Q & A's
When the temperature drops in winter, what can I do to prevent my water pipes from freezing?
A. There are several actions you can follow:
1. Disconnect outside hoses.
2. Leave hose bibs (outdoor faucets) on a slow drip.
3. Drain swamp cooler lines.
4. Insulate outdoor exposed pipes.
These steps are especially important to consider if a house will be unoccupied for an extended period of time; for instance, if you're going to be on vacation or if you have an empty property for sale.
Are there any types of toilet cleaners I should avoid?
A. Yes, definitely. Any type of cleaner that is designed to be placed in the tank for dispersal with the stored tank water can cause problems. Chemicals in these cleaners can corrode the internal rubber parts, distorting the flapper and causing the tank to "run," or continually fill with water. The blue-colored cleaners can also erode the washer where the tank is fastened to the toilet bowl, and can lead to leaks and actually create blue stains on your flooring.
I just moved into a brand-new house and my shower head is dripping. Why would that be happening already?
A. There most likely is construction debris lodged in your shower valve. During the construction process, there are several likely stages where tiny particles of dirt or other debris may enter the pipes. If any of those small particles lodge in the shower valve, a drip could result. If that's the case the shower valve cartridge needs to be removed and cleaned.
