As a Homeowner, here are some frequently asked questions that may be helpful in maintaining your home.
FAUCETS AND SINKS
OUTSIDE FAUCETS - are “freezeproof”, but for this feature to be effective, hoses must be removed. If a hose is left attached, the water that remains in the hose can freeze and expand back into the pipe causing a break in the lines. ALL HOSES MUST BE REMOVED DURING FREEZING TEMPERATURES TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE WATER LINE.
INSIDE FAUCETS - Avoid using abrasive chemicals when cleaning your faucets and kitchen sinks. This may cause damage to the finish.
ELECTRICAL/LIGHTS
If ELECTRICAL OUTLETS FAIL to function, first check the GFI Breaker. A small red light indicates that the breaker has been tripped. Press the button to reset the breaker. If light fixtures fail to function, first check and replace the light bulb before calling the electrician.
SUMP PUMP
SUMP PUMP – A sump pump unit may be installed in your home. It is generally used to collect and “pump-out” any ground/rain water that may accumulate around the basement walls. This unit is attached to an electrical outlet. It is recommended that a BATTERY BACKUP UNIT be installed in the event of a power failure to avoid water backing up in your basement.
This back up system is not supplied by Murrell Construction. Murrell Construction will not be held responsible for any malfunctions of these units or failure/burn out of the sump pump. (The homebuyer can protect their personal belongings kept in the basement by adding a “Backup of water to sewer and drain” clause to their homeowners’ insurance policy).
CONCRETE WORK
- Avoid the use of any deicers the FIRST year.
- Use sand (PLAIN) anytime
- Never use deicers containing ammonium nitrate
- The application of penetrating concrete sealer will protect the surface from deicers and make snow and ice removal easier.
You would’nt use a strong caustic soap to clean your new wall to wall carpet! Nor would you use acid to clean your new kitchen or bathroom fixtures! In fact, you’re pretty careful how you clean and take care of your new home inside, but what about outside concrete walks, drives, patio, porch and steps? Give the new exposed concrete around your house the same consideration as your pretty new interior!
Avoid using any deicing chemical the first winter if at all possible. The only safe material to use to make the concrete surface ski resistant is plain sand.
Under usual conditions, deicers which contain sodium chloride (common salt) or calcium chloride may be used after the first winter. Even then it is helpful if a surface sealer is applied in the fall.
Never use deicers containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate. These chemicals are often packaged and sold as deicers but they will rapidly disintegrate concrete.
A quality penetrating sealer will add years to the life of your concrete. Many good proprietary brands are available, or use boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits mixed 50/50.
YARD/SOD
NEWLY INSTALLED SOD - must be watered daily and continually until the roots are established. Murrell Construction will not be responsible for sod left unattended and as a result died or dried up. PLEASE, WATER, WATER, WATER!
