DIY Tips

DO

1. Shut off all outside valves in the winter.

DON'T

1. Leave outside hoses attached to the hose bib during winter.

DO

1. Test and inspect toilets for leaks each year.
2. Oil all parts inside the toilet tank that is above the water level.
3. Flush seldom used toilets at least once a month.
4. Keep toilet seats down when not in use.

DON'T

1. Hang objects or shelves over your toilet.
2. Use chlorine based cleaners that sit and stay inside the tank.
3. Use your toilet tank lid as a shelf.
4. Pour hot water into the toilet, it might crack and break the bowl.
5. Dispose of paper towels, sanitary napkins, or disposable diapers into toilet.
6. Put a mechanical cleaning device (snakes) into your toilet tank.
7. Let children play in bathroom with small toys.

DO

1. Periodically remove and clean all faucet aerators.
2. Check shower door track, make sure there are no leaks.
3. Pour 2-3 gallons of boiling hot water down shower and tub drains once a month.
4. Check caulk lines on walls and around showers and tubs annually.
5. Teach your children to always turn on cold water first and hot water off first.

DON'T

1. Leave drips and leaks unfixed.

DO

1. Run water in seldom used sinks and drains at least once a month.

DON'T

1. Put coffee grounds or similar waste in your sink drains.
2. Use any drain cleaners that contain lye.
3. Keep trash baskets under sinks. Bumping your drain pipes over time will cause them to leak.
4. Pour fats, grease, or cooking oils down your sink.

DO

1. Open sink cabinet doors on exterior walls during severe cold weather. The added room warmth will help prevent frozen pipes.
2. Insulate pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures.
3. Use a blow dryer, space heater, or heat gun to thaw out frozen pipes.

DON'T

1. Use torches or open flames to thaw frozen pipes.

DO

1. Run it only when full and during off-peak hours.

DON'T

1. Run the dishwasher if your food disposer is full of waste.

DO

1. Run water at full pressure before using the disposer.

DON'T

1. Place artichokes, corn husks, celery, onionskins, or other high-fiber material into the disposer.

DO

1. Drain your hot water heater twice a year to remove built up sediments.
2. Turn off the hot water when leaving for a week or more.

DON'T

1. Set water temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

DO

1. Call before you dig.
2. Open and close all cutoff valves two times a year.
3. Spray oil or WD-40 on seldom used valves. It will help prevent seizing.
4. Tape warranty cards to the back of all appliances.
5. Have a diagram of your sewer system on hand for emergency situations.
6. Keep All Trade's phone number near the phone in case of emergency. (Bookmark All Trades in your browser)

DON'T

1. Dig deep holes or trenches in your yard before locating and identifying water, gas, and sewer lines.
2. Plant trees or large shrubs over or around sewer lines.
3. Leave water turned on to garden hoses when not in use.
4. Hire a plumber to do any work without completely understanding what he is about to do.