:::  Frequently Asked Questions Q1. The temperature of my hot water seems to be higher than what I think I need. How can I conserve energy, yet also be sure that there is an adequate amount of hot water? A1. Most people are comfortable with their hot water set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is also the new standard that manufacturers use when pre-setting it at the factory. If you have an older model, set the thermostat at medium. On a gas model there is a dial on the front of the gas valve. On electric models, the thermostats are concealed behind the panels on the side of the tank. NOTE: Turn off the electricity before removing the panels. There are exposed wires behind the panels containing HIGH VOLTAGE. Q2. I have a foul odor coming from my garbage disposer. What can I do to eliminate this odor? A2. Foul odors occur from a buildup of food debris within the disposer. To eliminate this odor, place ice cubes and lemon or orange peels in the disposer and run for 30 seconds. Next squirt a little liquid dish detergent into the disposer while it is still running. Finally, run cold water for about 30 seconds to rinse all the debris away. Q3. There our four people in our house, two adults and two teens. We are constantly running out of hot water. After a five minute shower the water starts to turn cold.  This just recently started to happen - HELP! A3. If your water heater is electric, the lower element may not e operating properly, thus only the upper half of the tank will heat up. The cause of this problem could be a bad element or a thermostat malfunction. This type of problem should be evaluated by a qualified technician. This is only one possible reason for this problem. Q4. we need to replace a toilet in our home. What is the recommendation for replacement? A4. When the federal government mandated that new toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, manufacturers had a challenge; to develop a toilet that would achieve this but would also flush properly (clear the bowl) and carry the waste to city sewer or septic system. There are toilet that can still do the job. Let us recommend the right one for you. Q5. How often should I have my septic system inspected? A5. Septic systems should be inspected and pumped a minimum of once every three to four years. You may not be experiencing and problems right now, but a full septic tank may allow unwanted solids to flow into the drain field; which is part of the system that consists of a distribution box, with a series of connected pipes. Each pipe allows water to flow into a bed of stone, that drains into the ground. If paper and other solids flow into the drain field it becomes blocked and ineffective, A blocked drain field is costly to repair or replace. Q6. My shower head and faucet aerators have a buildup of a white substance around the area where the water comes out. Is there anything that I can do other than replacement? A6. The buildup is mineral deposits. To remove these deposits from the shower head take a plastic bag and pour a vinegar in it. Place the bag over the shower head and use a twist tie to hold it in place overnight. In the morning remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the deposits off. Q7. Our kitchen drain has taken longer than usual to drain lately. Should we have it cleaned? A7. We recommend a product called Bio-Clean for drains that are only slowing. We do not recommend chemical drain cleaner for maintenance as they are hard on the piping. If your kitchen sink is completely stopped up, you will need to have it cleared first. Q8. How do you know where to turn the water off to the whole house? A8. If you are on a municipal water system the cut off valve is usually inside or near the water meter box out on the street. If you are on a well the cut off valve is usually near the pressure tank at the well.