Plumbing

Find out if the toilet is leaking by putting drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If the color leaks into the bowl replace the flapper.
Spraying Rain-X on your shower doors will make the water bounce right off and reduce build-up.
Use bath water to water plants (After bathing instead of sending water down the drain scoop into a bucket and reuse.)
Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full to save energy and water.
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, washing or shaving (This could save you 10 gallons every morning.)
If you find mold forming around your bathtub, try scrubbing the area with vinegar. Rinse with clean water.
To remove hard-water deposits and keep your shower head flowing freely, fill a container with half hot water and half vinegar. Let soak for an hour or two.
Going away for the weekend? Turn the hot water heater off and lower your thermostat to 60°.
Water Conservation…Shower instead of taking a bath. The average bath uses 20-30 gallons of water while the average shower uses only 10 gallons. Install a hand shower in a shower-less tub and save on water heating bills.
Install a low-flow shower head. You can eliminate the guilt over taking a steaming hot shower by reducing the amount of water you’re using. It only takes a few minutes (and a few $’s) to minimize water usage and save up to 10% on your water costs. Replacing your shower head is as simple as screwing off the old one and screwing on the new one. A simple low-flow shower head can cost as little as $10. Look for shower heads with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm (gallons per minute) for maximum efficiency. Not sure if you already have a low-flow shower head? Place a bucket—marked in gallon increments—under the shower head. Turn on the shower and see how long it takes to reach the 1 gallon mark. If it takes less than 20 seconds, it’s time to install a low-flow shower head.
Outside spigot are not freeze proof. If a hose is left attached, the water remaining in the hose may freeze, expanding back into the pipe and causing a break.
If there is a leak in any area of your home, shut the water off at the corresponding shut-off valve. Each sink and toilet in your home has a shut-off for its water supply. For leaks between the main shut-off and the meter, the water must be turned off at the meter.
The sound of water running through the walls is a normal occurrence. The sound occurs as water drains through the pipes and does not indicate a leak.
Water in the U-shaped drain trap creates a barrier that prevents sewer gases and airborne bacteria from coming into your home. Run water periodically through all drains to create a constant barrier. If you accidentally drop something down the sink drain, the U-shaped trap under the sink can be removed.
If your toilet backs up and/or overflows, there may be obstruction in the line. Turn the toilet intake valve off and plunge the toilet.
If your toilet runs constantly, this generally means that the water level in the tank is too high. Gently adjust the float arm in the water tank downward so that the water level does not flow into the overflow tube.
Your jetted tub has a small grill that serves as a water return. Keep the grill free of objects that block the water flow, such as wash clothes or bath sponges.
There is usually a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) for safe operation in your jetted tub. Electrical shorts, power surges and storms may cause the breaker to trip. If your tub does not operate, check the breaker to reset as needed.
If recovery of hot water is slow, the temperature setting is most likely too low. Raise as necessary. The recommended temperature setting for everyday use are “normal” on gas models and 140° on electric models. Be careful not to set the temperature of the water heater too high, as serious personal injury from scalding may result.
The area around a gas-fired water heater should be vacuumed as needed to prevent dust from interfering with the flame combustion. Do not use the top of your gas-fired heater as a storage space.
Do not store combustible items, such as fuel containers, oily rags, clothing, brooms or dust mops, near your water heater. They may interfere with airflow and are a fire hazard.
Clean plumbing fixtures with a soft sponge and soapy water only. Polish with a dry cloth.
The aerator is located at the mouth of the faucet. This component adds air to the water to reduce splashing and conserve water.
If your toilet begins to overflow don’t panic, turn off the water shut-off valve.
Check for leaks around washing machine. Prime suspects for leaks are the water supply hose washers.
Check inside bathroom vanities and kitchen-sink cabinets for moisture and other signs of leaks. Carefully inspect pipes for condensation or slow drips.
Locate the main water line shut-off valve and all individual plumbing fixture valves, and show all family members how to close them in case of a plumbing emergency.
If your home has natural gas, locate the gas shut-off valve by the gas meter and show all family members to close it in case of an emergency.
Turn down the water heater. Most people find 120 degrees to be warm enough. While you’re at it, wrap an insulating water heater blanket around your unit to help reduce heat loss by 25%-40% (unless it came with built-in insulation, or the manual says not to use an insulating blanket, as is the case with some newer units). Turn off the heater entirely when you’re out of town (but don’t forget to turn it back on when you return, or the cold shower will remind you). Cost of blanket: around $10–$20.
Check for leaks in the jetted tub periodically by looking around the base. Every 2 or 3 months fill the tub with hot water and add a small amount of liquid dishwasher non-foaming detergent. Run the pump for 10 minutes. This will clean the pipes and the pump’s internal parts