Goodier Builders Homeowners Manual

We want to draw your attention to a water-saving regulation that went into effect in 1993, which prohibits the manufacture of toilets that use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. In the search for a balance among comfort, convenience, and sensible use of natural resources, the government conducted several studies. The 1.6-gallon toilet turned out to be the size that overall consistently saves water.

As a result of implementing this standard, flushing twice is occasionally necessary to completely empty the toilet bowl. Even though you flush twice on occasion, rest assured that overall you are saving water and we have complied with the law. Similarly, flow restrictors are manufactured into most faucets and all showerheads and cannot be removed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but we have no control whatsoever with respect to this issue.

Aerators are small round attachments commonly found screwed to the mouth of the kitchen and bathroom faucets. Even though your plumbing lines have been flushed to remove dirt and foreign matter, small amounts of minerals may enter the line. Aerators on the faucets strain much of this from your water. Minerals caught in these aerators may cause the faucets to drip because washers wear more rapidly when they come in contact with foreign matter. To lengthen the life of the washer, the aerators should be removed and cleaned frequently, usually every three to four months.

See also Dripping Faucet.

If you perform any construction in your basement, ensure that the plumbing lines in the basement or crawl space are not isolated from the heating source without insulation being added. Also, be sure you allow easy access to all plumbing turn-off valves.

Special care should be taken when using any of the commercial products available to "childproof" your faucets. These devices are made to slip over sink or tub faucets to pad the faucet to protect a child from bumping into it. Another type of device allows the faucet to serve as a drinking fountain. The problem with these generic "slip-on" devices is that they interfere with the way water is designed to flow through the faucet and they can cause water to back up, forcing it around the pipe behind the wall. You may not become aware of it until water begins leaking through the area below. When in doubt, don't use these devices or call your plumber to ask for advice.

Follow manufacturer's directions for cleaning fixtures. Avoid abrasive cleansers. They remove the shiny finish and leave behind a porous surface that is difficult to keep clean. Clean plumbing fixtures with a soft sponge and soapy water (a nonabrasive cleaner or a liquid detergent is usually recommended by manufacturers). Then polish the fixtures with a dry cloth to prevent water spots. Care for brass fixtures with a good-quality brass cleaner, available at most hardware stores.

The main causes of toilet clogs are domestic items such as disposable diapers, excessive amounts of toilet paper, sanitary supplies, Q-tips, dental floss, and children's toys. Improper garbage disposal use also causes many plumbing clogs. Always use plenty of cold water when running the disposal. This recommendation also applies to grease; 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 10 to 15 seconds after shutting off the disposal.

You can usually clear clogged traps with a plumber's helper (plunger). If you use chemical agents, follow directions carefully to avoid personal injury or damage to the fixtures.

Clean a plunger drain stopper-usually found in bathroom sinks-by loosening the nut under the sink at the back, pulling out the rod attached to the plunger, and lifting the stopper. Clean and return the mechanism to its original position.

You can repair a dripping faucet by shutting off the water at the valve directly under the sink, then removing the faucet stem, changing the washer, and reinstalling the faucet stem. The showerhead is repaired the same way. Replace the washer with another of the same type and size. You can minimize the frequency of this repair by remembering not to turn faucets off with excessive force. (Please note that some manufacturers do not use rubber washers.)

The plastic trap under your kitchen sink may become loose with repeated use of hot water. You should check this periodically and tighten it by hand-a wrench is not necessary.

If you plan to be away for an extended period, you should drain your water supply lines. To do this, shut off the main supply line and open the faucets to relieve pressure in the lines. You may also wish to shut off the water heater. Do this by turning off the cold water supply valve on top and the gas control at the bottom. Drain the tank by running a hose from the spigot on the bottom of the water heater. If you leave the tank full, keep the pilot on and set the temperature to its lowest or "vacation" setting. Check the manufacturer's directions for additional hints and instructions.

Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should not freeze at temperatures above 0 degrees F. Set the heat at 65 degrees F if you are away during winter months. Keep garage doors closed to prevent plumbing lines running through this area from freezing.

In unusually frigid weather or if you will be gone more than a day or two, ask a friend to check your pipes, and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. During extremely cold weather let a trickle or thin stream of water run. Use an ordinary hair dryer to thaw pipes that are frozen. Never use an open flame. If freezing does occur, we recommend that you contact a plumber for advice and assistance.

Avoid using any abrasive cleaners on gold or antique brass fixtures. Use only mild detergent and water or a cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer. The warranty on these fixtures will be invalidated if chemicals or other cleaning products are used.

If you have a laundry room tub, the faucet does not have an aerator. This is to allow the tub faucet to accept a hose connection.

If 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 appropriate contractor.

Occasional cleaning of the aerators on your faucets (normally every three to four months) will allow proper flow of water. The water department controls the overall water pressure coming into the house. Regulators are located by the water meter in the basement, and control the pressure inside the home so that the plumbing system and appliances are protected. It is very important that you DO NOT adjust the pressure regulator.

Marble and manufactured marble will not chip as readily as porcelain enamel but can be damaged by a sharp blow. Avoid abrasive cleansers or razor blades on manufactured marble; both damage the surface. Most household cleaners are mildly harmful. The new aerosol bathroom cleaners generally are non-abrasive. Vinegar is also an excellent cleaning agent as are other "environmentally safe" products. Always mix hot and cold water at manufactured marble sinks; running only hot water can damage the sink.

As your home matures, repairs to various fixtures may become necessary. Rubber elements in the toilet tank will wear out and require replacement. The wax rings used to seat toilets also require periodic replacement.

The normal high moisture content common in bathrooms, the weight of the tub when filled with water, settling of the home over time, and the normal expansion and contraction of materials will cause separation between the tub or shower stall and the adjacent tile wall and floor surfaces in your home. The homeowner is responsible for routinely re-caulking these areas with a silicone-based caulk.

Outside faucets must be drained and hoses removed before cold weather, even if the faucet is located in your garage. 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.

The Proper Way To Drain Outside Hose Bibs (Faucets)

Turn off the inside control valve to each individual hose bib.
Open the outside hose bibs and let drain completely.
While opening and draining the outside hose bibs, insert your finger and wiggle the spring until the water completely drains.
Leave the outside hose bib open through the winter.

Repair of a broken line that feeds an exterior faucet is a maintenance item. Note that GOODIER BUILDERS does not warrant sill cocks against freezing.

You can damage porcelain enamel with a sharp blow from a heavy object or by scratching. Do not stand in the bathtub wearing shoes unless you have placed a protective layer of newspaper over the bottom of the tub. Shoe soles carry gritty particles that can scratch the finish. If you splatter paint onto the porcelain enamel surfaces during redecorating, wipe it up immediately. If a spot dries before you notice it, use a recommended solvent.

To stop running water, check the shut-off float in the tank. You will most likely find it has lifted too high in the tank, preventing the valve from shutting off completely. In this case, gently bend the float rod down until it stops the water at the correct level. The float should be free and not rub the side of the tank or any other parts. Also 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.

Your main water shut-off is located near your meter. You use this shut-off for major water emergencies such as a water line break or when you install a sprinkler system or build an addition to your home. Each toilet has a shut-off on the water line under the tank. Hot and cold shut-offs for each sink are on the water lines under the sink. If you familiarize yourself and your family with these locations you'll be able to respond quickly in the event of an emergency.

Local codes may require the installation of an overhead sprinkler system as a fire safety precaution. You should routinely inspect sprinkler heads and provide seasonal service to maintain proper functioning. Never hang plants or other objects from a sprinkler head. For further information consult the manufacturer's pamphlet (provided to you when applicable).

Clean stainless steel sinks with soap and water to preserve their luster. Avoid abrasive cleaners; these will damage the finish. An occasional cleaning with a good stainless steel cleaner will enhance the finish. Avoid leaving produce on a stainless steel surface, since prolonged contact with produce can stain the finish.

Avoid exposing the toilet to blows from sharp or heavy objects, which 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.

If your home has well and septic rather that sewer and water there are a few additional maintenance items you should be aware of.

Have your septic tank pumped at least once per year if you have a garbage disposal. Otherwise, once every 2 ½-3 years should be sufficient. Do not allow grease of any kind in your drains, as it will clog the septic system. To help "eat" bacteria in the septic system, one a month mix a cake or package of baking yeast with hot water and flush if down one of your toilets.

If you have a well, you'll have a tank in your basement that the water passes through before being distributed throughout your house. A gauge on the outside of the tank will show a gradual decline in pressure as the water is being regulated with air to pressurize it for distribution. There will be a slight "click" as the system goes on and off. It should not click constantly. If it does, or you notice a change in pressure, call your plumber. Likewise, if your water appears muddy you should have the system checked. If it appears yellow it probably indicates iron in the water. If blue stains are apparent in your sink or toilets, it probably indicates that acid in the water is dissolving some of the copper piping. In general, we recommend that well water be treated. Consult a water treatment specialist to determine what is appropriate in your situation.

Your plumbing system is warranted for one (1) year against manufacturing and installation defects. This includes parts and labor except for maintenance items or surface damages that have occurred after occupancy. Surface defects MUST be noted prior to settlement. The warranty does not include valve washer wear or sewer stoppages. During the orientation we will confirm that all plumbing fixtures are in acceptable condition and that all faucets and drains operate freely.

GOODIER BUILDERS will correct clogged drains that occur during the first 30 days after closing. If a household item is removed from a clogged drain during this time, you will be billed by the plumber for the drain service. After the first 30 days, you are responsible for correcting clogged drains.

GOODIER BUILDERS will correct any fixture damage noted on the orientation list. Repairing chips, scratches, or other surface damage noted subsequent to the orientation list is your responsibility.

GOODIER BUILDERS will repair leaks at exterior faucets noted on the orientation list. Subsequent to orientation, repair of a broken line to an exterior faucet is your responsibility.

Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should not freeze. Set heat at 65 degrees F if you are away during winter months. Keep garage doors closed to protect plumbing lines that run through this area.

GOODIER BUILDERS will repair leaks in the plumbing system. If a plumbing leak caused by a warranted item results in drywall or floor covering damage, GOODIER BUILDERS will repair or replace items that were part of the home as originally purchased. We do not make adjustments for secondary damages (for example, damage to wallpaper, drapes, and personal belongings). Insurance should cover these items.