MGS Tips

  CHECK OUT OUR HANDY TIPS & TRICKS MONTHLY!

 

OCTOBER 2013

With the onset of chilly fall temperatures; we know that winter will follow shortly!  Don’t be caught unprepared for the troubles associated with extreme cold weather.

• Make sure outside faucets aren’t dripping or leaking.

• Disconnect outside water hoses.

• If your home is equipped with interior shut-off valves leading to outside faucets, close them and drain water from lines.

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or crawl spaces.

• Inspect and clean sump pump and pit. Pumps exposed to extreme cold can freeze, preventing the pump from operating.

Caution! These tips are intended for homes that will be inhabited throughout the winter months. Many additional steps should be taken to winterize vacation properties that will be abandoned or left unattended for weeks or months at a time. Seek professional help for winterizing such properties.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Don’t Let Leaks Go Undetected!

Water heater and water tank failures can happen at any time, without warning, and can cause substantial flooding and property damage if nobody is nearby to detect the leak right away. FloodMaster’s Water Heater Leak Alarm and Automatic Shut-Off Systems are ideal for minimizing water damage when these failures occur.

Simply install the FloodMaster valve to the feed water line for the water tank and place the wired (FM-094) or wireless (FM-194) sensor puck on the floor or in a pan near the pressure relief valve drain tube, or in a position where the leaking water would first appear. When the FloodMaster sensor detects leaking water, the system will automatically shut off the feed water intake and sound an audible alarm. This closed-loop system disables the cold water supply line to hot water tanks or similar applications with basic plumbing installation. Units are powered by a standard 120 VAC wall outlet. No electrical wiring is required.

FloodMaster FM-094/FM-194 Benefits

• Reduce or eliminate water damage and insurance claims
• Easy installation
• Turn off the water source automatically, even if you aren’t home to hear the alarm
• The system is reusable – when the alarm sounds, fix the problem and reset the unit for continued protection
• Order wireless model FM-194 for leak detection on multiple floors or living levels
• Made entirely of corrosion-free materials
• Plugs into a standard wall outlet (120 VAC)
• The transformer is cUL listed; the actuator is CE listed
• The unit can interface with a home security alarm system or appropriate relay.

FloodMaster recommends that installations be completed by a licensed plumber to ensure that all local code requirements are followed.  Be sure to consult local electrical codes to ensure compliance.

** Range is dependent upon local structural conditions.

FM-094 Wired Water Heater
Leak Detection/Shut-Off System                                    
Patent #6,035,699

FM-194 Wireless Water Heater Leak 
Detection + Feed Water Shut-Off System 
Patent #6,035,699

 

Please contact MGS PLUMBING for consultation and installation
                          203-490-6607

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AUGUST 2013

HOW YOU CAN SAVE MONEY ON WATER

• Check faucets and toilets in your home for leaks.  If leaking, repair them.

• Install high-efficiency, low flow-volume shower heads.

• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.

• Fill your sink or basin when washing dishes.

• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full.

• Shorten your shower.  Shortening your shower by two minutes can make a difference.

• Replace an old toilet with a 1.6 gallon-per-flush model.

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JULY 2013

IMPORTANT RECALL INFORMATION

Product:  Flushmate III Pressure Assisted Flushing Systems
Manufacturer:  Flushmate, a division of Sloan Valve Company
 
Description:  This recall is for Series 503 Flushmate III Pressure Assist flushing systems installed inside toilet tanks. The recalled systems were manufactured from October 1997 to February 2008. The date code/serial number is 16 characters long and is located on the label on the top of the Flushmate III.

Hazard:  The system can burst at or near the vessel weld seam releasing stored pressure. This pressure can lift the tank lid and shatter the tank, posing impact or laceration hazards to consumers and property damage.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately turn off the water supply to the recalled Flushmate III unit and stop using the system. Consumers should contact Flushmate directly toll-free at (800) 303-5123 or visit the firm’s website at www.flushmate.com.

You may also contact MGS Plumbing to assist you with this matter at:

(203)490-6607

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JUNE 2013
USEFUL FACT:  On average, for every 3°F your water heater is lowered, an estimated 1% of the fuel is saved.  Heating water is a substantial source of home energy use.

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MAY 2013
Now that the weather is warmer it’s time to turn on your outdoor hose spigots before you start that spring yard work.  Another option is to have FROST FREE outdoor spigots installed.  You will have to remove your garden hoses from them for the winter months but you won’t have to turn the interior water valve off to the spigots.  A step saved in the fall and spring.  And no more frozen pipes!