Customer Service: Maintenance Tips Plumbing Maintenance Plumbing General information Plumbing emergencies include: No water to the entire house. Water leaks that are not controlled by shut-off valves. Non functioning sump pump. No hot water. Parts not included under warranty: Frost free spigots - the main cause of failure is from freezing due to hoses or attachments left on in cold weather. Damaged parts caused by toilet tablets - these tablets can contain chlorine which deteriorates rubber flappers and other rubber parts. Care Toilets Be careful with tools around a toilet. "China bowls" will crack and can not be repaired. Never use a toilet for a ladder. Don't stand or sit on a toilet tank lid. Do not put pressure on a tank by leaning back. Throw the toilet bowl cleaning brush away as soon as the bristles wear down and metal is showing. Once the bowl is scratched, it's impossible to keep clean, and you won't be able to repair the scratches. A plastic brush is less likely to scratch the china. Don't treat toilets as a universal garbage disposal. Just because a product is called disposable doesn't mean it should be flushed down the toilet. Keep a waste paper basket in the bathroom for such things as facial tissues, gum, all sanitary products, bandages and paper towels. Disposable diapers do not belong in a toilet unless you first remove the plastic line and tear the diaper into smaller pieces. Flushing a facial tissue down a toilet is unlikely to cause a problem. Hazardous chemicals should not be flushed down the toilet. Don't store small items or heavy items on the lid of the toilet tank. This minimizes the risk of something falling in, such as toys, brushes, combs etc. A toothbrush that gets stuck in the interior passageway of a toilet bowl that can not be dislodged means replacing the toilet. A very heavy item that hits the china bowl could also chip or crack the bowl. Never pour hot water into a toilet bowl or tank, the bowl or tank may crack. Only use 2-ply toilet paper - not three. If your toilet won't stop running - adjust the screw at the top of the valve in the tank by turning it clockwise. Clogged drain prevention To avoid clogging drains, use a drain strainer to trap food particles and hair. Collect grease in cans rather than pouring it down the drain. Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain weekly to melt fat that may be building up in the drain. Water heater is not working Check the circuit breaker to see if it was tripped. Make sure the gas valve is in the on position. Unplug the water heater then replug it in. Check PVC pipe where it exits the house to make sure nothing is blocking it. Sump pump is not working Sometimes it gets air locked. Unplug it, blow into the tube on the outlet, then in the hole, and then plug it back in. Dishwasher is not cleaning proper Try liquid gel. Also, try turning hot water on at the sink and let it run for about 2 minutes, then turn on the dishwasher so hot water is entering dishwasher at maximum heat. Emergency leaks All houses have a main shut off valve where the pipe enters the building. Frost free outside faucets You may attach your hose and use the faucet at any time during the year, but remember to immediately remove the hose from the spigot when you are finished. DO NOT LEAVE THE HOSE ON THE SPIGOT IN COLD WEATHER. This applies to any quick disconnect coupling you may put on your spigot. Cleaning Fixtures, Faucet and Tub Spouts- Wipe down daily with a clean cloth; do not use any abrasive materials on the fixtures. Cleaners listing bleach in their names should be avoided. Also avoid any cleaners that contain either strong acids or strong alkalis. Showers, Tubs and Toilet Seats- Wipe out bath or shower after each use with soft cloth or squeegee. Use only a mild detergent (such as dishwashing soap). Abrasive cleansers can scratch. Be sure to wipe off any cleaner spills from toilet seat, especially hinges and bumpers. An application of no-wax polish can restore a toilet seats gloss and luster. Never mix toilet-cleaning products. Toilets, Lavatories and Kitchen Sinks- Soft abrasive cleansers may be used. Strong abrasive cleansers will scratch and dull the surface. Use a soft cloth to wipe dry after each use. Use toilet bowl cleansers on the inside of the bowl only. Avoid "in tank" cleansers as they can damage the flush valve or other working parts. Cast Iron Sinks, Lavatories and Tubs- Rinse thoroughly after each use. Use abrasives or abrasive cleansers sparingly and only for stubborn stains. Use a soft cloth to wipe dry after each use. Use a soft nylon brush on the tub bottom's Safeguard surface. Avoid using steel wool, wire brushes or abrasive sponge pads. Be careful not to leave dirty dishes, coffee grounds, tea bags or other staining materials in contact with the enamel surface for long periods of time. To remove stains from cast iron, apply a paste of white vinegar and baking soda; let stand, then rinse. Stainless Steel Sinks- Clean your sink once a week. If a cleaner with chloride or chlorine is used, rinse the surface immediately to prevent corrosion. Always apply cleansers, especially powders, with nonabrasive cloth or sponge, working with, not across the grain. Odors from Drain Lines- It is not unusual to sometimes notice a slight odor from your shower drains. This is due to a build up of various substances on the drain line itself. If you notice this, a good solution is to pour a capful or two of bleach down the drain line. This process may need to be repeated every 6 months or so to keep the drain clean.