Tips

Your Things you should do yearly

• Shut Off Valves: Review the location of all of the shutoff valves in your home with all your family members so you'll be prepared for emergencies.
• Whole-house water shutoff valves: The main shutoff should be beside the meter if you are on City water. If you use a well, the shutoff will be on the house side of the pressure tank. You should also cut power to the tank.
• Toilet Shutoffs: Show your entire family how to shut off the toilet by turning the ribbed oval handle under the tank if it ever starts to overflow.
• Sink Shutoffs: You should have handles beneath the sinks or within the cabinets; the one on the left is usually for hot water, the one on the right for cold.
• Dishwasher Shutoffs: Look under the kitchen sink for a reducer coupling and shutoff valve leading to the dishwasher on the ½ inch hot water sink supply line. It could also be between ceiling joists just below the appliance if you have a basement.
• Gas Shutoff Valve: Identify location and show entire family how to shut off.
• Electrical Panel/Breaker box: Identify location and show entire family how to shut off main breaker in an emergency, or flip any circuits back on after an overload. (If it's a common occurrence, consider hiring an electrician to upgrade your panel or wiring).
• Gas-Fired, Forces-Air Central Heating Systems: Hire a licensed HVAC person to inspect the thermostat, electrical components and controls, check the heat exchanger, flue, ducts, air flow and air fuel mixture, adjust the burner and oil the motor and circulating fan.
• Fireplaces and Chimneys: Have your wood burning fireplaces and stoves inspected annually and cleaned and repaired as required to prevent chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and mortar and flashing failure.