Helpful Homeowner Tips

Home | Home Buyer Resources | Helpful Homeowner Tips

Helpful Homeowner Tips

New home ownership is exciting! However, sometimes the functions in your new home may be different than what you may have previously been accustomed too. This page offers helpful tips to resolve every day questions. If you have a question not covered here please feel free to contact us!

  • GFCI Outlet

    When a GFI trips, it will trip all outlets that are connected to that GFI. There are multiple GFI outlets located throughout your home. To look for the outlet with the tripped GFI, look for one with the small button popped out. There are two buttons in the center of a plug in one of which is a Test button and the other a Reset button.  While there is only one GFI/GFCI in a circuit it will control the complete circuit.  If you have lost power to a plug-in circuit look to see if there is a GFI/GFCI plug in in the circuit and reset, it.  The GFI/GFCI is sometimes found in an adjacent room or even the garage so you may have to look around to find it.  Once you determine the location of the GFI follow these steps to do a reset.



    Step 1 Turn off any appliances plugged into the GFCI breaker.


    Step 2 Locate the button next to the "Test" button that says "Reset" on it, and press it.


    Step 3 Turn the appliances back on to ensure the outlet works.

  • Garbage Disposal

     There are limits to what a garbage disposal system can handle. It’s not equipped to process everything you may want to put down it. Fat and Grease should NEVER be put down your garbage disposal. It can build up in pipes and cause drain blockages. If you need to dispose of grease please dispose of in a metal can or jar and dispose in the trash, spaghetti jars work great! 


    Other garbage disposal don’ts includes



    Coffee Grounds, bones, fruit pits/cores, eggshells, or rice/pasta. Don’t turn off the disposer until grinding is completed and only the sound of motor and water is heard. For your disposal to function at its best, you should always run cold water through your disposal for 20-30 seconds before and after you grind your disposed food. 


    To clean your disposal: Fill sink halfway with warm water. Mix ¼ cup baking soda with water. Turn disposer on and remove stopper from sink at same to wash away loose particles. To clean your blades, use ice cubes made out of lemon juice or vinegar. It is also suggested to grind peelings from citrus fruits to freshen up drain smells. 


    If your garbage disposal won't run you may need to reset the garbage disposal using the RED overload protector button on the bottom of the disposal located underneath your sink. If the disposal is clogged, if it runs for a very long period of time, if it overheats, or if there is something wrong with the disposal, it will shut down automatically and need to be reset. If the overload protector has tripped, you will see that the red button


    has popped out about a quarter of an inch (5mm).


    To reset your garbage disposal, follow these simple instructions



    Make sure that the disposal switch is in the "OFF" position.

    Gently press the red button in to reset garbage disposal. If it does not stay in (retracted), wait ten minutes and try again. You will fid the red reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal located underneath your sink.

    Turn on a cold stream of water and turn the disposal switch to “ON” position, the disposal should now run again.

    If the garbage disposal reset button still will not stay in, or if you have to repeatedly reset the overload protector, the disposal may require service or replacement.


    When you have a jammed garbage disposal, thanks to InSinkErator here are some helpful repair tips



    To begin you will need a ¼ Allen wrench or an InSinkErator tool, sold on Amazon for approximately $6.50. 


    Insert the wrench into the hole at the bottom of the disposal.

    The hole is located under the sink at the bottom of the disposal, dead center, facing the floor. Use the wrench like a crank. Work the wrench back and forth in both directions. If the wrench will not turn easily, it is OK to use some force. The wrench is designed to bend before any damage is done to the disposal.

    Continue working with the wrench until it turns freely in complete circles in both directions.

    Check the overload protector. The overload protector is located under the sink, on the bottom of the disposal, facing the floor. It is a small square red button. If the overload protector has tripped, you will see the red button dropped down about a quarter of an inch (5mm). Gently press the red button. If it does not stay up, wait ten minutes and try again.

    Check inside disposal's grinding chamber. Look down into the disposal using a flashlight. Do not place your hand into the disposal. Pay special attention to the area around the outer edge of the disposal's shredding disk where you see the little teeth. If you see anything in the disposal, remove it using tongs or pliers.

    Turn on the water, then the disposal. The disposal should now run. If it jams again, use the wrench again. You may need to repeat the process several times.

     


    For further information and a brief tutorial video please visit InSinkErator support at: support.insinkerator.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/515/~/fixing-a-jammed-disposal.

  • Floor Cleaning

    Got Dirt! Follow these safeguard measures provided by Earthwerks for Spot Protection and Removal on your Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring.




     BASIC CLEANING: Once all traces of adhesive have been removed, the floor should be dry vacuumed to remove all dust and loose debris, then clean with our EarthWerks® Floor Cleaner in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and allow to dry. Always remove excess water. It not only can cause slip and fall hazards, but the water can attack the adhesive, break the bond, and cause the flooring to release from the substrate. Do not use soap-based detergents, caustic cleaners or abrasive cleaners. Most domestic agents will not harm the floor; however, all residue of cleaning agents should be removed to avoid discoloration. EarthWerks offers a floor cleaner that is specially formulated to safely clean luxury vinyl tile and plank, hardwood, laminate floors, tile and stone. This can be purchased in a 32oz bottle through Amazon. This product is biodegradable, contains no Voc’s, requires no rinsing and is ammonia-free.


    Always sweep, mop or dry vacuum the floor regularly. Never use a steam mop as they can cause damage to the flooring. Always remove excess water. Never deviate from the manufacturer’s recommended dilution rates. Protect against direct sunlight through the use of curtains, blinds or solar film to protect against thermal dimensional change.


    The following substances can cause discoloration:


    Tar, Nail Polish, Varnish, Spices, Shoe Polish, Paints containing acetone, Lipstick, Solvent-based Paints, Rubber Mats, Coco-Fiber Mats, Asphalt, Permanent Marker Pens, Crayons




    Action:


    Wipe immediately with a paper towel or cloth.

    Spots, which have already dried, might be removed using a plastic scraper

    The area should then be washed with diluted cleaning agent using a damp cloth or sponge.

    Obstinate spots might be removed with a firm nylon sponge.

    Should the spot remain, moisten a cloth with clear odorless mineral spirits and rub with circular movements over the whole area. Always test in an inconspicuous area to check for compatibility of the mineral spirits and flooring.



    PREVENTATIVE MEASURES AND TIPS ON CARE: The easiest way to reduce maintenance costs is to reduce the amount of dirt, grit and moisture brought into a home with an effective barrier mat. This should be cleaned regularly. The use of rubber-backed mats is NOT acceptable since they are known to cause yellow stains in vinyl floors.


    Never slide heavy furniture or fittings over an unprotected floor or severe scratching may result. The floor should be protected from the wheels or feet of fittings, avoiding rubber products, which may stain. Use hard plastic or felt pads under heavy furniture to prevent point loads. Use flat, polished metal glides with a minimum 1” diameter under chairs and stools. These should have a rounded edge and pivot to remain in flat contact with the floor. Non-staining felt pads can be used, provided they are changed on a regular basis to prevent dirt, debris and sand build-up. Wide, non-staining casters at least 2” in diameter or floor protectors should be used on rolling furniture such as office chairs. Furniture polish and window cleaning agents should be applied to a cloth to avoid spillage onto the floor. Contact with some agents, such as silicone, will make the floor surface extremely slippery, which may result in accidents.

  • Lawn Care

    We recommend the following tips for a beautiful lawn.


    The most important thing you can do for your lawn the first year is to feed it. New lawns need a lot of water, you must water every day. We recommend that you water your new lawn early in the morning to ensure the water penetrates the soil. Watering, especially on hot days, is best early in the morning before 9:00 a.m.


    It is inevitable that you will have bare spots in your new lawn; these expected bare spots will not be warrantied. We strongly encourage over seeding of your new lawn during the first spring or fall planting season. Over seeding is highly effective when paired with an aeration program, done in the fall. Aeration creates small holes in the ground that allow water to soak deeper into the ground and promotes root growth. Over seeding is considered homeowner responsibility. 




    Early Spring is considered March & April

    Late Spring is considered April – June

    Summer is considered June – August

    Fall is considered September – November



    During Summer months it is important you do no cut your grass too short, keeping it cut to 3-4 inches will help the soil retain the moisture longer and keep your lawn healthier. The summer months are particularly difficult on grass. Heat, drought, foot traffic, and insects can bring stress to your new lawn. These are reasons why watering is the most important thing you can do for your lawn.


     


    Caring and maintaining your lawn will be much less expensive than reestablishing a lawn which has not fully cared for or watered in the first year. It takes time and special care to fully establish your new lawn. Patience, water, aeration, and fertilization will help produce a beautiful, lush green lawn. 

  • Furnace Filter

    During the first year, we encourage you to change out your furnace filters every month for the first 3 to 6 months, due to drywall dust, then every 2 to 3 months the rest of the first year.  After the first year, it is recommended to change your filters every 3 to 9 months.  Changing your filters will help maximize the life of your unit, increase efficiency, and will ensure the best filtration, creating an environment that is easier to breath in.

  • Built-In Blinds

    Below is the link for a great way to fix the blinds not working without needing to call a repair man or file a warranty claim. You can do it all on your own! If this issue is not resolved by using the method in the video, please contact our warranty department via warranty@panhandlebuilders.com.


    https://youtu.be/kM1McxmpYSw

Share by: