Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q: Do I have to worry about a toilet that’s running or a leaky faucet?
A: YES! Make this simple repair. Doing so could save you hundreds on your water bill. Leaks can easily go un-noticed or just left as a "It’s no big deal. It’s only a drip".
The longer you let that leak go, the more expensive the repair can get. One drip per second can add up to 165 gallons per month—
that’s more than a person generally uses in 2 weeks!
Q: Do I need a programmable thermostat?
A: When a programmable thermostat is used properly, it can save you $100 off your annual energy bill.
Q: I have a whole house water filter, what type of maintenance do I have to do for this?
A: House filters are terrific, as long as you maintain them. Many people install them and then forget about changing the filters regularly.
Q: How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?
A: While there is no absolute method to stop pipes from freezing, there are methods to help prevent it. First, to guard against heat loss and prevent them from freezing wrap your pipes. Second, don’t lower the heat below 55* or turn the heat off completely as this causes more damage than it worth to save a few dollars.
Q: Does my heating system really need a "check-up"?
A: Yes, it will ensure that everything is working properly and may find any minor problems before it becomes a major headache and expense.
Q: What is the best way to take care of my new tile?
A:
| TYPE OF TILE |
ROUTINE CLEANING |
HEAVY-DUTY CLEANING |
| Glazed tile walls, counter tops |
Wipe with damp cloth or sponge using all-purpose cleaner. Use window cleaner for glossy surfaces. Wipe dry with cloth. |
Clean with scouring powder, commercial tile cleaner or all-purpose cleaner using non-metallic scouring pad or very fine grade stainless steel pad. Rinse and wipe dry. |
| Glazed tile floors |
Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles. Damp mop using solution of water and "soapless detergent." |
Use a commercial tile cleaner or a strong solution of water and "soapless detergent." If stained, use scouring powder paste. Let stand five minutes, brush and scrub. Rinse and dry. For large areas and for areas that are difficult to clean, a power scrubber is recommended. |
| Glazed tile showers |
Use all-purpose or bathroom cleaner. Allow to stand for five minutes, rinse and dry. You may also use mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar or a commercial tile cleaner. |
Use chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. For stubborn stains, use scouring powder containing a bleaching agent. Let stand four to six hours, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. To remove mildew, use a commercial tile cleaner or chlorine bleach or ammonia but do not mix them. |
| Unglazed tile walls |
Sponge with a diluted solution of water and "soapless detergent." |
Use scouring powder paste. Let stand five minutes, then scour with brush. Rinse and wipe dry. |
| Unglazed tile floors |
Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles. Damp mop or sponge with water and/or diluted solution of water and "soapless detergent." |
Use scouring powder paste. Let stand five minutes, then scour with brush. Rinse and wipe dry. A small brush is suitable for small floors; consider a scrubbing machine for larger areas. |
Ceramic tile is one of the most durable and easiest to maintain surfaces that you can choose for your walls and floors. With proper care and minimum maintenance, it will look like new for many years.
Generally, all that’s necessary to keep your tile looking as good as new is a quick wipe with a damp cloth or mop. Heavier cleaning may be called for periodically to refresh your tile that’s been neglected for a long time.
No special or unusual treatment is ever required. And it never needs to be waxed or polished.
|
TIPS
Winterizing
In the fall disconnect any outside water hoses. If left connected water in the hoses can freeze and expand causing faucets and connecting pipes inside your home to freeze and break.
If you have a pool house/cabana don’t forget that these need to be winterized in the fall.
Cold weather does a number on these types of units when not winterized properly.
Remodeling
When you have a remodeling project keep swatches, color charts, drawings, textures and styles with you. It makes choosing other items for that area much easier to reference and will help anyone who is working with you understand the look you are trying to achieve.
