Edgemere II Condominium Association, Inc., 85 North Main Street, East Hampton, Connecticut 06424

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March 18, 2005

Washing Machine Host Resolution

Dear Edgemere II Unit Owner:

At their most recent meeting of March 2, 2005, the Edgemere II Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution regarding the installation of special washing machine hoses. This resolution is the association’s response to the several and unfortunate incidents of severe water damage caused by worn out washing machine hoses. In summary, the resolution requires the following:

  • On or before May 1, 2005 each unit owner must purchase and install a pair of steel mesh or reinforced hoses on their unit’s washing machine.
  • As an example of the type of hose that is permissible, Home Depot sells a pair of 5-foot stainless steel hoses (package of 2) for $17.88 plus tax. Similar products are available from local plumbing supply houses or hardware stores.
  • Unit owners may take care of the purchase and installation themselves. If you choose to handle the task on your own, you must forward a copy of the signed affidavit (enclosed with this mailing). Should our office not receive your signed affidavit by May 10, 2005, we will contact you to make an appointment to access your unit for the purpose of installing the appropriate hoses. Due to the fact each installation is unique, we are unable to quote a specific fee. The association will be utilizing the services of Taylor Plumbing, a local licensed contractor the association has used numerous times in the past. Taylor Plumbing’s hourly rate is $80.00. The association will pay Taylor Plumbing directly and back charge your account accordingly. Invoices will promptly be sent out thereafter. Any invoice that remains unpaid after a 30 day period will accrue a finance charge equivalent to 1% of the outstanding balance for each 30 days thereafter the invoice remains unpaid.
  • Those individual unit owners that neither schedule an appointment to install the hoses by the association’s contractor nor install them on their own and forward the appropriate affidavit will be subject to fines of up to $50.00 per day until the matter is successfully resolved to the association’s satisfaction.

Standard washing machine hoses are not designed to last more than 4-5 years. Over the last three years the association has suffered two significant losses, which have adversely affected the association’s ability to obtain competitive insurance coverage. Unless we act now to replace the existing hoses with high quality hoses, we can expect more frequent incidents of this type. By not acting immediately we will experience significant cost escalations in our insurance premiums. We are pleased to take this necessary and important step in controlling maintenance and insurance costs for the association. More importantly, we believe this is an important step in enhancing the safety and comfort of all Edgemere II residents.

On a related matter, it is excellent practice to shut off the valve when the washing machine is not running. This practice will extend the life of any hose and significantly limit the damage caused by any water related rupture or failure.

Enclosed please find a pre-addressed, stamped envelope to be utilized in returning your signed affidavit. Should you not wish to pursue this matter on your own prior to the May 1st deadline, kindly call me at 1-800-848-1918 at your earliest convenience so that we may schedule for the association’s plumber to install the appropriate hoses.

Hot water heaters are also a potential water risk. While not a formal resolution at this moment, the Board strongly urges each unit owner to monitor the condition of hot water heaters closely. You should replace your hot water heater before the end of the warranty period. All hot water heaters have a date of manufacture inscribed somewhere on the heater or on a metal/plastic plate attached to the heater. If you are unsure as to whether or not your heater is out of its warranty period, you should consult a licensed plumber immediately. Should you want further information on this topic, call me at your convenience and I shall be pleased to assist.

On behalf of the Edgemere II Board of Directors I would like to thank you for your prompt attention to this most important matter.

Sincerely,

Richard Stern Property Manager

RS/kd

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