This blog is dedicated to keeping you informed about home maintenance, however, since our company was founded by a veteran, I couldn't let the day slip by without THANKING each and every person that has served our country!  THANK YOU!

Top 10 Woodburning Tips

To aid in the prevention of chimney fires and carbon monoxide intrusion and to help keep heating appliances and fireplaces functioning properly, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) offers the following safety tips:


1. Get an annual chimney check. Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a qualified professional chimney service technician. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys.

2. Keep it clear. Keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.

3. Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney.

4. Choose the right fuel. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose wellseasoned wood that has been split for a minimum of six months - one year and stored in a covered and elevated location. Never burn Christmas trees or treated wood in your fireplace or wood stove.

5. Build it right. Place firewood or firelogs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start the fire, use kindling or a commercial firelighter. Never use flammable liquids.

6. Keep the hearth area clear. Combustible material too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire. Keep furniture at least 36” away from the hearth.

7. Use a fireplace screen. Use metal mesh or a screen in front of the fireplace to catch flying sparks that could ignite or burn holes in the carpet or flooring.

8. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Place detectors throughout the house and check batteries in the spring and fall. When you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time, remember to check your batteries.

9. Never leave a fire unattended. Before turning in for the evening, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.

10. The CSIA recommends annual inspections performed by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. These chimney sweeps have earned the industry's most respected credential by passing an intensive examination based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction and maintenance of chimney and venting systems. The National Fire Protection Association also recommends that all chimneys are inspected on an annual basis.

Have Your Heating Units Checked Now

No matter how you heat your home during the cold months, you need to have your heating unit checked out by your HVAC technician to make sure it is working properly.

If you use a kerosene heater for backup heat, make sure you have kerosene on hand and make sure the heater is in good working order with no leaks. If your kerosene heater is leaking it can cause a fire. It would be best to buy a new one if there is a leak.


By performing these routine maintenance measures now, you can prevent possible problems later on during the cold months. If you have to have repair work done during the colder weather, it could be more costly than having the maintenance work done now.

If you do not have a company that performs your routine maintenance checks on your HVAC units, visit our HELPFUL RESOURCES page to view the list of customer referred vendors.

How to replace a faucet aerator (reprinted from AcmeHowTo.com)

Caution: Please read our safety information at the bottom of this post before attempting any testing, maintenance or repairs.

A faucet that has weak water pressure for both hot and cold water may just need the aerator cleaned. Another symptom of a dirty aerator is an irregular spray pattern or a stray stream of water going off at an odd direction. Cleaning or replacing the aerator is very easy and you might be able to do it without any tools.

First of all, close the drain so you don't lose any parts. You don't need to turn off the water supply for this repair. The aerator is the assembly and screen water passes through as it leaves the spout. This part at the tip of the spout unscrews in a clockwise direction (righty tighty, lefty loosey). Dry both the spout and your hands before trying to remove it with your fingers. If it is too tight, then you are going to need to use adjustable pliers. Before using the pliers on the faucet, wrap several loops of masking tape or a rubber band around the aerator to reduce the risk of marring the finish.

Once you remove the aerator you will notice one or more parts contained within. Note the order and orientation of the parts as you remove them. As you take them out you will probably find grit and rust. Rinse the pieces with water and brush off the debris. For difficult to remove deposits, soak the parts in white vinegar for a few minutes and scrub with a toothbrush. If any parts are cracked or broken, replace them. If the washer has hardened, it should replaced.

With the debris cleaned out, reassemble the aerator and screw it back onto the faucet. Hand tightening should be adequate. If water leaks around the threads, give it a fraction of a turn with the pliers and then remove the masking tape.

That's it, you're done.

Safety Information


Do not attempt to adjust, test or make a repair if you do not have basic repair skills or if you do not fully understand the directions providedFurthermore, if your appliance, device, project, object of repair or its components differ from those described, you should not attempt the repair based upon the provided instructions. If the manufacturer's instructions differ from ours, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Always wear eye protection and protective clothing or gear, as appropriate.

Electric Shock can cause injury or death. Never assume the electricity is off. Before servicing an electrical device, disconnect it from its electrical source either by unplugging the appliance or turning off the power at the breaker or fuse box. Mark the service panel with a note so that no one will restore power while you are working. After turning off the power to the circuit, test the circuit to be certain that there is no power. Some devices can store a hazardous electrical charge even when disconnected from an electrical source, always discharge these devices before attempting service. If you are unfamiliar with a device or its components, consult with a professional before attempting service.

When working with electrical equipment wear rubber-soled shoes, avoid damp locations and hold all tools by their insulated handles. Never touch conductive surfaces such as pipes or metal bracing. Use a non-conductive fiberglass ladder when working with electricity. Avoid shorting electrical circuits.

Serious injury can result from sharp edges. When reaching into a service area, cabinet or housing there may be sharp edges. Use caution when reaching into something.

Always practice proper and reasonable safeguards as well as those suggested by the manufacturer of the devices and tools you use.


We assume no risk or responsibility in the provision of any and all information and warnings in this web site. All information is provided as-is. User assumes all risk. If you do not understand or do not accept these terms, please do not use this site or its services.

Tankless Water Heaters

Is a Tankless Water Heater for You?

There are many benefits to tankless water heaters:

• the water is heated only "on-demand" so no energy is wasted keeping a large tank of water hot and ready to use 
•  most of the 20%-30%"passive energy loss" (in pipes, etc.) is avoided;
• on average, tankless systems cost one third less to operate;
• tankless water heaters have an average life expectancy of 20 years, while traditional water heaters last 10-15 years; and
• tankless water heaters are powerful, but compact--most can be wall mounted inside or outside the home.

How do you decide if a tankless water heater is right for you? The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Savers website is a good place to start.

Winter Home Maintenance Tasks

Home Maintenance Tasks - Winter's Coming

- Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary.

- Good time to paint interior rooms or shampoo/replace carpets while it's still warm enough to leave windows open.

- In cold-climate areas, remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.

- Check heating system including filters, pilot lights, and burners, and have the system serviced by a qualified professional.

- Drain hot water heater. Flush and refill.

- Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns.

- Check that foundations are properly graded. Soil should slope four to six inches for a distance of three feet out from the foundation walls.

- If you haven't already, check basement for cracks or leaks. Seal if necessary.

- If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate.

- Wash out garbage cans, disinfect, and then rinse thoroughly.

Helpful resources for Middle Tennessee

Looking for a contractor; handyman; HVAC company......?

Check out our HELPFUL RESOURCES page! This list of vendors is updated regularly. The only way the vendors make it on this list is from YOU - our clients - who refer them. 

Make sure to bookmark the page to refer to when needed.

Also, email us at suggestions@2patriots.com if you have a vendor you would like to refer.

Samsung™ Over-the-Range Microwaves Recalled Due to Shock Hazard

** Please note: 2Patriots Property Inspection, Inc. provides this recall statement as general information only. Posting of this recall does not state or imply that any of our clients have the mentioned recall product. If you own this product - or have questions about it, please contact the manufacturer directly. Contact information is provided below.



WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Samsung Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens
Units: About 43,000
Importer: Samsung Electronics America Inc., of Ridgefield Park, N.J.

Hazard: If an installation bolt comes in contact with an electrical component inside the unit and the microwave is plugged into an ungrounded outlet, it could create a shock hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves Samsung 1000 watt over-the-range microwave ovens. The following model and serial numbers are included in this recall:

Effected production lots Affected Serial Number Range

From serial number To serial number

All SMH9151x produced from January through May 2009: xxxxxxxS1xxxxxx xxxxxxxS5xxxxxx

Some products produced in June were also affected: From serial number To serial number

SMH9151B xxxxxxOS600001

xxxxxxTS600001 xxxxxxOS600100

xxxxxxTS601100

SMH9151S xxxxxxTS600001 xxxxxxTS601386

SMH9151ST xxxxxxTS600001 xxxxxxTS600330

SMH9151STE xxxxxxTS600001 xxxxxxTS600330

SMH9151W xxxxxxOS600001

xxxxxxTS600001 xxxxxxOS600200

xxxxxxTS602055



Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from January 2009 through July 2009 for between $180 and $200.
Manufactured in: Malaysia

Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled product, and contact Samsung to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Samsung toll-free at (888) 402-6974 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET 7 days a week, or visit the firm's Web site at www.samsung.com/otrrecall
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CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.