Garbage disposal units

These often come with an allen key (or you can use your own) which enables you to manually turn the shaft of the unit from underneath. (Power turned off please). Turning the shaft manually is what is required when the unit jams on something. When you have freed it up you can try running it, unless the foreign object should be removed first (ie cutlery or bones). Use plenty of water when processing food scraps to prevent blockages.

Hot water units

Relief valves on hot water units should be exercised every three months. This stops them ceasing through lack of movement and blasts out any calcium build up that can fowl them up.

Heat exchange hot water units that have a HPNR filler valve require topping up every three months at least. If not topped up the unit's performance drops and the cylinder can boil dry.

A good reminder to do these tasks is when you receive your power bill.

Taps

A resident can change his or her own tap washers lawfully. Be sure that you know what you are doing for the following reason. If water leakage results in an insurance claim, it is possible that the claim may be rejected if the work was not carried out by a licensed person. So under no circumstances should you do this type of work for a friend. If a flood or resultant water damage occurs, you are not insured.

Disclaimer

All plumbing work should be carried out by a licensed person. The tips in this section are user maintenance tips only. We accept no responsibility for resultant damage or injury sustained by an individual attempting to perform any tasks mentioned in this section. If in doubt, please contract a professional.

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