Page 74 - KHovanian Homes - Pathway to Homeownership

Section 9 | Home Care & Maintenance water valve on top of the heater is still turned “On” so the water in the tank will remain at the same level. Never turn your water heater valve off when draining the tank as this could damage your internal heating element. • Waterheaterlifewillbeincreasedbynotoverheating the water. Keep the temperature halfway between the hot and warm settings. Doing so will reduce the risk of scalding burns, especially to small children. • Your water heater has a “vacation” setting when you are gone for prolonged periods. We suggest you use it as it will add years of service to your water heater. • The gas or electric water heater is equipped with an automatic temperature and pressure relief valve, a safety feature that opens and releases excessive pressure or heat build-up. Should this occur, water will flow from the tank until both temperature and pressure are reduced to safe levels. • Do not store combustible items, oily rags, clothing, brooms, or dust mops near the water heater since this obstructs airflow and presents a potential fire hazard. Gas Water Heater • A gas water heater has a flue that vents exhaust fumes to the outside of the home. Never disconnect the vent or plug it with towels or other items. • Never turn on your water heater when the tank is empty. • Condensation inside your new water heater may drip onto the burner flame. This does not cause harm and in most cases will disappear in a short period of time. • If you have no hot water, check the gas line, temperature setting and water supply valve before calling for service. Electric Water Heater • Theheatingelementsinthewaterheatertankrequire periodic cleaning, depending in part on the quality of water in your area. Refer to the manufacturer’s literature for step-by-step instruction and drawings, or contact an authorized service company. • If you have no hot water, check the electrical breaker panel, temperature setting, and the water-supply valve before calling for service. SAFETY - GENERAL We are concerned for your safety. The following are some suggestions that will make your home a safer place for you and your family. Maintenance Guidelines • Purchase fire extinguishers for your home. It is wise to have one on each level of your home, and especially in your kitchen and garage. • Locate the nearest hospital, police, and fire station. Ask them for materials or ideas to make your home a safer place. • Check your smoke alarms at regular intervals. We suggest that you do it at least once a month. • Purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home. • Youwillfindshut-offsongaslinesneartheirconnection to each item that operates on gas. In addition, there is a main shut off at the meter. If you suspect a gas leak, first immediately leave the home and call the gas company for emergency service. • Finally, get to know your neighbors. They are the best security system that you can have. SAFETY - SMOKE DETECTORS Your new home has smoke detectors that are wired into your electrical system. To ensure that your smoke detectors are operating you should test them monthly by depressing the test button on the cover of the unit. If the alarm sounds they are working. If not, check the breaker at the electrical panel box. During a power failure they will continue to work on back-up batteries. We do not represent that the installed smoke detectors will provide the protection for which they are intended. You are responsible for obtaining and carrying fire insurance. Maintenance Guidelines • For monitoring of your smoke detectors, check to see if the red or green indicator light on the unit is lit. If it is on, there is power to the unit. If not, check the breaker at the electrical panel box. • Checkandreplaceallbatteriesinyoursmokealarms soon after moving into your new home to ensure that the batteries are fresh. 56 | Edition July 2019