Plumbing Tips that will save you Money!

Testing 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 the 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 (this adjustment can be a screw that you turn or a ball that you lower). There may be a mark stamped on the side of the tank also to help you figure out where to stop the water.
• 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 it needs to be replaced.
  

Cleaning an 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 (righty tighty lefty loosy).If it will not unscrew, wrap the tips of a pair of pliers with masking tape and loosen the aerator with the pliers.
• Take the aerator apart.
• Use a small brush and some vinegar to remove the lime buildup and sediment.
• Reassemble the unit and screw back on to the faucet.
• By hand carefully unscrew the aerator from the faucet turning counterclockwise (righty tighty lefty loosy). If it will not unscrew, wrap the tips of a pair of pliers with masking tape and loosen the aerator with the pliers.
• Take the aerator apart.
• Use a small brush and some vinegar to remove the lime buildup and sediment.
• Reassemble the unit and screw back on to the faucet.

Garbage Disposer Stops Working

• If your garbage disposal is not making any noise when you turn it on, the most likely reason is that you have tripped the overload protector that comes standard in your disposal. Its purpose is to protect the motor from abuse if the wrong things are thrown in there (i.e. bones, avocado seeds, and shot glasses, yes it does happen). If your disposer cuts off during operation, it may be this broken electrical connection.
• Turn the disposer switch off.
• Do not put hands or objects down the drain.
• Make sure the garbage disposal is plugged in securely at the outlet.
• With the power switch turned OFF, press the reset button. You can accomplish this by looking for a button, usually red, underneath the garbage disposal and pushing it in.
• Restart disposer by turning on the power switch.
• If this doesn't work try to go through the steps one more time, if you have no success more that likely you burned out the motor and will need to replace the unit.
  

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. You can do this by turning the knob on the lower part of the water heater, opening it will release the water.
• Test the pressure relief valve by lifting up on the lever on the top of the water heater and letting it snap back. The valve should allow a burst of water into the drainpipe, if not, call one of our professionals 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.