Plumbing Maintenance
The ‘main water’ shut-off value will typically be located in the coat closet of your new home. If there is a water issue with-in the home and the water needs to be shut-off please go to this area and shut the water off.
Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should not freeze at temperatures about 25 degrees fahrenheit. Heat should be set at 65 degrees if you are away during winter months and it is advisable to open cabinets, let water drip, and cover exterior faucets. Garage doors should be kept closed as much as possible to protect plumbing lines, which may run through this area. If your pipes should freeze, turn your water off. When pipes freeze they usually burst. If pipes should thaw while water is on, an enormous amount of damage may occur.
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 these mineral from your water. Aerators may need to be removed and cleaned from time to time.
Many plumbing clogs are caused by improper garbage disposal use. Always use plenty of cold water when running the disposal. This applies to grease also. Supplied with a steady flow of cold water, the grease congeals and is cut up by the blades. If you use hot water, the grease remains a liquid, then cools and solidifies in the sewer line. Allow the water to run a minimum of 15 seconds after shutting off the disposal. Clogged traps can usually be cleared with a plunger. The use of chemical agents is not recommended.
If a toilet runs for a longer than normal period, 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. Also, avoid the use of in-tank cleaners. Products containing chlorine can seriously damage fittings in the tank. This damage can cause leakage and property damage.
