Tips

Kitchen - These helpful tips should help keep the plumbing in your kitchen running efficiently.

Never put hard-to-grind, stringy or fibrous waste (poultry skins, carrots, celery or banana peels) into the garbage disposer.

Run cold water down the drain for 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposer to flush waste through the line.

Don't pour liquid grease down the drain. Wipe congealed grease from pots and pans with a paper towel and dispose of in the trash.

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposer - Foul odors can occur from a buildup of  food debris within the disposer. Try these steps to eliminate odors:

• Grind ice cubes and orange or lemon rinds in the disposer for about 30 seconds.

• While the disposer is still running, pour a small amount of liquid dish detergent into it.

• Rinse any remaining debris away by running cold water for about 30 seconds.

Garbage Disposer Stops Working - Your disposer has an overload protector that senses if the motor is overheating and shuts it off. 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 drain.

• Make sure the appliance is plugged in securely at the outlet.

• With power switch turned off, press reset switch on front or bottom of the garbage disposer.

• Restart disposer by turning on power switch.

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. If it will not unscrew, wrap the jaws of your pliers with masking tape and loosen the aerator with the pliers. Continue by hand.

• Take aerator or spray head apart

• Use a small brush dipped in vinegar to remove sediment. Screw back into faucet.

Conservation Tips - Water conservation is extremely important. Here are some ways you can do your part:

• Don't use excessive amounts of detergents, bleach or chemicals that may kill the natural bacteria in your septic system.

• Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.

• To prevent excessive watering of your lawn in the summertime, purchase an inexpensive spring-loaded timer which attaches directly to your outside faucet. This will prevent overwatering in case you forget to shut off the sprinkler.

• Check your water meter during a period of time when no water is being used. Make a note of the meter reading and check it 8 to 10 hours later. If the meter has moved, there is an indication that you may have an undetected water leak, which should be corrected.

• Toilets consume more than 40% of your total water usage. Installation of a new toilet flapper and fill valve will keep your toilet running efficiently.

• Conserve energy by checking the temperature setting on your water heater. It should not be above 120°F or medium setting on older models

• Replacing an old shower head can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing full spray action at low or high water pressures.

• A dripping faucet can waste as much as 150 gallons of water each day, or 4,500 gallons per month. Repair the faucet to save water and reduce your water bill.

• Water pressure in your home above 60 pounds per square inch is harmful to your plumbing system and will cause excessive water usage. Contact your local water authority to find out what the water pressure is on your street. If it exceeds 60 pounds, consider installing a pressure reducing valve that will limit the water pressure within your home.