|
|
|
 |
TIPS:
|
|
|
BOILERS
*If you have a hot water system, it should be chemically treated to prevent internal corrosion. If you see gray plastic piping (polybutylene) is almost guaranteed to develop leaks. To prolong polybutylene piping life expectancy, you should at least lower the boiler aquastat to 120°F. Click here for more information.
If you find that water came out of boiler system via the Pressure Relief Valve, chances are the expansion tank might have given out the ghost. (The internal diaphragm ruptured). To find out, take a piece of metal and tap the expansion tank (metal ball with a horizontal seam in the middle) from the side connected to the pipe to the other side. Listen to the sound, if it is the same sound throughout, the tank has to be replaced. Check here for more information.
BUYING
*When buying any plumbing fixtures or materials, it's always a good idea to go with a company that's been in business for a while. You don't want to buy a tap and then in 2 years have it outdated or parts not accessible for repairing.
FAUCETS
*When replacing a flat faucet washer you can temporarily turn it over. For more information on faucets click here.
FOOD DISPOSER
*When using a Food Disposer (Garborator) always run the cold water before you switch the Disposer on and for a few seconds after the grinding has stopped. Once a week, fill the kitchen sink compartment in which the Food Disposer is located, with water. Plug the other compartment with a stopper or a rag, and drain the sink while the Food Disposer is on (always run it with water). This will force some water down the drain and will wash out the grounds.
Do not throw banana peels, artichoke leaves, rhubarb or anything else with a lot of fibers in a Food Disposer. If your garborator stopped working, don't panic quite yet. Check our REPAIR department under Food Disposers (Garborators) .
HOT WATER HEATERS
*To reduce energy consumption by the water heater, turn down the temperature on the tank to the lowest temperature that you will be comfortable with and still have enough hot water (usually around 120-130 °F.)
* Not enough hot water? Check how the hot water is being used, many or long bath/showers within a short period of time, use of washing machine, dish washer. Check if the thermostat is set too low or if the tank is too small.
* Once a year, it is advisable to open the drain tap on your Hot Water Heater (domestic hot water) and drain the tank until the water is clear in order to flush the sediment that sits on the bottom of the tank. You should get brownish water for the 1st few seconds. Caution : the drain tap might drip after you shut it off. Get a 3/4 inches hose bib cap and screw it over the tap.
* Make sure that the area around a gas Hot Water Tank is clear from any combustible material (papers, wood, paint, etc.). The area should also be clear to allow a fresh air supply for combustion (we recommend a fresh air intake on the outside wall with a pipe leading the air to the combustion area). Check local authorities for Air Supply Requirements gas code.
* Prevent the hot water tank from moving during an earthquake by installing steel strapping around the tank and secure it to the walls, or bolt the tank down to the floor. This will reduce the chance of the water and gas lines breaking.
*Hot water heaters: If you find water coming out of the Pressure relief valve check the hot water heater thermostat, if it is set at the maximum, lower the setting. If not, the pressure relief valve is dirty. You may try to take it apart or replace it. NOTE : Before working on a PRV, shut the system down. Turn the water, gas or electricity off, drain enough water to have the level bellow the PRV.
* Check for apparatus just past main shut off called Pressure Regulating Valve, if none is present, get one installed to protect the system from over pressurization, your appliances could be 50 to 100% over pressurized, especially the Hot Water Heater.
LEAKS
MAIN SHUTOFF
WASHING MACHINE
ODOURS
SOLDER
THREADED PIPE:
WATER CLOSETS (TOILETS)
WINTERIZING
More Tips for membership(free registration)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
