Helpful Hints

If your toilet is clogged or the water level too low, we have a few suggestions in the event a plunger does not clear the problem.

• Fill a bucket or plastic waste basket with warm water and pour it in to the bowl from waist level or higher.

• Repeat if necessary after the water level is once again low.

Periodically check your toilet for leaks:

• Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank – not the bowl. A couple tablespoons of instant coffee or Kool-Aid will also work.

• Check the toilet after about thirty minutes. If the water in the bowl has some of the color in it, the tank is leaking and the stopper (“flapper”) and/or flush valve seat may need to be replaced.

Please take precautions so your outdoor faucets do not freeze in the winter.

• Detach your garden hoses prior to the onset of freezing temperatures.

• Then close the shut-off valves on the pipe(s) which lead to your outdoor faucets, if available.

• Finally, open the outdoor faucets so that any residual water is allowed to drain, if you have shut off valves.

Indoor faucets may freeze in very cold weather:

• Try leaving the cabinet doors under the faucets open so that they can receive more heat.

• In extreme cases, such as multiple days of below freezing temperatures, allow hot and cold water to trickle at a slow rate into the sinks. Please remember, if the water volume is too high, you risk overflowing the sink.

• Insulate all water pipes which may be exposed to freezing temperatures or wind. Water pipes not in use should be drained in areas where they may be vulnerable to severely cold weather.

• If there is plumbing in your garage, be sure to keep the garage door closed. Pipes in unheated garages, attics or basements should be insulated.

If your pipes do freeze:

• Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve to minimize problems as the ice melts.

• Leave the faucets on to relieve pressure when the ice begins to melt.

• If necessary, use a blow dryer or heat gun to thaw frozen pipes.

Do not under any circumstances use a blow torch or any type of open flame

Garbage Disposal

• It is best to use cold water-not hot water-while running your disposal. Be sure to avoid overloading the disposal.

• Corn husks, artichokes, onion skins, celery, and other high-fiber material can clog your disposal.

• Do not pour fats or cooking oils into your sink. Liquid fats can solidify in cold drain pipes, trap food particles, and clog the drains.

If your disposal is clogged, turn the motor and water off.

• Reach under the sink and insert the service wrench that came with your disposal-or a 1/4 inch Allen wrench- into the hole on the bottom of the disposal. Turn it back and forth until it can turn freely in complete circles.

• Use tongs to remove the debris which caused the disposal to jam.

• Finally, press the “Reset” button on the bottom of the disposal in the event your disposal needs to be reset.

• Food particles which remain in your disposal can cause odors. Put a combination of ice cubes and lemon peel in the disposal, run it for about thirty seconds then run cold water through the disposal. Disposal cleaner or degreaser may also help.