PLUMBING

Outside Hose Bib:  Some of these are frost free hose bibs that do not require wrapping in the winter. However, it is most important that you remove hoses from outside hose bibs in the winter. Other outside hose bibs may have a valve in the garage to allow you to turn off the water at that spot.

 Garbage Disposal:  Run plenty of cold water when grinding garbage. When finished, flush with two inches of water with disposal running.

 Sink and Basin Aerators:  Clean aerators on end of sink and basin faucets every twelve months to prevent restriction. Accomplish this by screwing the aerator to the left to remove, to the right to reinstall.

 Water Closet:  Normal use may cause the water closet to loosen. Inspect periodically and if necessary tighten the bolts holding the water closet to the floor until they are snug. Do not over tighten as this may break the porcelain flange.

Do not flush foreign articles such as Kleenex and sanitary napkins as these can plug the drain. Each flush uses approximately 1½ gallons of water.

 When the toilets are installed in your home, the flush valves and ballcock valves are adjusted to a standard flushing capacity. If this is not sufficient for your family's use, you can adjust them to suit your needs. There are two adjustments.

1.)  The adjustment screw on top of the ballcock valve adults the amount of water to be stored in the tank. (WARNING: be sure not to adjust the level too high, because the float ball will hit the under side of the lid and will not trip the valve to shut incoming water off.)

 2.)  If you raise or lower the buoyancy ring on the flush valve this controls how much of the water stored in the tank will be flushed into the bowl.

 Usually, the 2^nd adjustment will increase the efficiency of the flush.

 Warranty Information:  Your warranty on the plumbing system and fixtures covers only faulty workmanship and materials. Service calls resulting from improper use may result in a service charge being billed to you.

 FROZEN PLUMBING PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

 Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should no freeze at temperatures above 0º F. Heat should be set at 65º F if you are away during the winter months. Garage doors should be kept closed to protect plumbing lines which may run through this area. In usually frigid weather or if you will be gone for a day or two, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

 Locate Your Main Shut-Off Valve:  The main shut-off valve in your system controls the flow of water into your pipes. If a frozen pipe breaks, you can stop excessive flooding and water loss by turning it off. But don't wait for an emergency to happen - find it now! The main shut-off valve is located in the garage. Once you've found it, test it to make sure it's working properly. Make sure all members of your family know its location. If the water supply is cut of, steps should be taken to prevent damage to the hot water tank and other properties. 

Insulate Exposed Pipes and Faucets:  Out door faucets and the pipes leading to them are especially subject to freezing weather. All hoses should be disconnected from the faucets. Wrap the faucets and the pipes completely with suitable insulation material. Secure the wrapping with string or wire and cover the wrap with plastic to keep out moisture. The same procedures are applicable to plumbing in unheated areas, such as a garage or crawl space. Air vents to crawl spaces should be closed to prevent the circulation of cold air. 

Indoor Measures:  During the period when no water is used, indoor temeratures should be kept at 55º F. Allow an indoor faucet furthest from the main shut-off valve to trickle. This insures the movement of water in your plumbing system and helps prevent freezing.

 Winterize Vacant Unheated Houses:  Protect an unheated, vacant house by turning off the main shut-off valve, then open all faucets to drain the lines. Drain and pour antifreeze into sinks, tanks and toilets.

 General Maintenance: 

 Fixtures: Clean plumbing fixtures with a soft sponge and soapy water, then polish with a dry cloth. Drying with a soft cloth or towel will prevent water spots. Gold fixtures and antique brass on lavatories should not be cleaned with an abrasive cleaner.

Toilet Seat Cover:  Do not stand on the toilet seat cover. It is not designed for this purpose and may crack.

 Tank Care:  Similarly, avoid exposing the toilet to blows from sharp or heavy objects; this can cause chipping or cracking. Avoid abnormal pressures against the sides of the tank. It is possible to crack the tank at the points where it is attached to the bowl.

 Running Toilet:  To stop running water, check the shut-off float in the tank. You will most likely find it is 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.

 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. 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.

 Clogs:  Clogged traps can usually be cleared with a plumber's helper (plunger). If you use chemical agents, follow directions carefully to avoid injury or damage to the fixtures.

 Clean a plunger drain stopper, usually found in bathroom sinks, by loosening the nut under the sink at the back, pull out the rod attached to the plunger and lift the stopper out. Clean and return the mechanism to its original position.

 Low Pressure:  It will occasionally be necessary to remove and clean the aerators in faucets to allow proper flow of water, normally every three to four months is sufficient.

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