FYI and stuff you can do yourself
Try these tips: Leaky pipes, toilet leaks, water heater leaks, washing machine & other hoses, root-clogged sewer lines, heating system maintenance, air conditioning maintenance, dryer vents.
Leaky pipe or fixture: shut off the water
Close valve at the fixture or appliance
Find the shut-off valve - usually behind or underneath the fixture. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water. Then call Zimmerman.
Close main valve where water
comes into the house
If there's no shut-off valve for the fixture, close the main valve to turn off the water supply to the entire house. This is located where the main water supply pipe enters just inside the foundation wall in the basement or crawlspace. Turn clockwise.
Show everyone where the valves are
Every family member should know the location of the shut-off valves for every fixture, as well as the main shut-off valve for the house, and how they operate.
Professional tips about shut-off valves
- If you need a wrench to close the valves, keep one specially labeled nearby.
- Label the main water shut-off valve with a brightly colored tag.
- If you don't have shut-off valves for your fixtures and appliances, consider having them installed, especially to toilets and washing machines.
- Consider having ball valves installed at the washer and main shut-off. Their ease of operation can save money, time, and convenience in an emergency situation.
Toilet leaks
Toilet seal leaks can happen when the toilet is not stable, or the seal is worn out or not installed correctly. RECOMMENDATION: Check for water or visible stains around the base of the toilet. Does the toilet wobble? If you see water, don't delay repairs.
Water heater leaks
Hot water tanks are susceptible to leaks, even if they have liners. Water contains sediment that sinks to the bottom and rusts. RECOMMENDATION: Inspect the flooring around your water heater for signs of leaks. A qualified technician should periodically inspect heaters installed more than five years ago. PEMCO suggests replacing your water heater if it's more than 10 years old. Water pan and safety alarms are also worth considering.
Washing machine & other hoses
Rubber hoses eventually leak. Because the laundry room is usually in a low-traffic area of the house, water damage can go undetected and be extensive. RECOMMENDATION: Check the hoses for kinks and cracks. Replace rubber hoses every five years or have metal mesh hoses installed. Do the same for dishwasher and automatic ice cube-maker hoses.
Root-clogged sewer lines
Trees and shrubbery seek water anywhere they can find it during spring with the onset of foliage growth. One of the prime supplies of water is our sewer systems. Plant roots are an amazing biological wonder. They are designed to seek water anywhere it can be found. They only need a hairline crack to gain access into your drain lines. That's where the problems begin.
Once inside the drain lines, the roots can grow at an alarming rate, exerting enough force to damage, clog or destroy your pipes. Manual removal of the roots can provide immediate relief. Unfortunately, it is only effective on the bottom half of the sewer pipe and, just like pruning a shrub or tree, the roots will come back bigger and stronger unless treated.
Until recently, there were no safe biological agents that could be used to remove the tree roots on the top side of the pipe. RootX now offers homeowners a solution to root problems. When RootX is added to your sewer system it becomes a sticky foam. The foam fills the entire pipe killing and speeding the decay of the roots. RootX-continues working by preventing the regrowth of roots for up to one year. It is cost-effective and saves homeowners money on costly sewer line repairs. Annual treatment is the most effective way of keeping roots under control.
Signs to look for it if you think you are having sewer problems: the drain lines are gurgling, especially when you drain your washing machine water; toilets and sinks are slower than normal to drain; the floor drain has unpleasant odors or water backing up.
Heating system maintenance
Test your heating system
Test your heating system before the heating season starts, while the weather is still warm. Follow 3 easy steps:
- Turn thermostat to 4-6 degrees higher than the room temperature.
- Wait 5-10 minutes to make sure you feel warm air from the registers or radiators.
- If you do not feel any warm air, turn thermostat to the original setting and contact us.
Furnace & boiler maintenance
Service your furnace or boiler every year before the heating season. Beat the fall rush. Our summer price is lower, but you receive the same factory precision and thorough cleaning. Leave the worry to us. Sign up for our planned maintenance to be sure it gets done each year.
Replace furnace filters once a month
Change your furnace filter on your hot air system every month during the heating season. It won't change itself. Ahhhh...... change is hard. We'll recycle your old filters as well. Check out how to replace furnace filters to learn how you can do it.
Air conditioning maintenance
Clean the condenser unit
Keep the outdoor condenser unit free of debris. Anything blocking the unit will prevent it from dissipating heat as effectively, making the unit work harder. This wastes energy and money. Repeat the following steps as needed:
- Turn off air conditioner.
- Go outside and look at the unit, checking for any shrubbery, leaves, grass or dirt that may be impeding the flow of air from the unit, and remove with broom or vacuum cleaner.
- Check the base pan under the unit and remove any debris that has accumulated there as well.
- Never reach inside the unit with your hand or any other object.
- If there is debris or dirt deep in the unit, call for service.
Clean or change the air filter once a month
The air filter is the most important part of your cooling system. If it becomes clogged, your system will work harder and longer to supply the same amount of cool air. A dusty filter reduces airflow. Clean or change the air filter once a month. How to change your filter:
- First check what size filter you have.
- Make sure the air conditioner is turned off before you remove the filter.
- If it is a disposable filter, install a new filter and throw the old one away.
- If it is a reusable filter, clean following manufacturer's instructions.
- If you have allergies or pets, consider installing a high-efficiency, air filtration system.
- Keeping your filters clean can cut energy consumption 5 to 15%.
Dryer vent maintenance
Vented properly, with no obstructions
A gas clothes dryer, if not properly vented, can cause carbon monoxide to be forced back into the home and can be deadly. In addition to lint obstructions or improper venting, birds' nests, rodent and bug infestations can also plug a vent, creating a fire hazard or leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Symptoms of a clogged duct or vent include, but are not limited to, incomplete drying of clothes at normal temperatures and very hot dryer temperatures. To combat this lurking laundry room danger, the CSIA [Chimney Safety Institute of America] recommends homeowners have clothes dryer exhaust ducts inspected annually and maintained as necessary by a certified technician.