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Version: 2011.07.01

Plumbing

Your home plumbing system has many parts, most of which require maintenance and proper cleaning. Maintenance and cleaning will assure many years of good service from this system.

Aerators​

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.

note

Remove the screen and wash out to maintain the aerators.

Cleaning​

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 home improvement and hardware stores.

Clogs​

The main causes of toilet clogs are domestic items such as disposable diapers, excessive amounts of toilet paper, sanitary supplies, Q-tips, dental floss, personal hygiene products, 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.

Helpful Hint

A small amount of ice cubes used in the disposal will sharpen and clean the blades.

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.

Dripping Faucet​

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 or insert, and reinstalling the faucet stem. The shower head is repaired the same way. Replace the washer or insert 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.)

On faucets with pull-out sprayers, it is possible for the sprayer connection at the base of the faucet to come loose due to the pulling out of the sprayer. Please periodically check this connection and tighten as needed.

Extended Absence​

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 tank drain on the bottom of the water heater to the basement floor drain. If you leave the tank full, keep the pilot on and set the temperature to its lowest or "vacation" setting. Check manufacturer's directions for additional hints and instructions.

Fiberglass Fixtures​

For normal cleaning use a nonabrasive bathroom cleanser and sponge or nylon cleaning pad. Avoid steel wool, scrapers, and scouring pads. Auto wax can provide a shine and restore an attractive appearance.

Freezing Pipes​

Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should not freeze at temperatures above 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are away during winter months, set the heat at a minimum of 62 degrees Fahrenheit, higher when the temperature drops below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep garage doors closed to protect plumbing lines running through this area from freezing temperatures.

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. Use an ordinary hair dryer to thaw pipes that are frozen. Never use an open flame.

Gold or Brass Finish​

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.

Jetted Tubs​

If your home includes a jetted tub, follow manufacturer directions for its use and care. Never operate the jets unless the water level is at least one inch above the jets. Be cautious about using the tub if you are pregnant or have heart disease or high blood pressure; discuss the use of the tub with your doctor. Tie or pin long hair to keep it away from the jets where it might become tangled—a potentially dangerous event.

Clean and disinfect the system every one to two months, depending on usage. To do this, fill the tub with lukewarm water and add one cup of liquid chlorine bleach. Run the jets for 10 to 15 minutes, drain and fill again. Run for 10 minutes with plain water, and then drain.

Leaks​

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 Classic during the Limited Warranty Period immediately for service.

Low Flush Toilets​

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. Similarly, flow restrictors are manufactured into most faucets and shower heads and cannot be removed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Low Water Pressure​

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.

Main Shut-Off​

The water supply to your home can be shut off entirely in two locations. The first is at the street and the second is at the meter. We will point both of these out during the Final Walkthrough/Orientation.

Marble or Manufactured Marble​

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. Always mix hot and cold water at manufactured marble sinks; running only hot water can damage the sink. This also applies to Corian and Corian-type products.

Outside Faucets​

Outside faucets (sill cocks) are freeze-proof, but in order for this feature to be effective, you must remove hoses during 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. Repair of a broken line that connects to an exterior faucet is the Homeowner's responsibility unless the freeze occurred as a result of a defect in the installation of the faucet. Classic will not repair or replace exterior faucets or repair any consequential damage that results from the Homeowner's failure to remove a hose or any faucet device from the exterior faucet.

Porcelain​

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. 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 solvent recommended for this specific situation.

Running Toilet​

To stop the 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.

Shut-Offs​

Your main water shut-off or shut-offs are located in the mechanical room near the water meter. You use this shut-off for major water emergencies or to completely shut down the water supply to the 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 or, for PEX systems, in the mechanical room.

Stainless Steel​

Clean stainless steel sinks with soap and water to preserve their luster. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool pads; these will damage the finish. Prevent bleach from coming into prolonged contact with the sink as it can pit the surface. An occasional cleaning with a good stainless steel cleaner will enhance the finish. Rub in the direction of the polish or grain lines and dry the sink to prevent water spots.

Avoid leaving produce on a stainless steel surface, since prolonged contact with produce can stain the finish. Also avoid using the sink as a cutting board; sharp knives will gouge the finish.

Local water conditions affect the appearance of stainless steel. A white film can develop on the sink if you have over-softened water or water with a high concentration of minerals. In hard water areas, a brown surface stain that looks like rust can form.

Troubleshooting​

No Water Anywhere in the Home​

Before calling for service, check to confirm that the:

  • Main shut-off on the meter inside your home is open
  • Main shut-off at the street is open
  • Individual shut-offs for each water-using item are open

No Hot Water​

See Water Heaters.

Leak Involving One Sink, Tub, or Toilet​

  • Check caulking and grout
  • Confirm the shower door or tub enclosure was properly closed
  • Turn the water supply off to that item
  • Use other facilities in your home and report the problem to Classic during normal business hours during the Limited Warranty period

Leak Involving a Main Line​

  • Turn water off at the meter in your home and call Classic during the Limited Warranty period immediately for service

Back Up at One Toilet​

If only one toilet is affected, corrections occur during normal business hours.

  • Shut off the water supply to the toilet involved
  • Use a plunger to clear the blockage
  • Use a snake to clear the blockage
  • If you've been in your home fewer than 30 days, contact Classic. If you've been in your home over 30 days, contact a drain cleaning (rooter) service. After the 30th day, the Limited Warranty provides no coverage for this unless the back up is the result of a defect in the installation

Sewer Back Up Affecting Entire Home​

  • If you've been in your home fewer than 30 days, contact Classic. If you've been in your home over 30 days, contact a rooter service. After the 30th day, the Limited Warranty provides no coverage for this unless the back up is the result of a defect in the installation
  • Remove personal belongings to a safe location. If items are soiled, contact your homeowner insurance company

Even if the troubleshooting tips do not identify a solution, the information you gather will be useful to the service provider you call.

Warranty Coverage: See Plumbing Standards for coverage details.