Appliances

When calling the manufacturer to arrange service, be prepared to tell them:

• Date you closed escrow
• Unit model
• Serial numbers of equipment or appliances

If an appliance fails to operate, check first to see if it is properly plugged in, then check the fuse box or circuit breaker. Follow the trouble-shooting steps provided in the instruction book before calling the manufacturer’s repair service.

If a gas appliance fails to work, first see if the pilot light is lit. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the main gas valve near the meter and call the gas company. Some individual appliances will be discussed on following pages.

Dishwasher

Refer to your owner’s manual, from the manufacturer, for instructions on proper loading of your dishwasher. Take care not to allow plastic, glass, utensils or other objects to fall to the bottom of the dishwasher, as pump damage will occur. A small amount of water will remain in the bottom of the dishwasher at all times. This is normal and helps to prime the motor for the next use.

Because of minerals found in hard water in some areas, interior water stains may occur. The waste disposal should always be turned on, to empty it, before running the dishwasher.

Waste Disposals

Your instruction booklet and instructions for the waste disposal will give you precise directions for its operation. Many people mistakenly conclude that because their waste disposal is capable of grinding up most of their garbage that it is also capable of eliminating grease and other substances that they would not otherwise put down the drain. When grinding greasy substances, use plenty of cold water. Always use plenty of cold water when operating the disposal to keep the sink drain open and to cool the disposal motor.

Also, allow water to run 10-15 seconds before and after shutting the disposal off. Should the drain stop up, do not put chemicals down the disposal.

Reset Buttons

Most units have a reset button (see manual) which will turn the disposal off if it becomes overloaded with a substance it cannot grind. If this happens, first turn the unit off at the switch then remove what cannot be ground up. Wait about 3 minutes before pushing the reset button, and turn the switch back on.

If it does not restart, turn it off again and check the circuit breaker panel to see if the breaker has been tripped.

If it has not been tripped, switch it to OFF then use a mop or broom handle in the disposal unit to try turning the rotating plate until it loosens up. Switch the breaker to ON, push the reset button again, then turn the disposal switch on. Some disposals have a special wrench to loosen the circulating plate, either from the bottom or the top. See your operating instructions for use.

Reminder: Have the switch turned OFF anytime you use your hand or anything else to remove substances from a stalled disposal.

Avoid putting large amount of fibrous material (such as corn husks, celery, flowers, potato peels, etc.) down your disposal. If this should happen and the sink backs up.

Ranges, Ovens, Broilers, Hoods

Consult your appliance manuals for specific care and maintenance instructions and for trouble-shooting steps in the case of malfunction. If electric appliances fail to work, check first to see if the circuit breaker has tripped. If gas appliances fail, see if the pilot light is lit. If not, and you suspect a gas leak, turn off the main valve near the meter and call the gas company.

Gas stoves, ovens or broilers may fail to light if the burners are clogged. Removable burners can be soaked in a solution of washing soda. If burned food particles clog the holes, clean them with a wire brush or thin stiff wire, taking care not to push the material further into the holes.

Clean the outside surfaces of your appliances with a non-abrasive cleaner, such as baking soda sprinkled on a damp cloth. Ovens and broilers should be cleaned frequently to prevent heavy build-up of baked-on spills.

Clean or change the filter on your range hood regularly. This will reduce fire hazards, keep the pulling power of your fan at its maximum, and also help keep area walls, floors and ceilings clean. Mesh filters can be cleaned by swishing them up and down in hot sudsy water. Rinse with hot water and drip dry. Also wash the underside of the hood with a damp, sudsy cloth regularly to remove deposits before they harden. Fan blades can be wiped with a damp, sudsy cloth, taking care not to bend the blades. Oil the fan motor as directed in your manual.

NOTE: Never use this appliance for warming or heating the room.