Homeowner Tips

Water Heater Maintenance
Drain your water heater every 3 months to remove sediment, which slows heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your water heater.

High Water Bills
Generally the culprit for high water bills is a running toilet or leaky faucet. By eliminating leaks and running toilets, you can cut your water bill by 15 to 20 gallons of water a day.   

Frozen Pipes
Outside Faucets: Close emergency shutoff in basement then open outside wall faucet so that any residual water can drain out. If emergency shutoff has a bleeder attached, open the bleeder to drain it.

Cold Weather
In extremely cold weather, open cabinet doors to allow heat to enter cabinets. Also crack a faucet to let water trickle out.

Disposals
Use cold water not hot water

Do not use disposals for corn husks, artichokes, onion skins, celery, or other high-fiber material as they can clog your disposal.

Avoid pouring fats and cooking oils in the sink. These liquids can solidify in drain pipes, trap food particles, and clog drains.

Cleaning Disposals
Food particles that remain in your disposal may cause odors. Put ice cubes and a lemon peel in disposal and run for about 30 seconds.

Chimney
Chimney flues should be closed when fireplace is not in use to avoid loss of heat.