Plumbing

The plumbing in your home has been installed under the direction of a qualified plumbing contractor and should require only minimum maintenance for many years. Your prompt attention to any problems which arise could prevent a larger and more costly problem from developing in the future.

The main water shut-off is located in your basement near your meter. It is important to know and remember the location of the shut off for emergencies such as a water line freeze or break.

Pipes
Avoid putting water-softening devices and/or water-coloring agents in the tank of the toilets, as they have an adverse affect on the valves and washers, causing a loss of water. There are products available that can be attached to the inside of the bowl that will do the same thing without causing any damage.

Drains
Each plumbing fixture in your home has a drain trap, a J-shaped piece designed to provide a water barrier between your home and the danger of sewer gas. Any fixtures used frequently should be turned on at regular intervals to replace evaporating water and insure that the water barrier remains intact. To keep the drains clear, never put grease, hair, lint, rubbish, etc. down a drain or toilet. The drain pipes in your home are ABS plastic.

The following procedure will help keep your drains clear of blockage:

1. Run hot water through the drain for one minute.
2. Turn off the water.
3. Place three tablespoons of ordinary baking soda in the drain.
4. Flush just enough hot water to wash soda down the drain.
5. Let stand 15 minutes.
6. Rinse with hot water.

When the drainpipe from a tub, sink, or shower stops up you should attempt to clear it using a plunger. Be sure the rubber cup of the plunger covers the drain opening and that the water is well up over the cup edge. Working the plunger up and down rhythmically 10 to 20 times in succession will build up pressure in the pipe and do more good than sporadic, separated plunges.

If the plunger does not clear the drain, try using a plumber’s snake. (These can be rented or purchased at most hardware stores). Be sure to turn the handle of the snake in the opposite direction when removing it as you did when inserting it. This will keep any matter attached to the snake from coming loose before it’s removed. If the drain can be partly opened with the plunger or snake, hot water may finish the job. If not, you can remove the trap under the fixture. Be sure to place a bucket or pan under the drain to catch any water. The snake can also be inserted at this point.

With the following exceptions, the treatment of a stopped-up toilet is the same. The trap is built into the toilet and is, therefore, less accessible. Instead of a snake, you should use a coil spring-steel auger. (It can be bought or rented from a hardware or plumbing store). Insert the auger so that the point goes into the trap. Turning the handle of the auger will break up the blockage or catch it so that it can be removed.

Faucets
Washer-type faucets consist of movable parts, which will require periodic maintenance. Leaking faucets of this type generally can be repaired by replacing the worn faucet washer or washers.

The cartridge-type faucets found in single lever water controls have no washers, and require no lubrication. These cartridges must still be changed, although with less frequency than washer-type faucets.

Before attempting to repair a faucet, be certain to turn off the water source below the faucet in the cabinet, or at the front yard cut-off valve.

Faucet aerators are small, round, screened attachments found at the mouth of your kitchen and bath faucets. These attachments add air to the water as it leaves the faucet, which reduces splashing and helps keep the use of water to a minimum. They should be removed and cleaned frequently, usually every six months.

Care of Faucets

1. Wipe as needed with a soft damp cloth.
2. Use only warm water to remove dry water spots.
3. DO NOT use cleaners which contain abrasives or harsh chemicals. Use of abrasives or chemical cleaners will damage the finish and Void the Warranty.

Care of Stainless Steel Sinks

Do:
• Wash regularly with warm, mild soap or detergent, using a clean cloth or soft brushes. They can also be cleaned and polished using a solution of ammonia and water. Clean with a soft cloth and apply a light coating of mineral oil.
  
• Remove stubborn grime using recommended cleansers and methods. (Ajax®, Comet®, Bon-Ami®, Soft Scrub®, etc.)
  
• Always clean in the direction of original polish lines.
  
• Always rinse after cleaning and wipe dry.
  

Do Not:
• Use ordinary steel wool or other metal scrapers to remove stubborn dirt.
  
• Allow dirt to accumulate.
  
• Use harsh, untested cleaners.
  
  

Porcelain
Porcelain enamel can be damaged by a sharp blow from a heavy object. It can also be scratched. Do not stand in the bathtub wearing shoes unless you have placed a protective layer of newspaper over the bottom of the tub. If paint is splattered onto the porcelain enamel surfaces during redecorating, it should be wiped up immediately. If some spots are dry before being noticed, use a recommended solvent.

Marble or Man-made Marble
Marble and man-made marble will not chip as readily as will porcelain enamel but can still be damaged by a sharp blow. Equal care should be given, however. You should not use abrasive cleanser or razor blades on man-made marble since both will cause certain damage to the surface.

Freezing Pipes
Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should not freeze at temperatures above 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat should be set at 65 degrees if you are away during winter months. If you will be away for an extended period of time, it is best to drain your water supply lines. This is done by shutting off the main water supply line and opening the faucets to relieve the pressure in the lines.

Garage doors should be kept closed to protect plumbing lines which may run through this area from freezing temperatures. In unusually frigid weather, or if you will be gone more than a day or two, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. An ordinary hair dryer can be used to thaw pipes that are frozen. Never use an open flame.

Debris in Pipes
Even though your plumbing lines have been flushed out to remove dirt and foreign matter, there are usually small amounts of minerals that enter the line. Aerators on the faucets strain much of this from your water. However, minerals, etc. caught in these aerators may cause the faucets strain much of this from your water. However, minerals, etc. caught in these aerators may cause the faucets to drip because washers wear more rapidly when they come in contact with foreign matter.

Dripping Faucet
A dripping faucet may be repaired by shutting off the water at the valve directly under the sink, then remove the faucet stem, change the washer, and reinstall the faucet stem. The shower head is repaired the same way. It is important to replace the washer with another of the same type and size. The frequency of this repair can be minimized by remembering not to turn faucets off with excessive force.

Laundry Tub
If you have a laundry room tub, the faucet does not have an aerator. This is to allow the tub faucet to accept a hose connection.

Soft Water Loop (option)
Copper water lines are provided for use with a soft water package. The water lines for your icemaker, toilets, kitchen sink tap, and exterior hose bibs are not connected to the soft water lines.

Basement Finish
If you decide to finish the basement, care should be taken in doing so to insure that the plumbing lines are not isolated from the heating source without insulation being added.

Toilet
A variety of commercial cleansers are made especially for the toilet. Use them according to the manufacturer’s direction, and do not mix them or use them in conjunction with household bleach or any other cleaning product. Never use these cleansers in anything but a toilet. Hard calcium rings in the toilet can be removed by rubbing with a pumice stone (available at any of the larger grocery stores).

To stop running water, check the shut-off float in the tank. You will most likely find it has lifted too high in the tank, preventing the valve from shutting off completely. In this case, gently bend the float rod down until it stops the water at the correct level. The float should be free and not rub the side of the tank or any other parts.

Also check the chain on the flush handle; if it is too tight it will prevent the rubber stopper at the bottom of the tank from sealing resulting in running water.