Here are some general tips as well as others unique to English Run.
-Polybutylene service line: when the community was built, the water service lines to the house (made of polybutylene blue plastic pipe) were used. The pipe is subject to failure and the majority of the homes have had to replace the service lines. Please review the polybutylene web site for information on this condition at www.pbpipe.com. If you have not yet replaced your line, you should consider it. If your line is not yet replaced, monitor your water bill regularly. Unexpected increases in usage may indicate pipe failure. The failing pipe will not be evident otherwise until either water surfaces on the ground if you're lucky, or it starts seeping into your basement and walls.
-The static water pressure in the community is about 80 PSI. This the limit for domestic water pressure. It has occasionally spiked to 90 PSI or higher due to something called water hammer. What this means is that the relatively high pressure can cause problems within the home. If you don't already have a pressure regulator on your main water line, you might consider installing one to take the stress off your plumbing. Check with your plumber.
Washing machine hoses: Regular washing machine hoses can weaken and rupture over time. It's best to check your hoses for any cracks or bulges near the connections. If found, they should be replaced immediately. Because of the higher pressures in the community, they should be replaced with stainless steel jacketed hoses which are much better. They can be found at the local home centers and are relatively inexpensive. The cost is minimal compared to the cost of repairing water damage from a burst hose. However, keep in mind that any hose can eventually fail and should be checked.
While on the subject of washing machines, even if you don't have a pressure regulator on your water line, consider putting water hammer arrestors on the washing machine side of your hoses. The valves inside the washing machine usually slam shut during operation. This causes local water hammer which puts stress on the packing in the shut off valves to the washing machine as well as the other valves in the home. These valves will eventually start leaking from the water hammer.
Ever wonder what causes some outlets not to work especially in poor weather? Often times a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) trips. A GFCI protects you from accidental electrical exposure from devices plugged into the outlet. Outlets in your home are usually tied in with outlets outside the home which are on GFCI circuits (electrical codes require them).
There are some simple explanations and solutions. The intermittent tripping may be due to moisture getting into an outside electrical outlet. The gasket around the outside outlet may be worn out or damaged. Replacing the gasket may be all that is needed.
Speaking of GFCI's,be sure you know the location of all your units and that you test them regularly. Additionally, never replace a GFCI outlet with a regular one. You will remove the safety feature and risk electrocution.
Failure of a receptacle or light switch to function correctly may of course be due to a tripped circuit breaker. However if the circuit breaker hasn't tripped, it may be the receptacle or switch itself. When the homes were originally wired, most of the connections were done using the "speed-connect" option on the switch or receptacle unit. Sometimes these connections become oxidized or weak rendering the unit inoperable. The simple solution is to connect the wires to the screws instead of the speed connectors. This usually solves the problems and in most cases doesn't require replacement of the switch or receptacle. If you don't know how to do this, check with your electrician. The community was fortunate enough to have good quality electrical service panels and copper wiring installed.
Broken receptacle? This should be replaced for safety reasons. Even cracked ones could be a problem and should be replaced. Also don't forget the child safety caps over the receptacles if you have toddlers or if they frequently visit your home.
Lightbulbs: remember to use the correct wattage for the appliance or unit. Replacing a bulb with the incorrect wattage can lead to trouble. Also consider the newer energy savings bulbs in your house. They're a bit more expensive to purchase, but you'll save in the long run. The colors in today's bulbs are much brighter and color corrected. Just remember however that most energy saver bulbs won't work on dimmers if you have them.
Surge protection: you've seen them. The strips that you plug your computer and TV into. But what about all your appliances and other electrical devices? They are prone to electrical surges as well. You might consider a whole house surge protector to take the stress off all your electrical devices. Contact your electrician for more info on these cost savings devices. They usually run about $80-100 or so and are well worth it.
Gutters and downspouts: they should be cleaned regularly and most importantly make sure that the water is directed a distance away from the foundation.
Air Filters: change your furnace air filter regularly. If you've decided to cut down on your dusting, or if you have allergies, and using the high efficiency filters, you need to check and change them more often.
Have them checked regularly to make sure there isn't a build up of creosote, or any blockage.
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