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MAINTENANCE
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Freezing Pipes |
Provided the home is heated at a
normal level, pipes should not
freeze at temperatures above 25
degrees Fahrenheit. Heat should be
set at 65 degrees if you are away
during winter months and it is
advisable to open cabinets, let
water drip, and cover exterior
faucets. Please take these same
precautions if the temperature drops
below 25 degrees.
Garage
doors should be kept closed as much
as possible to protect plumbing
lines, which may run through this
area.
In unusually frigid
weather, or if you will be gone more
than a day or two, open cabinet
doors to allow warm air to circulate
around pipes.
If your pipes
should freeze, turn your water off.
When pipes freeze, they usually
burst. If pipes should thaw while
the water is on, an enormous amount
of damage to your home may result.
An ordinary hair dryer can be
used to thaw pipes that are frozen.
Never use an open flame. Should you
have a broken pipe as a result of a
freeze, please contact your
insurance carrier, as this is
non-warrantable.
It is a good
idea to disconnect all outside water
hoses after each use but especially
during freezing weather as a small
amount of water is held in the
spigot and may freeze and cause the
pipe to burst. |
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Aerators |
Even though
your plumbing lines have been
flushed out to remove dirt and
foreign matter, there are usually
small amounts of minerals that enter
the line. Aerators on the faucets
strain much of these minerals from
your water. Aerators may need to be
removed and cleaned from time to
time. |
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Fiberglass
Tubs/Showers |
Do not use
abrasives to clean tubs and showers.
Use non-abrasive cleaners designed
for fiberglass.
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Care and
Cleaning |
Follow manufacturer’s directions for
cleaning fixtures. A non-abrasive or
liquid detergent is usually
recommended. |
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Porcelain |
A sharp blow from a heavy object
can damage porcelain enamel. It can
also be scratched. If paint is
splattered onto the porcelain enamel
surfaces during redecorating, it
should be wiped up immediately. If
some spots have dried before being
noticed, use a recommended solvent.
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Stainless
Steel |
Stainless steel sinks should be
cleaned with soap and water to
preserve their luster. Do not use
abrasive cleaners; these will damage
the finish.
An occasional
cleaning with a good stainless steel
cleaner will enhance the finish.
Care should be taken to avoid
leaving produce on a stainless steel
surface, since prolonged contact
with produce can stain the finish. |
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Fixtures
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Clean plumbing fixtures with a soft
sponge and soapy water, and then
polish with a soft dry cloth. Drying
with a soft cloth or towel will
prevent water spots.
When
cleaning your toilet, wash with
mild, soapy water, rinse thoroughly
with clear water and dry with a soft
cloth. Avoid detergents,
disinfectants, or cleaning products
in aerosol cans. Never use abrasive
scouring powders or abrasive pads on
your toilet seat. Some bathroom
chemicals and cosmetics may damage
the seat’s finish.
Do not use
in-tank cleaners. Products
containing chlorine (calcium
hypochlorite) can seriously damage
fittings in the tank. This damage
can cause leakage and property
damage. |
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Toilet Seat Cover |
Do not stand on the toilet seat
cover. It is not designed for this
purpose and may crack. |
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Tank Care |
Similarly, avoid exposing the toilet
to blows from sharp or heavy
objects; this can cause chipping or
cracking. Avoid abnormal pressures
against the sides of the tank. It is
possible to crack the tank at the
points where it is attached to the
bowl.
Use of “in tank”
cleaners containing calcium
hypochlorite (chlorine) will damage
parts in the tank. |
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Low Pressure |
It will
occasionally be necessary to remove
and clean the aerators on faucets to
allow proper flow of water;
normally, every three to four months
is sufficient. |
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Plumbing Leaks |
f a major plumbing leak occurs, the
first step is to turn off the supply
of water to the area involved. This
may mean shutting off the water to
the entire home. Then contact the
plumbing contractor listed on the
emergency phone list provided on the
contact page in your Homeowner
Packet, which was provided to you
during your final walk-though or
located on the sticker on your water
heater.
If the carpet has
become soaked, pull up the carpet
from the tack strip and remove the
wet portion of the pad. Use an
oscillating fan to dry the carpet.
Arrange the carpet to allow air to
circulate around and through it. |
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Running Toilet |
Check the chain on the flush handle.
If it is too tight it will prevent
the rubber stopper at the bottom of
the tank from sealing, resulting in
running water. Also, avoid the use
of in-tank cleaners. Products
containing chlorine (calcium
hypochlorite) can seriously damage
fittings in the tank. This damage
can cause leakage and property
damage. |
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Clogs |
Many plumbing clogs are caused by
improper garbage disposal use.
Always use plenty of cold water when
running the disposal. This applies
to grease also. Supplied with a
steady flow of cold water, the
grease congeals and is cut up by the
blades. If you use hot water, the
grease remains a liquid, then cools
and solidifies in the sewer line.
Allow the water to run a minimum of
15 seconds after shutting off the
disposal.
Clogged traps can
usually be cleared with a plumber’s
helper (plunger). The use of
chemical agents is not recommended.
The main cause of toilet clogs
are various domestic items such as
paper diapers, excessive amounts of
toilet paper or the wrong type of
paper, sanitary supplies, Q-tips,
dental floss, children’s toys, etc. |
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Water Heater |
Carefully read manufacturer’s
literature for your specific model
of water heater. |
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Safety |
The area around all water heaters
should be vacuumed as needed. The
top of all water heaters should
never be used as a storage shelf. Do
not store boxes, etc. within three
feet of a water heater. Do not block
outside air intakes. |
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Temperature |
Set the water heater thermostat at
the recommended setting; higher
settings waste energy and may cause
bodily injury. The recommended
thermostat setting for normal
everyday use is “normal” on gas
models. |
LIMITED WARRANTY
All drains
and sewer lines should operate
freely. Obstructions resulting from
construction debris will be
corrected by Tahoe Homes, LLC. Tahoe
Homes, LLC will correct clogged
drains that occur during the first
ninety (90) days after closing.
Obstructions removed during this
time period, which are shown to be
the result of homeowner action, will
be corrected at homeowner’s expense. |
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Leaks |
Tahoe Homes, LLC will repair
warrantable leaks in the plumbing
system. If a plumbing leak caused by
a warranted item results in drywall
or floor covering damage, Tahoe
Homes LLC will repair this. No
adjustments will be made for
incidental or consequential damages
(wallpaper, drapes, personal
belongings, etc.). Homeowner
insurance should cover these items. |
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Cosmetic Damage |
Any fixture damage noted on the
Pre-settlement List will be
repaired. Chips, scratches, etc.,
reported subsequent to the
Pre-settlement List will not be
repaired. Homeowner is responsible
for following manufacturer’s
directions for caring for fiberglass
products. |
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Exterior Faucets |
Outside faucets should be protected
during periods of extreme cold.
Hoses must be removed after each
use. If a hose is left attached, the
water that remains in the hose can
freeze and expand back into the
pipe, causing a break in the line.
Tahoe Homes, LLC will repair any
problems with these faucets noted on
the Pre-settlement List. |
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Shower Doors |
Clean shower glass with a window
squeegee to prevent water spotting.
Some glass cleaners can damage metal
shower doorframe finish. Check with
manufacturer for specific
recommendations. |
