P L U M B I N G
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 more than once is occasionally necessary to completely empty the toilet bowl. Even though this is the case, 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.
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. Aerators should be periodically cleaned. Most are easily removed by unscrewing them from the end of the faucet and back flushing.
ALSO SEE “DRIPPING FAUCET”
Basement Construction
Locate and mark any water line cutoff valves to insure that they are not concealed behind walls or ceilings in future finish-out.
Basement baths and kitchens are a special challenge. If you use a plumber other than ours, be sure that they are licensed and insured. Basements may use a sewage ejector pump to push the waste uphill to the sewer lines when such lines are higher than the basement. Sewage ejector pumps cannot handle grease. If you install a basement kitchen you will need to install a grease trap. A garbage disposal is discouraged. It not only encourages the disposal of grease in the sewer line, but certain things that people have been putting down garbage disposals can affect the operation of the ejector pump. An ejector pump is a grinder pump. Anything that can jam the grinder will result in a sewage backup in your basement.
Use of downstairs baths with ejector pumps requires special consideration. The pump is designed to handle normal waste and toilet paper. Heavier articles like paper towels, and certain feminine hygiene and birth control products, can jam the grinder operation and create a sewage backup in your basement.
Venture Homes-installed ejector pumps are not warranted against failures that result from homeowner neglect or abuse.
SEE “FOUNDATION; GAS SHUT-OFF”
AND IN THIS SECTION “CLOGS AND FREEZING PIPES”
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 non-abrasive cleaner or a liquid detergent is usually recommended by manufacturers).Then polish the fixtures with a dry cloth to prevent water spots.
SEE “BRASS FIXTURES”
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, and children’s toys.
Improper garbage disposal use also causes many plumbing clogs. Always use plenty of cold water
when running the disposal, especially if you are dumping 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.
Clogged bathroom sinks are often the result of hair and soap scum buildup on the sink stopper.
You can clean this stopper 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.
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, and reinstalling the faucet stem. 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
Extended Absence
If you plan to be away for an extended period during the winter months, 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 wish to shut off the water heater. Do this by turning off the water supply valve on top of the water heater, and the gas control knob at the bottom. Turn the pilot setting to Off. Drain the tank by running a hose from the spigot on the bottom to the basement floor drain or outdoors. 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.
Freezing Pipes
Provided the home is heated at a normal level, interior pipes should not freeze. Set the heat at 65oF
if you are away during winter months. Keep garage doors closed to protect plumbing lines running
through this area from freezing temperatures. Cut off water supply to outside faucets and drain the water line. Some cut-offs are located in the basement. DO NOT hide them in walls or ceilings when finishing your basement.
In unusually frigid weather or if you will be away, open cabinet doors on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Allow both hot and cold water lines to drip. Should a pipe freeze, use a hair dryer to thaw. Never use an open flame. Frozen pipes are not covered by the warranty.
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. SEE “BRASS FIXTURES”
Laundry Tub
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.
Leaks
If a major plumbing leak occurs, the first step is to turn off the supply of water to the fixture involved. This may mean shutting off the water to the entire home if an individual shut-off valve is not available. Then contact Venture Homes.
SEE “EMERGENCY DEFINITIONS AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES” SEE “SHUT-OFFS”
Low 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. Do not attempt to adjust the pressure regulator valve.
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 in manufactured marble sinks; running only hot water can damage the sink.
Whirlpool Tub
Do not turn on the pump motor unless water is at least 2” above the jets. Adjust bubble action by turning the air inlet knob. Periodically remove soap scum and hair and skin dander from whirlpool hoses by running dishwasher soap though the system for five minutes.
Outside Faucets
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 feeds an exterior faucet is a maintenance item. Note that Venture Homes does not warrant sillcocks against freezing.
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 recommended solvent.
Running Toilet
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, turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the tank. Try adjusting the screw on top of the float stem to lower the float arm. Turn the water back on and fill the tank. If this does not work, you can try gently bending the float arm so the ball or float lowers. Use both hands and be careful not to apply pressure to the stem or base, as it is plastic and may break.
The float should not rub the side of the tank or any other part, as this may hinder its operation. Also, check the flapper chain. If it is too short, the flapper may not be seating fully over the drain opening, allowing water to seep out. If it is too long, the flapper may close on the chain, again keeping it from seating properly.
Shut-Offs
Your primary water service 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.There is a main water cutoff valve near your water heater, just below the pressure regulator. 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. The dishwasher cut-off is under the kitchen sink on the hot side.
Fiberglass surfaces
Fiberglass can be scratched, chipped, cracked or punctured by carelessness. Do not dump heavy objects in the tub. Use protective covering if standing in the tub doing work. Clean with water and a non-abrasive cleaner.
Stainless Steel
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.
Tank Care
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. Don’t stand on the toilet tank.
L I M I T E D W A R R A N T Y G U I D E L I N E S
During the orientation we will confirm that all plumbing fixtures are in acceptable condition and that all faucets and drains operate freely.Venture Homes will correct clogged drains during the first 90 days. If a household item is removed from a clogged drain during this time, the plumber will bill you for the drain service.
Cosmetic damage:
Venture Homes 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.
Exterior faucets:
Venture Homes 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.
Freezing pipes:
Provided normal safeguards are followed (i.e. maintaining inside temperatures, opening cabinet doors on exterior walls, dripping faucets, disconnecting hoses, cutting off water to hose bibs and draining the water, and so forth), chances for frozen pipes are greatly reduced. Failure to take precautions could result in costly repairs. Frozen pipes, and any resultant damages, are not warranted.
Leaks:
Venture Homes will repair leaks in pressurized plumbing lines or drain lines, and leaks at faucets or fixtures for one year from closing. Venture Homes will repair collateral damages, returning
the home to the specifications applicable at closing. Unfortunately we cannot repair damages to home-owner-installed decorations or personal property. These losses should be filed with your homeowner insurance carrier.
Noise:
Changes in temperature or the flow of the water itself will cause some noise in the pipes. This is normal and requires no repair.Venture Homes will repair persistent water hammer. Expect temperatures to vary if water is used in more than one location in the home.
NOTE: a backflow or back siphoning preventer on exterior hose bibs may cause the pipes to whistle or howl.
We cannot, by law, remove these safety devices.
Supply:
Venture Homes will correct construction conditions that disrupt the supply of water to your home under the 1-Year Systems Warranty. Problems with the supply from the meter to the water main are the responsibility of the local water authority.
Water heater:
The water heater is warranted by Venture Homes for one year from closing. The manufacturer offers a prorated extended warranty. See accompanying literature for details.
