>>>Tips From Jim
Care of Plumbing Fixtures and Systems
Drains
Kitchen sink drain
Avoid putting grease down where possible. If it can't be avoided use cold water to flush it down, not hot water. Cold water will cause the grease to solidify in small particles and will be washed down and out the sewer. Hot water will cause the grease to remain in solution until it encounters the colder underground pipes where it will stick to the walls of the cold pipe and over a period of time clog the drain.
Laundry drains
Lint is the big problem here so attempt to catch the lint and prevent it from entering the drainage system. A nylon stocking tied over the clothes washer discharge line where it dumps into the laundry sink will catch the lint and prevent stoppages. Using a clothes washer with a lint trap that can be cleaned out is recommended.
Bath room drains
Hair mixed with the soap curd is the biggest problem in this area. Where possible using a screen to catch the hair before it enters the drain will help.
Toilet drains and main sewer lines
A minimal use of toilet paper and never flushing paper towels down the drain will go a long way toward preventing stoppages.
General
Use of a drain maintenance program will reduce need for drain rodding or snaking. We recommend the use of Bio-Clean drain maintenance chemicals. This is a bacteria which when added to your drains with a small amount of warm water will eat the accumulation in the drain and keep them flowing properly. Bio-Clean is available from your technician. Please follow the enclosed instructions.
Fixtures & Appliances
Kitchen sinks
Stainless Steel sinks can be scoured with cleansers and a sponge. They are pre-scratched by the manufacturer and will continue to look good when kept clean. Enameled steel and cast iron sinks must NOT be scoured, but should be cleaned with a liquid cleaner and a sponge. Scouring will damage the surface and remove the luster. Corian sinks can be scoured with cleansers and a sponge without damaging them.
Garbage disposers
Run copious amounts of water while grinding garbage and don't force garbage down too fast. Avoid disposing of fibrous items like corn husks, celery, cabbage, and lettuce. Bones tend to help the disposal as they break up into small sharp pieces which tend to scrape the sides of the pipes and clean them. Large roast bones should be given to the dog.
Fixtures
China, enameled and fiberglass fixtures i.e. lavatories, toilets, bath tubs, and showers should be cleaned with liquid cleaners and never scoured.
Toilets
Watch for water leaking from the tank to the toilet bowl. Adding food color to the toilet tank will show leaks by coloring the water in the bowl if a leak is present. Also listen for water running when the toilet has not been flushed for a period of time.
Clothes washer hoses
The water valves to the washer should be turned off when not using the washer. When this is not done you leave full pressure on these rubber hoses which was not intended. You stand the chance that these hoses will burst and flood your home. If this is an inconvenience we suggest that these hoses be replaced with braided non burst hoses which your technician carries and will be happy to supply you with and install.
Disclaimer:
These are suggestions based on many years of experience and are intended to help our clients enjoy many years of service from the expensive plumbing systems and fixtures. We accept no responsibility for damage or loss of any kind do to the implementing of these suggestions.