Tips > Plumbing Tips

5. Stop valves are the shut off valves near each toilet and faucet. Familiarize yourself with their location so that if a water emergency arises, you can get the water turned off before too much damage occurs. These valves should be turned on and off at least once a year to prevent them from seizing up.
6. Laundry valves should be in the closed position when not in use. This will eliminate major water damage if a hose breaks.
7. Hoses should be removed from outdoor or frost-free faucets in the fall of the year to prevent the faucet from freezing and breaking in the wall.
8. When using your garbage disposal, turn the water on before you start throwing food in. Allow the water to run 20 to 30 seconds after you shut off the disposal so that the food is pushed out of the drain.