Plumbing In Your Home

• Once a week run hot water down the drain to help keep it free flowing
• Repair leaky faucets to avoid further damage to the fixtures and faucets
• Tubs and showers should be fitted with strainers that catch hair and soap chips. Clean the strainers regularly
• Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket. Do not flush facial tissue, sanitary products or diapers as they do not dissolve and can clog the lines. Keep a trash container in each bathroom

Showerhead Maintence:

• Showerheads develop uneven spray when the holes become clogged with mineral deposits from the water. To clean
• Unscrew swivel ball nut - you will need adjustable wrench or channel‑type pliers. (Hint: to protect the finish from scratches, first wrap the jaws of the tool with masking tape.)
• Unscrew collar nut from showerhead
• Gently clean the outlet and inlet holes of the showerhead using a thin wire
• Flush the head with clean water
• You may want to soak the showerhead in vinegar overnight to remove all mineral deposits

Testing a Toilet for Leaks:

• Check the water level in the tank to be sure that the water is not overflowing by way of the overflow pipe (the pipe in the middle of the tank with a small piece of tubing connected to it
• If water is running into the overflow pipe, adjust the fill valve until the water stops approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube (there may be a water level mark stamped on the side of the tank
• Test the flush valve mechanism by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank
• Check the bowl after 15 minutes, if the water has changed color, the ball or flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced

Cleaning the Aerator:

• Low water pressure from the sprayer or water leaks from the handle are usually caused by lime buildup and sediment blocking the small openings inside the sprayer head. Clean the head using the following steps:
• By hand, carefully unscrew the aerator from the faucet turning counterclockwise. If it will not unscrew, wrap the jaws of your pliers with masking tape and loosen the aerator with the pliers. Continue by hand
• Take aerator or spray head apart
• Use a small brush dipped in vinegar to remove sediment
• Reassemble the unit and screw back on to the faucet

Kitchen:

• Reassemble the unit and screw back on to the faucet
• Never put hard-to-grind, stringy or fibrous waste (poultry skins, carrots, celery or banana peels) into the garbage disposer
• Run cold water down the drain for 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposer to flush waste through the line
• Don't pour liquid grease down the drain. Wipe congealed grease from pots and pans with a paper towel and dispose of in the trash

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

• Foul odors can occur from a buildup of food debris within the disposer. Try these steps to eliminate odors
• Grind ice cubes and orange or lemon rinds in the disposer for about 30 seconds
• While the disposer is still running, pour a small amount of liquid dish detergent into it
• Rinse any remaining debris away by running cold water for about 30 seconds

Garbage Disposer Stops Working

• Your disposer has an overload protector that senses if the motor is overheating and shuts it off. If your disposer cuts off during operation, it may be this broken electrical con
• Turn the disposer switch off
• Do not put hands or objects down drain
• Make sure the appliance is plugged in securely at the outlet
• With power switch turned off, press reset switch on front or bottom of the garbage disposer
• Restart disposer by turning on power switch

Basement:

These helpful hints should help keep the plumbing in your basement running efficiently. 

• To prevent sewer gases from backing up into your home through your basement floor drain or other infrequently used drains, periodically pour a bucket of water down the drain to keep the trap seal full

• Check your water meter during a period of time when no water is being used. Make a note of the meter reading and check it eight to 10 hours later. If the meter has moved, there is an indication that you may have an undetected water leak, which should be corrected
• NEVER store flammable liquids such as gasoline, adhesives or solvents near the water heater, furnace or other gas-fired appliance as they may ignite
• Check your washing machine hoses for bulges or leaks. Replace any hose showing signs of weakness
• Conserve energy and prevent scalding by checking the temperature setting on your water heater. It should not be above 120°F or medium setting on older models
• Septic tanks should be inspected and pumped every three to five years to help prevent costly replacement of the filter field.

Annual Maintenance for Water Heaters

• Once a year, drain several gallons of water from the tank to flush your water heater. Flushing will remove sediment buildup that can cause corrosion and reduce heating efficiency
• Test the pressure relief valve by lifting up on the lever and letting it snap back. The valve should allow a burst of water into the drainpipe, if not, call a professional to have a new valve installed
• Check your temperature setting on the thermostat, it should be set to 120°F. Lowering the temperature setting lowers your energy use, reduces risk of damage to your tank caused by overheating and prevents scalding