Water

Water Lines

The pipes that carry water into your home are highly resistant to rust and corrosion and should last the lifetime of your home. If a leak in the system should occur around a loose or damaged joint, contact the Homeowner Service Department (during the warranty period). We recommend you do not try to repair the leak yourself. (Any damage or leakage from items or appliances installed by the homeowner is the homeowner’s responsibility.)

In areas where water pressure is abnormally high, regulators are installed to reduce the pressure. That way, the plumbing system and appliances such as dishwashers, automatic clothes washers, etc. are protected. It is very important that you DO NOT adjust the pressure regulator.

If the water pressure is very high, you may occasionally get a pounding or knocking sound when closing a faucet abruptly. Noisy pipes may also be caused by very hot water. In addition, worn or loose washers, loose faucet parts, or air in the pipes may be responsible for the problem.

In normal operation, some of the plumbing system may knock slightly when certain fixtures operate, particularly appliances such as the dishwasher and the clothes washing machine, which have very rapid, mechanical shut-off valves that send pressure shock back through the pipes of the water system. Most people will have no difficulty in distinguishing between normal water shut-off noise in the plumbing system and any loud knocking, which might indicate that something is broken.

Water Heater

Your home has been supplied with a quality storage-type water heater with sensitive thermostatic controls. We have set the controls as required by code to prevent accidental scalding burns and to conserve energy. Consult your water heater manual if you want to adjust the temperature.

Warning: Homes with children should contact their physician for appropriate temperature setting.

All hot water heaters have a control mechanism to govern water temperature. The water temperature of your water heater is pre-set at the factory as indicated in the manufacturer’s operating instructions. The temperature may range from 125 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower temperature may be preferable in homes where small children can reach faucets. Also, noisy pipes are sometimes caused by water that is too hot. If noise occurs, you may be able to reduce or eliminate the noise by reducing the water temperature. Please note that setting your home water temperature bellow 125 degrees Fahrenheit may interfere with the proper functioning of your automatic dishwasher.

Once your hot water heater is set at the desired temperature, keep adjustments to a minimum. Recovery time for hot water takes longer in winter months since water entering your heater is much colder during winter.

Your hot water heater may be heated by natural gas. If so, and the pilot fails to light, follow instructions printed on the water heater, or call the supplier or the Homeowner Service Department.

Warning: Don’t store anything near your hot water heater because it will obstruct the flow of air and create a fire hazard.

If your home includes an electric water heater, the electric heating element(s) may also be warranted by the manufacturer. Check the manufacturer’s materials provided with your water heater for specific details.