Leaky Faucets

Fixing Benefits
Fixing a leaky faucet saves you some money!
Dripping water at one drip/second wastes 400 gallons of water a year.
If this is hot water, you are watching your money go down the drain!

Pipes

Sweating Pipes
To eliminate sweating cold water pipes during the summer months, place foam pipe insulation over the pipes. The tubing keeps the warm humid air from condensing on the cold pipes.

Bathroom Expenses

The most expensive part of adding a new bathroom is “roughing in “ the new plumbing. So keep in mind how far your pipes have to go.

Quick Fixes

For a quick fix on copper pipe, small leaks, keep handy an easy repair kit. All that is needed is a hose clamp and a small piece of firm rubber, such as a small section of garden hose. Simply insert the rubber around the leak and clamp. It will give you a little time until you have a chance to call AAA Plumbing.

Septic System

Healthy Septic System
There are a few basic rules for keeping your septic system healthy.
• Have the tank pumped and cleaned every 2 to 5 years
• Don’t pour ANY solvents, chemicals, or oils of ANY kind into the drain or toilet.
• Only flush toilet paper down the loo, no other paper or plastic products
• Use bleach and other cleaners sparingly
• NEVER dispose of grease, coffee grounds or popcorn in the sink

Toilets

Replacing A Toilet Seat
Using an adjustable wrench you can remove the bolts that hold the toilet seat in place. If the bolts are metal and have corroded, try soaking with penetrating oil overnight. If the bolts will not budge, just saw off with a hacksaw. Coat the new bolts with some petroleum jelly to help in future removal!

Drains

Clogs In The Drains
Most drain blockages occur because homeowners put materials into the drain that should never go there. Often liquid materials are put “down the drain”, and then solidify and cause clogging. Remember to just let materials harden, then place in trash, instead of in the drain!

Drain Odors
Running very hot water through your drains after using will help keep them free of odors somewhat. About once a week pour a handful of baking soda and hot water down the drain or pour one cup of vinegar, let stand 30 minutes and then run some hot water. Keeping all grease, hair, and vegetable matter out of the drain also helps with odors and possible clogging.

Drains
Don’t pour grease down your drains; keep free of hair and other debris.
Once a month, to prevent residual grease and soap from clogging drains:
• Run hot water through the drain
• Add 3 Tablespoons of baking soda
• Add a little hot water
• Let stand for 15 minutes; then “flush” by running the water

To properly maintain the garbage disposal.
• Do not use commercial drain products
• Use cold water at all times when the disposal is operating
• Grind ice cubes to clean, lemon peels to freshen
• Read your maintenance manual

Bathrooms

Preventing Burns From Hot Water
If your shower or tub douses you with very hot water when a toilet is flushed or another tap in the house is used, try installing a mixing valve with a built-in temperature and pressure regulator. This should do the trick for evenly controlled water temperatures, so enjoy!
Recaulking The Bathtub
House settling often results in cracks between the wall and the bathroom sink or tub. Clean and dry the area, remove any loose caulking with a putty knife. Use some waterproof caulking compound to fill in the cracks and let dry overnight before using the bath.

Additional Bathroom Space
Need additional bathroom space in the house? Remember that you will need at the very least, a 4ft. x 5ft. for the toilet and lavatory.

Showerheads: New Vs Old
New showerheads use no more than 2.5 gallons per minute, therefore saving you water and energy. By replacing your older showerhead for a new one an average family, (of four people), can save $150 on electric hot water or $60 gas. The amount of water saved per year equals about 15,000 gallons!

Mineral Deposits
To clean mineral deposits from a clogged showerhead, try soaking it in some vinegar.