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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOME MAINTENANCE BOOKLET_ COMBINED 1.18.23ISSUED: JANUARY 2022 Tsuut’ina Nation Public Works Department Home Maintenance Manual Issued: January 2023 2 TTN Home Maintenance Manual 3 TTN Home Maintenance Manual Dzinizi Guja, In order to acquaint you with the maintenance requirements about your new home, we are providing you with this Homeowner’s Maintenance Manual which consist of the following; 1) Move-in Checklist 2) Home Maintenance: The Complete Checklist 3) Utility Information 4) Emergencies and Contact information 5) Home Maintenance Information a. Maintenance inside your home b. Maintenance outside your home 6) Septic System Maintenance 7) Water Well and Cistern Maintenance This book will provide useful information which will assist you in the maintenance and service requirement of your new home. The Move-in Checklist provides a list of important items that the homeowner owner should be aware before or on moving day. The Complete Checklist provides a preventative maintenance schedule monthly and throughout all the seasons (fall, winter, spring and summer). The Home Maintenance Information section gives you an explanation of the basic components inside and outside of your home. The Septic System Maintenance section contains valuable information concerning wastewater treatment in your home. Did you know? Septic back-ups is the number one call public works gets every year. The Water Well and Cistern Maintenance section gives you all the preventative maintenance required maintaining the water that feeds your household. The Emergencies and Contact Information section prepares homeowners for any potential emergencies we can run into with the appropriate contact information. 4 TTN Home Maintenance Manual Table of Contents 1) MOVE-IN CHECKLIST 6 2) HOME MAINTENANCE: THE COMPLETE CHECKLIST 8 3) EMERGENCY, UTILITY AND CONTACT INFORMATION 9 4) HOME MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 10 a) MAINTENANCE INSIDE YOUR HOME 10 APPLIANCES 10 FILTERS 10 FURNACE 10 DRYER 10 WASHER 11 HUMIDIFIER 11 HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR (HRV) 13 WINDOW SCREENS 13 KITCHEN RANGE HOOD 13 REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM 13 WATER FAUCETS (AERATOR) 14 ATTIC ACCESS 15 CABINETS 15 CAULKING 15 CERAMIC TILE 16 CONDENSATION/ HUMIDIFIER 16 COUNTERTOPS 17 DOORS AND LOCKS 17 DRYWALL 18 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18 SMOKE DETECTOR 20 EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION 21 FIREPLACE 21 FLOORING 22 GAS SHUT-OFFS 23 HARDWARE 24 HEATING/FURNACE SYSTEM 24 PAINT AND STAIN 26 PLUMBING 26 RAILINGS 29 SHOWER DOORS AND TUBS 29 WATER HEATER 30 WOOD TRIM 30 b) MAINTENANCE OUTSIDE YOUR HOME 32 CAULKING 32 CONCRETE FLATWORK 32 DAMP-PROOFING 33 DECKS 33 DOORS AND LOCKS 34 FOUNDATION 35 GAS SHUT OFFS 36 GRADING AND DRAINAGE 36 GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS 37 PAINT AND STAIN 38 RAILINGS 38 ROOF 39 SEPTIC SYSTEM 40 SIDING 43 VINYL 43 STUCCO 43 SUMP PUMP 44 VENTILATION 45 WINDOWS, SCREENS AND SLIDING GLASS DOORS 46 WOOD TRIM 48 5) SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST 49 6) Water Well & Cistern 51 WATER WELL 51 CISTERN 52 APPENDIX A: SOLAR INFORMATION 53 5 TTN Home Maintenance Manual 6 TTN Home Maintenance Manual 1) MOVE-IN CHECKLIST Before moving into your new house, there are a couple of big tasks you’ll need to prioritize. If you know these of your new home checklist, the rest of the process will run smoothly. a) Transfer Utilities Before you can move into your new home and get comfortable, you need to set up your physical utilities: Gas, electricity and land-line if applicable. b) Update Your Address Reminder to update all personal information with your brand-new address. From government ID’s to banking, car registrations etc. (mail boxes are to be dealt with through Canada Post) c) Mailbox Transfers Go to your local post office and request the Mover’s Guide packet. Inside the packet is PS Form 3575 (forms may be subject to change). Fill out this change of address form and give it to a postal worker behind the counter You should receive a confirmation letter at your new address in five business days. When registering online please create an online Canada Post account d) Community Mail Box Key If you've just moved to a new residence where you’ll receive mail at a community mailbox, complete the online form to request new keys. Use link below to go to Canada Post website. https://www.canadapost- postescanada.ca/information/app/ccm/per sonal/create?type=1.4.1.3 You’ll receive a notice card when your keys are ready. Bring it along with government- issued photo identification to the post office indicated on your notice card. The cost to replace lost or stolen community mailbox keys is $29 plus taxes. If your keys don't work, we'll replace both the lock and your keys at no charge. To protect the privacy and security of your mail, we don't keep copies of the keys to your community mailbox. e) Locate Shut-off Valves In the event of an emergency leak or you’re doing repairs and you need to shut off your water, it’s necessary to locate your shut – off valve. f) Locate Circuit Breaker Every once in a while, you may need to replace a fuse or reset a circuit breaker (just try running your hair dryer and air conditioner in the same room at the same time!) And if there’s a power outage, you don’t want to be searching through the dark to find it. g) Connect TV and Internet No one likes moving into a dead zone. Make sure you’re up and running before move-in day by setting up services that work for you. 7 TTN Home Maintenance Manual Schedule installation at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure that your services are activated in a timely manner and to also get the appointment slot that is most convenient for you. h) Prepare to Pack As you inch closer to move-in day, start to throw out or donate things you don’t need (like unused clothes and furniture) and take note of what needs to be replaced. Keep the layout and measurements of your new home in mind, as this could mean more or less space for your belongings. i) Utilize Home Maintenance Information Continue on learning the aspects of keeping your home in pristine condition with this manual. Refer to section 2 through 7 for additional resource material. Staying on top of your home’s regular maintenance can reduce the number of costly repairs homeowners and Public Works have to make. Regularly checking your exterior, plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical and appliances helps prevent breakdowns and keeps your home looking its best. Use this list to help schedule your monthly and seasonal updates, repairs, and cleaning. HOME MAINTENANCE: THE COMPLETE CHECKLIST MONTHLY Replace Furnace Filter (every 3 months) Clean range hood Test/ inspect smoke detectors, CO detector, & fire extinguisher Clean Filters for appliances Deep Cleaning Unclog drains (hair, scum) Vacuum fridge coils WINTER SUMMER FALL SPRING Change Furnace, water, and humidifier filters Clean Dryer Exhaust Clean Gutters & downspouts Inspect Sump Pump (plugged in, operational) Make Wells, Cisterns, and Septic Systems Accessible (DO NOT USE a Ride-On Lawnmower on Septic Field) Put downspouts down for drainage Wash outside windows and siding Re-seal deck, fence and other outdoor wood Turn on and inspect hose bibs Fertilize lawn Change Furnace, water, and humidifier filters Aerate lawn Clean Gutters & downspouts Turn off water valve for hose bibs Make Wells, Cisterns, and Septic Systems Accessible (DO NOT USE a Ride-On Lawnmower on Septic Field) Drain and turn off exterior hose bibs Fix weather stripping and seal cracks Service heating system Put outdoor furniture and frill into storage Rake leaves Clean bathroom vents Change Furnace, water, and humidifier filters Put downspouts down for drainage Fertilize lawn Make Wells, Cisterns, and Septic Systems Accessible (DO NOT USE a Ride-On Lawnmower on Septic Field) Adjust humidifier to summer setting Adjust humidifier to winter setting Change Furnace, water, and humidifier filters Put downspouts up to prevent damage Make Wells, Cisterns, and Septic Systems Accessible (DO NOT USE a Ride-On Lawnmower on Septic Field) Remove snow build up from windows/doors. Pour few gallons of water in sump pit (test) MY ADDRESS:___________________________________________________ LLD: _____ ¼ SECTION_____ RANGE_____ TOWNSHIP 23, W5M PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MON-FRI 8:00AM-4:00PM OFFICE: 403.281.0754 AFTER HOURS (EMERGENCIES ONLY): 587.227.8772 Contact Public Works for the following emergencies: In case of a housing emergency for the following emergencies: • Flood • Water backup • Sewer backup • No electricity • No gas • No heat Please contact the Public Works Service Coordinator during working hours: Work Hours: 8:00AM– 4:30PM Public Works Office: 403-281-0754 After hours Emergency Line: 587-227-8772 POWER OUTAGES: ENMAX 403-514-6100 Fortis Alberta 310-WIRE (9473) GAS ISSUES: ATCO Emergency Line 1-800-511-3447 3) EMERGENCY AND UTILITY CONTACT INORMATION CALL BEFORE YOU DIG! 1-800-242-3447 ALBERTA ONE CALL Your new home may have utility services already, so getting an account set-up in your name could only take a phone call to the utility company. If you already have electricity and/or gas in your name, you may be able to transfer accounts from one billing address to another. Try to call the utility company at least two weeks before you take possession of your home. New customers will need to provide their full name and contact information (phone number and email), service address, and desired service start date. You may also be asked to provide some type of identification, such as your drivers license number. If you want to switch to a competitive provider at a future date, you can do this after service is set up with the regulated rate provider. ADDIITONAL UTILITY INFORMATION 10 TTN Home Maintenance Manual 4) HOME MAINTENANCE INFORMATION a) MAINTENANCE INSIDE YOUR HOME APPLIANCES All your new appliances are installed and tested for operation in your home. The manufacturer’s appliance warranties take effect on the date of closing. The appliance manufacturer’s warranty their products directly to you according to the terms and conditions of the warranties they provide with the appliances. Your builder will ensure that those documents are in your home when you take possession. Please contact Tsuut’ina Nation Public works for non- emergency warranties. FILTERS Air and water filters in your house benefit at least two aspects of your life; Heath and Cleanliness. It’s important that you find out what you’ve got. Filters can range from; Furnace, Dryer, Humidifier, HRV, Water Filters and Range Hood. When changing a filter, record the date if possible of when it was changed and where possible write the date on the filter itself. FURNACE One of the first things you should do when taking possession of a house is to change the furnace filter. Write down the size and note which way it’s installed. With some filters it matters which direction the air is flowing. Most large hardware/home stores carries the standard sizes. Replace it at the start of each season (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) DRYER Always clean the dryer filter after every load. This will help reduce the amount of lint going down the whole dryer duct inside your house. 11 TTN Home Maintenance Manual Having excess lint in your dryer trap can cause the dryer to work harder and even overheat. Go outside and feel the air flow coming out of the exhaust vent when the dryer is running. Have the dryer ducting between the dryer and the exterior cleaned about once a year. If this duct becomes clogged, there are the possibilities of overheating and fire. WASHER If your washer is not working or is leaking please do not use your washer and contact the Public Works service and maintenance team for further diagnostic. It may need servicing from the supplier and manufacture. Maintaining and cleaning your washer: For top loading clothes washer, vinegar and baking soda can be used. The vinegar will disinfect, helping kill mold and mildew. The acidity of the vinegar will help dissolve soap residue in the wash tub and can also be helpful in dissolving lime deposits in pipes (if you have hard water). The baking soda cleans soap scrum and deodorize. Set your washer to run on hot water with the largest load setting. Do not add clothes or detergent. Add 3-4 cups of white vinegar to the water and allow the machine to agitate for a minute to mix the vinegar and water. Add about ½ cup of baking soda. Allow the machine to run again to ix the baking soda. Stop the washer at this point and allow the water to sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Ise the mixture inside the machine to wipe down the outside of the machine. use an old toothbrush to clean the detergent dish. After an hour, turn the machine on and let it finish the cycle until the water is gone. Use cloth to wipe inside the drum. If needed run the hot water is gone. Use a cloth to wipe inside the drum. If needed run the hot water cycle one more time. HUMIDIFIER Dry indoor air is one of the aspects of the winter season that you might not think about. When your furnace or heating system kicks into gear, your indoors air can turn dry, resulting in a bunch of undesired effects like scratchy throats, sinus congestion and dry, cracked skin. Home humidifier filter pads are generally pretty simple to replace, but humidifiers can vary slightly depending on the type and manufacturer of humidifier you have, so before you start changing your filter, make sure you consult the instructions that came with your unit, if you still have them. That 12 TTN Home Maintenance Manual said, each humidifier will typically follow this step-by-step process: Step 1: Turn off the Humidistat Before you can access your furnace humidifier's filter pad, you’ll first need to Turn of power to your unit. Find the humidistat and turn it to the off position Step 2: Remove the Top Cover To access your humidifier’s filter pad, start by removing the fasteners that hold the top cover of your humidifier in place. Some models use removable nuts. Others use retaining side clips to fasten the top cover. As you remove the top cover, be sure to place any small parts in a secure location so you don’t lose them. Then, using an adjustable wrench, remove the nut that secures the water inlet feed tube (also called the water distributor). Once the tube is loosened, swing it out of the way of the top cover and lift the top cover from the housing cabinet. You should then be able to lift and remove the humidifier pad in the unit. Step 3: Inspect the Pad and Clean As we mentioned earlier, changing humidifier pads is only necessary once or twice a year. That said, it’s worth checking your filter monthly, as buildup of all kinds can accumulate on your filter. In many cases, you’ll be able to give your filter a quick cleaning and simultaneously lengthen its life. However, if it’s been over a year since your last replacement — or the filter seems clogged or calcified — you’ll need a replacement. To clean the pad, you can use a commercial cleaning product like Lime-Away or CLR Remover. You can also create a 1:3 white vinegar and water solution to soak the filter in until the calcification is removed. Step 4: Replace Humidifier Pad If your house humidifier’s pad is completely clogged, you’ll need to replace it. To replace the pad, remove the old pad from the unit housing and discard it. Before replacing the filter, you may want to take a moment to clean the humidifier housing as it may have accumulated dust, debris, and mineral deposits. Use a commercial mold and mildew spray to clean all sides of the tray. Once the tray is clean, insert a new evaporator pad into the housing. In most cases, there will be tracks on each side of the housing that will help guide the filter down into the unit. Step 5: Reassemble the Unit When you have correctly replaced your humidifier filter, place the top cover back in place over the pad and re-insert the retaining clips to secure it. Then, swing the water distributor back in place and tighten it with the adjustable wrench. From there, make sure all other connections are secured. Once everything is back where it belongs, it’s a good idea to give your humidifier a test run to make sure it's operating correctly and there aren’t any condensation leaks. 13 TTN Home Maintenance Manual HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR (HRV) Many new energy efficient homes come with HRV’s. These provide a source of fresh filtered air into the house and exhaust the stale air. HRV’s have several filters including sponge sheets as well as the corrugated core. Vacuuming or washing with soap and water usually does the trick – follow the instructions in the owner’s manual. WINDOW SCREENS Believe it or not, these are filters – bug filters! But they get dirty too and sometimes torn. Check your window screens in the spring for tears or looseness. Wipe very gently with a damp sponge. Refer to your manufactures guide for further instructions. KITCHEN RANGE HOOD Check the screen under the fan – it will accumulate grease and dust over time, reducing their effectiveness. REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM (Applicable to home owners with Wells not Cisterns) Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are great to have under your sink to provide you high- quality water to drink, cook with, or run to the ice machine. 14 TTN Home Maintenance Manual To make sure the system continues to remove dissolved solids and that the quality of that water stays remains high, RO systems require periodic maintenance. 1. Sediment Filter: Your sediment filter should be changed out every 12 months. This pre-filter stage is designed to strain out sediment, silt and dirt. This is especially important as the sediment filter protects dirt from getting to the delicate RO Membranes If you fail to change this filter on schedule, dirt and silt can reach the RO membranes which can then easily become clogged and foul. The RO membrane is the most expensive filter in the RO system, so it's important to protect it. 2. Carbon Filter: the carbon filter is designed to filter lead, pesticides, chlorine and many other contaminants that affect the performance and life of the RO membrane as well as the taste and odor of your water. Your RO system might include both a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter as well as a carbon block filter. Both types of carbon have excellent adsorption capabilities. Both the carbon block filter and the polishing filter (GAC filter) should be replaced every 6-12 months. The lifespan of a carbon filter will vary depending on how dirty or contaminated the water is. Carbon quality, humidity and usage can also factor into how long a carbon filter can last. 3. Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The semi- permeable RO membrane in your RO system is designed to allow water through, but filter out almost all additional contaminants. If you take care to replace the previous sediment and carbon filter on schedule, the RO membrane should only need to be replaced every two to three years. Of course, the schedule will vary based on the quality of your water and household water usage. 4. Polishing (GAC) Filter: In a four-stage RO System, a final post filter will “polish” off the water to remove any remaining taste and odor in the water. This final filter is a GAC (granular activated carbon) filter mentioned above. The GAC filter ensures you’ll have outstanding drinking water. WATER FAUCETS (AERATOR) Aerators help keep pieces of lead and other particles from getting into your water. Clean your drinking water faucet aerator at least every six months. Here is a link to help you better understand: https://www.thespruce.com/clearing-a- blocked-faucet-aerator-2718807 15 TTN Home Maintenance Manual ATTIC ACCESS Attic space is not designed or intended for storage. Access to the attic is for the inspection and maintenance of insulation, vents, chimneys, or other mechanical equipment that may be installed in the attic. If you or any service people perform maintenance or inspections in the attic, use great caution and avoid stepping off wood member onto the drywall under the insulation. Stepping off the trusses or wood member can result in personal injury or damage to the ceiling below. Your access hatch is typically located in hallways or bedrooms. CABINETS Your cabinets are constructed with solid birch plywood. Your builder may have left information about your cabinets. CLEANING Products such as lemon oil or polishes that include scratch cover are usually recommended for wood cabinet care by the manufacturer. Follow the cabinet manufacturer’s directions, or the cleaning product directions. Avoid washing cabinets with water or ammonia cleaners. HINGES If cabinet doors become misaligned, most new cabinet hardware can be adjusted by homeowners with ordinary household tools. If hinges catch or drawer glides bind or stick, a small amount of silicone lubricant will help. If lubricant does not help check to ensure nothing is inhibiting movement, or the cabinets or hardware have not been damaged in some way. HANDY HINT – STRIPPED SCREW HOLE If a screw turns but doesn’t tighten, the screw hole may be stripped. A quick remedy: 1. Remove the screw and hardware. 2. Dip toothpicks in glue, jam as many as you can into the hole and break them off. (either flat or round toothpicks will work.) wipe away glue drips with a damp cloth. You don’t have to wait for the glue to dry or drill new screw holes. 3. Reinstall the hardware by driving screws right into the toothpicks. This link has a good video on how to repair cabinet doors and hinges: https://youtu.be/i_IOtGwI6wk MOISTURE Damage to cabinet finishes and door warping can result from using appliances that generate large amounts of head or moisture (such as counter top ovens, crockpots, or water kettles) too near the cabinet. Warping can also be caused by leaving large amounts of water sitting on and around the cabinet areas. CAULKING Over time caulking may dry out and shrink so that it no longer provides a good seal between baseboards and walls, or between millwork counter or vanity tops and walls. 16 TTN Home Maintenance Manual In wet areas silicone caulking may shrink, de- bond, or show signs of mildew. As part of your routine maintenance (always use the right product) check caulking monthly and repair or replace as necessary. CERAMIC TILE CLEANING Ceramic tile is low maintenance. Vacuum or sweep floor tile for normal cleaning. Tile can also be mopped with warm water. The ceramic tile on the walls or back splashing in your home may be cleaned with any approved nonabrasive soap, detergent, or tile cleaner. GROUT DISCOLOURATION Clean grout that becomes yellowed or stained with a fiber brush, cleanser and water. Products for cleaning grout are available at most home hardware stores. SEPARATIONS Slight separations between tiles and the grout will occur and is normal. Grouting is intended to finish the tile surface, but does not hold the tile in place or affect the performance. Gaps or cracks in the grouting can be filled using premixed grout available at home hardware stores. CONDENSATION/ HUMIDIFIER When warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, the moisture condenses. In your home, condensation is seen as a layer of moisture on the inside of glass windows and doors. This condensation is usually caused by high humidity within the home combined with low outside temperatures and inadequate ventilation. Your lifestyle and the number of people in the home can influence this condition. HUMIDIFIER OPERATION There are 3 basic reasons why a home should be humidified 1. Static electricity is occurring in the home. 2. Health and comfort issues cause by dry air. 3. Protection of hygroscopic materials in the home. HUMIDISTAT Homes are equipped with a de-humidistat. These are electrical devices which operate the bathroom fan(s) in your home on a timed schedule. These are installed according to building code and should run for a period of 8 hours per day. There are electronic and mechanical units. TEMPERATURE Keep your home heated to a normal, comfortable, recommended living range between 20 - 22 degrees Celsius. Excess heat or cold may cause excess shrinkage, or excess moisture in your home. 17 TTN Home Maintenance Manual VENTILATION Ensure that bathroom fans operate while showering or bathing and are left on until all excess moisture in the bathroom has dissipated. HUMIDITY GUIDE Outside Air Temperature in Celsius Desirable Maximum Inside Relative Humidity (%) at an Indoor Temperature of 21 Celsius -29 20% -24 25% -18 30% -12 35% -7 40% COUNTERTOPS Use a cutting board to protect your counters when you cut or chop. Protect the counter from heat and from extremely hot pans. If you cannot put your hand on it, do not put it on the counter. Do not use countertops as ironing boards and do not set lighted cigarettes on the edge of the counter. Do not use countertops to pound objects on or use them to sit on. CAULKING The caulking between the countertop and the wall, along the joint at the backsplash (the section of counter that extends a few inches up the wall along the counter area) and around the sink may shrink, leaving a slight gap. If a gap occurs water may see below the countertop causing damage to the countertop or to the cabinets below. Maintaining a good seal in these locations is important to keep moisture from reaching the wood under the laminates and to prevent warping. SEPERATION FROM WALL Countertops will separate from walls, backsplashes and around sinks. This is a normal occurrence due to the normal shrinkage of materials. Maintaining the caulking is part of the homeowner’s maintenance responsibilities. CLEANING Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. DOORS AND LOCKS Doors inside new homes are wood products and are subject to shrinkage and warpage if the humidity level of your home is not maintained at an acceptable level, or if the finish (paint or stain etc.) is damaged and left unrepaired. FAILURE TO LATCH If a door will not latch because of minor settlement of the structure, the latch plate can be adjusted as necessary. Before adjusting the latch plate check that the hinge screws are tight. HINGES If hinges on swing doors in your home squeak, apply a silicone spray lubricant to correct this. LOCKS Lubricate door locks with silicone spray or another non-staining, waterproof lubricant. Avoid using oil, as it may solidify and become gummy. 18 TTN Home Maintenance Manual STICKING The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion of the door or framing lumber caused by changes in humidity. If doors stick, check and tighten the hinge screws that hold the door jamb or door frame. If light planning is necessary after trying this, use sandpaper to smooth the door and paint or stain the sanded area to seal it. If the sticking is excessive contact your builder to ensure there isn’t a more serious problem. WEATHER STRIPPING Weather stripping and exterior door thresholds occasionally require cleaning and adjustment or replacement. DRYWALL Slight cracking, nail pops, or seam joints may appear in walls and ceilings. These are caused by the shrinkage of the wood and normal deflection of wall studs, trusses or rafters to which the drywall is attached. REPAIRS For drywall repairs please refer to online learning material. Search for step by step guides to assist in patching any large cracks and holes in the drywall. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM During your orientation of your new home you will have been shown the main electrical breaker panel that includes a main shut-off that controls all the electrical power to the home. Each breaker is marked to help you identify which breaker is connected to each major appliances, outlets or other service. If a power failure occurs in any single part of your home, always check the breakers in the main panel box first. BREAKERS Circuit breakers have three positions: ON, OFF and TRIPPED. When a circuit breaker trips it must first be turned off before it can be turned back on. Switching the breaker directly from TRIPPED to ON will not restore power service. BREAKERS TRIPPING Breakers usually trip because of overloads caused by plugging too many appliances into the circuit, a worn cord or defective appliance, or operating an appliance with too high a voltage or wattage requirement for the circuit. The sudden starting of an electric motor can also trip a breaker. If a breaker trips repeatedly check for any of the above causes. 19 TTN Home Maintenance Manual FIXTURE LOCATION Moving fixtures (lights in the ceiling or wall) to accommodate furniture arrangements or special needs is a homeowner responsibility. Please consult with a qualified electrician. GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPRTER (GFCI) GFCI receptacles have built in elements that sense small fluctuations in power. A FGFCI is just another type of circuit breaker, only more sensitive. Building codes require installation of these receptacles near water sources such as bathrooms, the kitchen and outside (areas where an individual can come into contact with water while holding an electric appliance or tool). There are GFCI receptacles (plugs) which are installed inside and outside your home and there are GFCI breakers which are installed in the electrical panel. Each GFCI circuit has a TEST and RESET button, each of which is usually colored differently from the GFCI itself and will be clearly marked. each month, press the TEST button. This will trip the circuit. To restore service, press the RESET button. If a GFCI breaker trips during normal use, it may indicate a faulty appliance and you will need to investigate the problem. One GFCI breaker can control up to two outlets. This link shoes how to reset a G.F.C.I. plug: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trLeLJd MWWI POWER SURGE Power surges are the result of conditions beyond the control of your builder and are excluded from warranty coverage. These can result in burned-out bulbs or damage to sensitive electronic equipment such as TVs, alarm systems and computers. Damage resulting from surges or lightning strikes is excluded from warranty coverage. LIGHT BULBS The homeowner is responsible for replacing burned-out bulbs other than those noted during your orientation. NO POWER/ELECTRICITY TO YOUR UNIT If all the power in your home goes out, check to see if there is a power blackout in your community. If not, check your main breaker (in the electrical panel) and reset it after checking for current overload. To do this, locate and open the door on your electrical panel. Look for a breaker that has moved from the “on “position to the “off” position (also known as a tripped breaker), or is halfway between the two. Move the breaker to the full “off” position, and then move it to the full “on” position. This will restore power to that circuit. If power is not restored, it may be a sign of a more serious electrical problem and you should contact the TTN Public works Department. This website has a good video on how to fix a tripped breaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf- m1QisJ6c 20 TTN Home Maintenance Manual Note: Electricity can be dangerous. Always make sure your hands are dry and you’re standing on a dry surface when working on your electrical panel SMOKE DETECTOR Unlike other major appliances, smoke and co detectors have a shorter shelf life, smoke detectors generally lasting 10 years and co detectors lasting five. Like any other appliance, however, your detectors can be a little unpredictable and break down early. A well-functioning detector needs more than just a new pair of batteries, but routine cleaning and care. To stay safe inside the comfort of your home, here are five easy maintenance tips for your smoke and co detectors. • Replace batteries annually. Instead of waiting for that annoying chirp, it’s best to keep track of when you replaced the batteries, and act accordingly. Pick a date once a year to go throughout your home and replace the batteries for each detector. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. • Test your detectors. The best way to ensure your detectors work like they should is by routinely testing them. Co detectors, which test for carbon monoxide, should be tested weekly, especially since the gas is odorless, colorless, and can be fatal to breathe in. Smoke detectors can be tested once a month. Both detectors have a test button used for basic testing to ensure they’re responsive. • Make sure your detectors are in the right location. Something you may not have considered is where your detectors are located. A detector should be in each bedroom, enclosed area, and separate floor, but they also only function properly in certain conditions. Make sure to keep all smoke detectors at least 10 feet from any cooking appliances, as that can cause false alarms. Placing a smoke detector near any windows, doors, or ducts can decrease how effective they are. Co detectors are even touchier than smoke detectors, and should be kept away from any heat source, dust, humidity, and extreme cold or hot temperatures. • Keep your detectors clean of debris. Dirty detectors can cause false alarms, which is why it’s important to clean the inside and outside of each detector when you change the batteries. You can clean the inside of the detector of dust and debris by using either an air compressor or vacuum hose. The outside of the detector can be cleaned with a damp cloth. A clean detector guarantees it will only go off when it’s supposed to, and spares you the trouble of stressful false alarms. • Look into false alarms. A false alarm can be caused by a variety of reasons. If a detector starts to go off constantly, don’t just replace it, it’s time to investigate. A detector that frequently goes off could simply be a matter of a bad location, such as being too close to the kitchen or bathroom. The batteries inside may have become loose or need replacement. The detector could also just be a little dusty. If, however, none of these solutions solves the constant chirping, it’s time to replace your detector. These links show how to replace a battery in a smoke detector: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9iKopZ2 NeU http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the- Batteries-in-Your-Smoke-Detector 21 TTN Home Maintenance Manual EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION Changes in temperature and humidity cause all building materials to expand and contract. Different materials expand or contract at different rates and this movement can result in separation between materials. When this happens the bond of the caulking may break and small gaps or cracks may appear. Minor cracking or small gaps are the result of normal settling and are the homeowner’s responsibility. Excessive cracks or gaps may be subject to further investigation. FIREPLACE Your home may have with either a gas or wood burning fireplace. GAS FIREPLACE Most new homes have direct-vent gas fireplace installed. The operation of your gas fireplace is demonstrated during the orientation and homeowners are shown exactly where the das shut-off valve is. Read and follow all manufactures directions which are attached to the inside of the bottom of the fireplace units by a flexible cord so they do not become lost. The instruction card affixed to the unit also has illustrations on how to light and operate the fireplace. Open flame sources for lighting are not typically needed since most fireplaces have an electro-mechanical spark device built in. Caution: the exterior vent cover for a direct- vent gas fireplace becomes extremely hot when the fireplace is operating CRACKS If your fireplace has masonry, tile, or a natural stone hearth finish it is normal that there may be shrinkage of mortar resulting in hairline cracks in masonry, or grout of the tile or natural stone. Your builder will repair cracks that exceed 2mm in width. The repair consists of painting or patching and the mortar or grout color will be matched as closely as possible, but expect some variation. 22 TTN Home Maintenance Manual The direct vent for the gas fireplace on the outside of your home is caulked at the connections to the cladding and the painted surface may degrade from heat. It is a homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the caulking and paint. DISCOLOURATION Discoloration of the firebox or firebrick lining is a normal result of use and requires no corrective action. CHIMNEY (WOOD FIREPLACE) Chimney cleaning is performed according to the type of fireplace installed and the frequency of use. It is recommended that home owners consult the manufacturer’s recommendations and the local fire protection authority for information about cleaning. GLASS DOORS (WOOD FIRPLACES) On fireplaces with glass enclosed fireboxes a white haze will appear on the inside of the glass. This is a normal accumulation of minerals which are the by-product of combustion. Glass enclosures can be removed for cleaning according to the instructions in the manual. Use only approved cleaners available at the fireplace. Do not use household cleaners with ammonia or detergents. WATER INFLITRATION In periods of unusually heavy or prolonged precipitation or precipitation Driven by high winds some water can enter the fireplace and the home through the chimney. This is not a defect under the terms of your limited warranty. FLOORING In the maintenance of hardwood floors preventive maintenance is the primary goal. CLEANING Sweep on a daily basis or as needed. Never wet-mop a hardwood or laminate floor unless the manufacturer approves doing so. Excessive water can enter the gaps between boards at joints and can cause the wood to expand and can damage the floor. When polyurethane finishes on laminate becomes dirty refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. DIMPLES Placing heavy furniture, dropping heavy or sharp objects, or walking with high heeled shoes on hardwood floors can result in dimples or cutes or bruise damage. FUNITURE LEGS Install proper floor protectors (felts or glides) on the legs of any furniture placed on hardwood floors. Protectors will allow chairs and larger furniture to move more easily over the floor without scuffing or scratching. 23 TTN Home Maintenance Manual Regularly clean or replace the protectors to remove any grit that may have accumulated which can cause scratching or wear of the surface of the floor finish. HUMIDITY Wood floors may respond noticeably to changes in humidity in your home. During winter months the individual planks or sections can expand and contract as water content changes. Laminate floors are typically” floating floor” assemblies and are not attached to the sub-floor so some movement may be noticed. This is normal unless theirs is buckling or if squeaks develop at transition strips MATS AND RUGS Use protective mats at the exterior doors and entries from damaging the floor. Hard mats such as “coco” mats should help prevent sand/mud. All mats should be taken up frequently for cleaning of any damage. SEPARATION Expect some shrinkage which will be noticed at the joints of the wood plank or board sections near heat vents or any heat- producing appliances, or during seasonal weather changes. SPILLS Clean up food spills immediately with a dry cloth. Never allow water or any liquid to stand on the wood or laminate floor. SPLINTERS When wood or laminate floors are new, small splinters of wood at the joints. Care is taken to remove these prior to the homeowner taking possession of the home, but the nature of natural wood may mean that a few splinters do appear. To remove them, carefully use a sharp object like a razor knife to cut them - do not pull at a splinter in case it tears along the wood grain and damages the board. SUN EXPOSURE Exposure to direct sunlight can cause irreparable damage, discoloration or fading to hardwood floors. To maintain your hardwood or laminate floors install and use window coverings in these areas. TRAFFIC PATHS Eventually the foot traffic paths will wear the finish- this is normal wear and tear. WARPING Warping will occur if the floor repeatedly becomes wet or is thoroughly soaked. Laminate floors may absorb the water and buckle and be destroyed. Unless the water damage is a result of a structural defect or finishing defect, water damage will not be covered. GAS SHUT-OFFS SAFTY FIRST You will find shut-offs on gas lines near their connection to each item that operates on gas such as your gas furnace, gas hot water tank, fireplace, gas range or cooktop, or outside barbeque connection. In addition, there is a main shut-off controlling gas to the entire home at the meter. 24 TTN Home Maintenance Manual GAS LEAK If you smell or suspect a gas leak leave the home and call the gas company immediately. HARDWARE Doorknobs and locks should operate correctly with little maintenance. Occasionally they may need slight adjustments due to normal shrinkage of the framing, door frame or the doors. On occasion homeowners may need to tighten screws or lubricate the handles and hinges with silicone spray lubricant. HEATING/FURNACE SYSTEM FURNACE: GAS FORCED AIR Proper maintenance of your furnace can save fuel costs and prolong the life of the furnace. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s literature on use and maintenance. Note: if your furnace is not operating, ensure that the breaker has not tripped. Check the thermostat setting to ensure it has not been turned down. This website has a good video on how to address the problem of no heat in your unit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgOnfG62aB M ADJUST VENTS Experiment with the adjustable floor or ceiling registers in your home to establish the best heat flow for your lifestyle. You may reduce the heat in seldom-used rooms, but do not turn it off completely in cold conditions COMBUSTION AIR Furnaces installed in basements, or in utility closets in garages or over crawl spaces have an outside combustion air duct. This combustion vent allows unrestricted fresh air into the combustion chambers of the gas furnace and gas heater. The end of this duct on the outside of your home is covered with a screen to restrict insects or small animals from entering the duct. Cold air coming in though this duct means it is functioning as it should. Caution: Never cover or block the combustion air vent in any way at the outside of your home or inside your home where the vent terminates. Outside air is needed to supply the furnace with sufficient oxygen to supply the flame. Blocking the combustion air vent will cause the furnace to draw air down the vent pipe and pull poisonous gases back into your home. 25 TTN Home Maintenance Manual If your home is not equipped with CO (Carbon Monoxide) sensors, or they are not functioning properly Carbon Monoxide poisoning may occur. DUCTWORK NOISE Some popping or pinging sounds are the natural result of airflow as the system operates. As ductwork and vents expand and ductwork heating and cooling in response to changes in the temperature of the contract noise is the result. FILTERS Keeping furnace filters clean will save on fuel and heating costs and help in keeping the inside of your home as dust free as possible. Change or clean the filter monthly during the heating season. Clogged filters can slow airflow and cause the fan to run too long and can create cold spots in your home. Note: this website shows how to change a furnace filter. https://youtu.be/-lO4xAsTyqM ODOR A new heating system may produce an odor for a few moments when unused for an extended time (such as after the summer months). This is caused by dust that has settled in the heating elements and in the ducts. ON/OFF SWITCH The furnace has an on/Off switch. This switch is the same as a regular light switch and is located on the wall outside the furnace room and will be labeled. REGISTERS Heat register covers are removable and adjustable. Homeowners are responsible for adjusting the grilles in these covers to regulate the heat. RETURN AIR VENTS In the home there are several grilles attached to the walls just above the floor. These are cold air return vents for the heating system. It is important that these areas are kept free of obstruction such as furniture or drapes, which will block the return airflow to the furnace causing it to operate inefficiently. 26 TTN Home Maintenance Manual PAINT AND STAIN Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or scrub brushes on any paint surface since these will cause damage. If cleaning with soap and water is not successful a commercial cleaner may be required followed by touch-up of the paint. STAIN The same stain or closely matching products can be obtained for minor interior woodwork stain touch-ups. TOUCH-UP When doing paint touch-ups use small brush, applying paint only to the damaged spot. If the paint is a latex eggshell, the best way to apply the paint is to “stipple” the paint on with the tip of the brush. Stippling means to blot or dab the paint on with the brush instead of applying long strokes. If the painted surfaces are dirty or aged, the touch-up may not match the surrounding area even if the same paint from the homeowner touch-up kit is used. If the paint does not match the entire wall may require painting. This is not the responsibility of your builder or covered by your warranty. WALL CRACKS It is suggested that you wait until after the first ten months from the date of possession to request that your builder repair drywall cracks or other separations due to shrinkage. The reason for this is that normal settlement and the adjustment of moisture contents of the building materials take time to reach normal and stable humidity levels. After your “one-time repair” of drywall cracks, homeowners are responsible for all subsequent touch-up, except any painting your builder performs as part of another warranty repair. CRACKING With normal aging wood trim at window sills and door sills may develop minor cracks, or raised grain. most of this will typically occur during the first year. Raised grain will permit moisture to get under the paint and can result in peeling or warping of the boards when they are near areas of sun exposure, moisture and temperature variations. This is not a defect in materials or of wood trim is a homeowner responsibility. PLUMBING Your plumbing system has many components, most require little maintenance such as piping inside walls and drainage systems. Making sure you use fixtures properly, only flushing appropriate waste down toilets, checking faucet and hose screens and draining your hot water tank as part of routine home maintenance will ensure long life of all plumbing components. CLOGS The main causes of toilet clogs are household items being supplies, Q-tips, dental floss, children’s toys, diapers, 27 TTN Home Maintenance Manual excessive amounts of toilet paper, sanitary garbage disposal use also causes many plumbing clogs. Never flush or wash hot or cold grease or oil down a drain in particular, hot grease or oil will travel down the pipes and when it cools it will congeal and then stick to the pipe wall eventually causing blockages. Note: this video will help explain Clogs better https://youtu.be/WGyoyN4D6_o or https://youtu.be/8Invxjkna5o if this doesn’t work, please call housing department. DRIPPING FAUCET Most new plumbing fixtures use a washer-less cartridge. If these wears or become damaged the best solution is to replace them with new units. If your builder has installed faucets with washers contact your plumber or refer to the manufacturer’s information on how to replace them. FREEZING PIPES In freezing temperatures set the heat at a minimum of 12 -14 degrees C. Keep garage doors closed to protect plumbing lines running through or into the garage area from freezing temperatures (furnace and hot water tank rooms). In sub-zero freezing weather or if no one will be in the home for a time, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks and for refrigerator. LEAKS If a major plumbing leak occurs, the first step is to turn off the main water supply to the home. If a major water pipe leak occurs it is better to minimize the damage and allow the plumber to identify and isolate the source of the leak. Types of valves used for emergency water shut off 28 TTN Home Maintenance Manual MOLD IN BATHROOM If mold has begun to grow in your bathroom you need to remove it immediately. Use a sponge, cloth or scrubbing brush to clean mold off bathroom surface and an old toothbrush to get into hard to reach places. Three ways to tackle mold and mildew on bathroom surface: 1. Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply with a sponge or rag, let sit for 15 minutes for heavy duty jobs, then rinse ad wipe clean. 2. . A spray bottle of undiluted white vinegar will also do the trick, but be careful. Vinegar is a strong acid that can etch tile or grout. Use it only on the caulking and rinse off well — it's always best to do a test patch. 3. Liquid oxygen bleach is another option. It's basically diluted hydrogen peroxide, found in the laundry aisle of your grocery store. Apply it with a spray bottle or follow the manufacturer's instructions. 4. If mold has worked its way behind the caulking, you may have to re-caulk. If so, choose non-toxic, 100 per cent silicone, or notify the Housing Department. Mold and mildew prevention is the key. It is important to make sure bathroom fans are rated to fit the size of the bathroom and that they’re working properly These links show how to remove bathroom mold: http://www.wikihow.com/Remove- Bathroom-Mold https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmnK WqLphZA MAIN SHUT-OFF The water supply to your home can be shut off entirely in two locations. The main shut of valve will be in the Utility Room/Furnace Room, the other location will be near the Faucets/Toilets. Your builder will show you where and how to turn off the main water supply in your home during your orientation. Your main water shut-off is located near your water pressure tank inside the home. Use this shut-off for major water emergencies such as water line break. Each toilet has a shut-off valve on the water line under the tank and each sink has both a hot and cold water shut-off under the sink or nearby. Your dishwasher will have a shut- off located under the sink or otherwise located in the supply line. 29 TTN Home Maintenance Manual LOW PRESSURE If pressure is low throughout your home contact public works. If pressure is only low at one faucet or outlet check that the services valve is fully open, that the faucet aerator is not plugged or if it is the washing machine, that the supply hose screen is not blocked OUTSIDE FAUCETS Water line installations. If pipes freeze, call a public-works/ plumbing company to thaw them properly. RAILINGS Stained wood, enameled aluminum or wrought iron railings in your home require little maintenance beyond occasional dusting or polishing. Protect railings from damage. It is suggested that homeowners cover railings with protective mats during move-in. SHOWER DOORS AND TUBS Your builder warrants that shower doors and tub according to the manufacturer’s enclosures will function literature for care and cleaning. Handy Hint- Sink, Shower & Tub If the shower or tub is draining slowly, clean and unblock the tub/shower waste trap. The buildup of hair, dirt and residue from shampoo and cleaners can impede the flow of water down the drain. To clean a blocked trap: 1. Some showers have a removable, strainer-like piece covering the drain. Remove the strainer before you begin. Gently pull away lingering strands with your fingers, taking care not to push clumps further down the drain. 2. Straighten a wire coat hanger, making a hook at the end. Slowly insert it hook- end first into the drain and then remove it slowly while making a slight twisting motion. You should catch some cringe- worthy clumps this way, but it may take several attempts. 3. To rid the drain of any lingering gunk, flush it with an eco-friendly mixture of baking soda, water and white vinegar (or lemon Juice) Most of the time, this is all it takes to clear the clog. These links show how to fix a clog toilet: 30 TTN Home Maintenance Manual https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=- 83k9m5C1Io these links show how to unclog a bathtub drain: http://www.wikihow.com/Unclog-a- Bathtub-Drain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVC0j ecDN9U if the clog doesn’t clear, call the housing department. WATER HEATER Always refer to the manufacturer’s literature and warranty for your specific model of water heater. As with another appliance warranties the homeowner must contact the manufacturer directly. WATER HEATER: GAS Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s literature for your specific model of water heart. DRAIN TANK Depending on local water conditions, draining the tank partially or completely is a recommended maintenance item. Refer to your manufacturer’s literature and also consult your plumbing contractor for guidelines and recommendations on the frequency of performing the maintenance according to local conditions. SAFTY FIRST- Vacuum the area around a gas-fired water heater to prevent dust from interfering with proper flame combustion. Avoid using the top of a heater as a storage shelf and ensure that there are no combustible items placed near the fame box of the heater which is at the bottom. ELEMENT CLEANING OR REPLACEMENT ELECTRIC HOT WATER TANK The heating elements in the water heater may require periodic cleaning or replacement. Minerals and light silt film can build up on the element reducing its efficiency. The frequency of cleaning or replacement is determined in part by the quality of the water in your area and the amount of use the tank gets. It is recommended that homeowners contact an authorized service company to have elements cleaned or replaced. WOOD TRIM SHRINKAGE AND WARPING Shrinkage of wood trim occurs during the first two years or longer depending on the temperature and humidity both outside and inside your home. Wood is more prone to shrinkage during the heating season. Maintaining a moderate and stable temperature and humidity level in your home helps to minimize the effects of shrinkage. If shrinkage or warping causes a piece of trim to pull away from the wall drive a finishing nail of the appropriate size in to fasten it. Fill the old nail hole with putty or caulk and touch-up with paint as need. 31 TTN Home Maintenance Manual If the base shoe (small trim between base molding and the floor) appears to be lifting from the floor, this is probably due to slight shrinkage of the floor joists below. You can correct this condition by re-nailing the shoe with a finishing nail of the appropriate size. 32 TTN Home Maintenance Manual b) MAINTENANCE OUTSIDE YOUR HOME CAULKING Caulking materials are not “one-time” installations as part of the outside of your home. Over time the materials degrade normally and shrinkage or cracks may appear as building components move with settlement. It is normal maintenance to check and repair or replace caulking on your home as needed. If the homeowner does not feel competent to perform this maintenance a contractor should be consulted. EXTERIOR CAULKING Check any caulking at window, door jams, vents and fireplace vent assemblies as necessary. Repair or replace as appearance and condition indicate, with approved products only. CONCRETE FLATWORK Concrete flatwork is any non-load bearing concrete in your home. Typical examples are the garage floor slab, your patio and sidewalks. Small “spider” cracks that may develop are a result of normal concrete shrinkage and are considered normal concrete shrinkage and are considered normal. The shrinkage occurs during the curing process of the concrete and does not affect the structural performance of the concrete. Larger cracks may be covered within your one-year warranty. CRACKS A concrete slab 3 meters across will shrink approximately 1.5 cm as it cures and that is the cause of the small spider cracks. Some spider cracking of concrete flatwork also results from temperature changes that cause normal expansion and contraction of the concrete. Concrete slabs in outside areas may get water in larger unsealed cracks and in freezing temperatures may cause frost heaves. To maintain slabs, ensure that conditions are dry and then seal the cracks with an approved color-matching sealant. EXPANSION JOINTS Expansion joints help control expansion and minimize and control cracking. In wet conditions moisture can penetrate under the concrete and lift the expansion joint. If the expansion joint lifts after curing or in later years, fill the resulting gap with an approved color-matching sealant or consult a concrete repair contractor. HEAVY VEHICLES Do not allow heavy vehicles such as moving vans or other large vehicles to use your driveway. Driveways are constructed to accommodate light residential traffic only. The slabs in your new home are residential type concrete intended for passenger cars, light trucks, family vans, etc. SEALER Depending on your preferences or environmental conditions homeowners may choose to seal the concrete. 33 TTN Home Maintenance Manual COLOUR Concrete slabs vary in color owing to differences in the make-up of the concrete, the location they are installed (inside or outside) and the type of finish. No correction is possible o necessary for this condition. CRACKS Minor cracking (spider cracks) are normal in concrete. If a crack is more than 3mm (1/8”) it will require sealing with an approved caulking compound. LEVEL FLOORS Concrete floors in the habitable areas of the home will be level to with 6mm (1/4”) within any 80cm (32”) measurement with the exception of an area specifically designed to slope toward a floor drain. SEPARATION Separation of concrete slabs from the foundation of the home should receive attention if the separation exceeds 12 mm (1/2”). SETTILING OR HEAVING If slabs settle or heave in excess of 25mm (1”) or if settlement results in drainage toward the house, contact a concrete professional to re-align the slab. DAMP-PROOFING Foundation walls are coated with a drain mat or an asphalt waterproofing material. Carful observation and maintenance of positive drainage will protect your basement from dampness DECKS Wood and/or vinyl decks add to the style and function of your home and are a high maintenance part of your home’s exterior. EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE Wood decks are subject to shrinkage, cracking, splitting, cupping and twisting. Nails or screws may work loose and will need seating or tightening to set the heads flush with the wood, as well as routine maintenance. Plan to inspect your decks regularly, at least once each year and provide needed attention promptly to maintain an attractive appearance and forestall costly repairs. It is recommended that you treat or re-stain your decks annually to keep them looking their best FOOT TRAFFIC As you use your deck, abrasives and grit on shoes can scratch or dent the wood or vinyl surface. Regular sweeping and using mats can prevent scuffing and abrasion, but will not completely prevent it. High heeled shoes should not be worn on vinyl deck surfaces since the high pressure of the heel may puncture the vinyl membrane. OUTDOOR FURNITURE The surface of the decking can be damaged by BBQs, deck furniture, or other items such as articles that can rust on outside surfaces. Rust from metal articles can permanently stain some vinyl surfaces. Use caution when moving items to prevent scratches, gouges and punctures. 34 TTN Home Maintenance Manual SEALING OR WATER REPELLENT To prolong the life and beauty of your deck, treat it periodically with a water repellent or wood preservative. Local home centers or hardware stores offer several products to consider for this purpose. Always follow manufacturer directions carefully. SNOW AND ICE Heavy snow or ice that remains on the deck over long periods increases the likelihood of damage or early failure. Prompt removal can reduce adverse effects. Use caution in shoveling to avoid needless scratching of the deck boards or the vinyl surface. STAIN Exposed wood decks have been stained to protect and beautify the wood. Each board takes the same stain differently and variations in color will be readily noticeable. Over time, with exposure to weather and use, further variations in color will occur. DOORS AND LOCKS The doors installed in your home are wood products characteristics of wood as shrinkage and warpage. Natural fluctuations subject to such natural caused by humidity and the dishwasher can affect doors and may require minor adjustments. Use of forced air furnaces and dishwashers can affect doors and may require minor adjustment. EXTERIOR FINISH To ensure longer life for your exterior doors with clear finishes tend to weather faster than painted doors. Treat the finish with a wood preserver every three months to preserve the varnish and prevent the door from during and cracking. Reseal stained exterior doors whenever the finish begins cracking, crazing or fading. HINGES You can remedy a squeaky door hinge by removing the hinge pin and applying a silicone lubricant to it. Avoid using oil, as it can gum up or attract dirt. LOCKS Lubricate door locks with silicone spray or powdered graphite. Avoid oil, as it will gum up. SHRINKAGE Use putty, filler, or latex caulk to fill any minor separations that develop at mitered joints in door trim. Follow with painting or staining as required. Panels of wood paint or stain or unfinished exposed areas of wood is your home door shrink and expand in response to change in temperature and humidity. Touching up the paint or stain on unfinished exposed areas of wood is your home maintenance responsibility. STICKNG The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion of lumber caused by changes in humidity. When sticking is caused by swelling during an excessively damp season, do not plane the door unless 35 TTN Home Maintenance Manual it continues to stick after the weather changes. Before planning a door because of sticking, first try tightening the screws that hold the door jamb, door frame, or hinges. If planning is necessary even after these measures, use sandpaper to smooth the door and paint the sanded area to seal against moisture. WEATHER STRIPPING Weather stripping, exterior door thresholds and door sweeps occasionally require adjustment or replacement. ADJUSTMENT Because of normal settling of the home, doors may require adjustment for proper fit. FOUNDATION Your builder installs the foundation of your home according to the recommendations of a professional engineer. The walls of the foundation are poured concrete on footings with steel reinforcing rods. The basement floor slab “floats” and is not part of the structural foundation CRACKS Through the normal curing process of concrete, surface cracks may develop in the wall. Surface cracks do not affect the structural integrity of your home. If a crack develops in a foundation wall that allows water to come through, contact your builder or follow the procedures for submitting a warranty claim. Shrinkage cracks or backfill cracks are common in foundation walls and are usually noted at the corners of basement windows. Your builder will seal cracks that exceed 3mm (1/8”) width. DAMPNESS Due to the amount of water in concrete, basements may be slightly damp, especially if unfinished. Condensation can corm on water lines and drip into the floor, especially from cold water supply lines. COSMETIC IMPERFECTIONS Slight cosmetic imperfections in foundation walls, such as a visible seam where two pours meet or slight honeycombing may occur and require no repair unless they permit water to enter. LEAKS Your builder will repair ay condition that permit water to enter the basement as long as the homeowner has complied with the drainage landscaping and maintenance guidelines 36 TTN Home Maintenance Manual GAS SHUT OFFS You will find shut-offs on gas lines next to their connection to each item that operates on gas. In addition, there is a main shut-off at the meter outside your home. GAS LEAK If you smell or suspect a gas leak leave the home and call the gas company immediately for emergency GRADING AND DRAINAGE The finish grades around your home have been inspected and approved for proper drainage of your lot. Use caution when installing landscaping, fencing, or additions to your home to prevent causing water problems to your home or to homes on adjacent lots. DRAINAGE Typically, the grade around your home should slope away from the home (positive drainage). Maintain the slopes around your home to permit the water to drain away from the home as rapidly as possible. Failure to do so may void your warranty. 37 TTN Home Maintenance Manual EXTERIOR FINISH MATERIALS Maintain your soil levels 15cm below siding, stucco, brick, or other exterior finish materials. Deterioration of the exterior finish material can occur from soil or landscaping materials ROOF WATER Ensure the splash blocks or downspout extensions from under the downspouts are in place. Keep them sloped so the water drains away from your home. EROSION Your builder is not responsible for weather- caused damage to lots that are not landscaped until after the closing date, or where the final grade is established. Your SUBSURFACE DRAINS Depending on local requirements or site conditions, builders may install subsurface drainage around the base of the foundation to ensure that surface water drains from a yard adequately. Keep this area and especially the drain cover clear of debris so that the drain can function as intended. If you alter the drainage system after closing, or if changes in the drainage occur due to lack of maintenance you may void your warranty. SWALES Your builder cannot alter individual lot or development drainage patterns to suit individual landscape plans. Lots typically receive water from and drain water on the other lots. As such changes in grade may affect adjacent lots, homeowners are advised against making changes to the swales or grading. GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS Check gutters occasionally or as weather conditions dictate and remove leaves or other debris. If materials accumulate in gutters, water drainage from the roof can be slowed, or blockages can cause overflows and clog the downspouts. 38 TTN Home Maintenance Manual EXTENSIONS OR SPLASH-BLOCKS Extensions should discharge outside of rock or bark beds so that water is not dammed behind the edging materials that might be used. Splash blocks should be maintained with a slope away from the foundation of your home. LADDERS Be careful when leaning ladders against gutters or you may cause dents. To prevent damage to gutters, use appliances for ladders called “roof stand-offs.” These are available from building supply stores. Always use caution when using ladders. In particular use caution with metal ladders near electrical power wires or power sources. LEAKS If joints between sections of gutter drip, clean the inside joint of the gutter and caulk it using an approved gutter caulking compound. OVERFLOW Gutters may overflow during periods of heavy rain, this requires no repair. PAINT AND STAIN Painted surfaces should be cleaned and inspected occasionally. EXTERIOR Check the painted and stained surfaces of your home’s exterior semi-annually or as conditions dictate. Plan on refinishing the exterior surface of your home approximately for your area and climate. Some areas such as white painted trim may require annual touch-up. SEVERE WEATHER Hail and wind can cause damage in a severe storm-always inspect the house after severe weather. If any damage is caused be severe weather, report it to Tsuut’ina Public works. RAILINGS Enameled aluminum or wrought iron railings at outside installations require maintenance. Depending on railing type, painting, touch-up and cleaning will be required. Your builder installs railings in positions and locations to comply with applicable building codes. Railings should 39 TTN Home Maintenance Manual remain securely attached with normal use. Damage from improper use is not covered by warranty. ROOF The shingles on your roof do not require any maintenance except to ensure they are kept clear of debris and are intact. The less foot traffic on your roof the likely it is that problems will occur. ICE DAM Depending on weather conditions, heat from inside your home can melt snow on the roof. Water then runs down and when it reaches the cold eaves it may freeze. An accumulation of ice can dam the subsequent run-off and the water may begin to back up and may work its way under shingles and ultimately may find its way into your home through window or ceiling. LEAKS If a roof leak occurs try to detect the exact location while it is leaking. If the source of the leak can be spotted and marked it will make the repair job easier when conditions are dry and the repair can be carried out. Note: check for the following: 1. Plugged gutters or downspouts 2. Debris on the roof 3. Ice damage 4. Missing roof shingles Place a bucket under the leak to protect your home and contact public works SEVERE WEATHER After severe storms, do a visual inspection of the roof for damages. Notify Tsuut’ina Public works if you find pieces of shingles, or loose roofing tiles in the yard, or if shingle edges have lifted or roof tiles have become damaged or displaced on the roof. 40 TTN Home Maintenance Manual SEPTIC SYSTEM Your system safely treats wastewater and returns it to the ground. Its design adheres to standards set by Alberta and it has been installed by a qualified contactor. After installation and inspection, the safe operation and regular maintenance of your OWTS (Onsite Wastewater Treatment System) are your responsibility. Your system is more than a simple tank- it is a utility and this manual will help you understand and operate it. Your septic system has two primary components 1. Initial Treatment Septic tank/ Advanced Treatment Units (ATUs) 2. Final Treatment Drain field/ Mound/ Other INITIAL TREATMENT COMPONENTS Onsite wastewater treatment systems use a septic tank or treatment plant for initial treatment. The household plumbing collects wastewater and sends it to the septic tank working compartment which acts as a separation chamber. Heavy particles separate from the wastewater and settle to the bottom to form a sludge layer. Lights particles, mainly soap and grease, separate and float to the top to form a scum layer. Using a baffle deice the clearest liquid form the center of the tank flows by gravity to the effluent (liquid waste or sewage discharge) dosing chamber. A pump or siphon in the effluent dosing chamber will deliver the effluent to the final soil treatment component. There are other options for initial treatment components, including manufactured packaged sewage treatment plants, textile filter systems and incineration devices. These components, like a septic tank, will receive all the wastewater generated by the facility they serve. These systems will produce cleaner effluent and are considered to be advanced treatment systems. Cleaner effluent does not clog the soil [pore spaces of the final treatment component an easily as a septic tank effluent. All initial treatment devices reduce the amount of organic material dirt, grease, etc. 41 TTN Home Maintenance Manual however, disease-causing organisms (pathogens) are not destroyed by initial treatment and its bacterial action. In initial treatment, methane gas and hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S) are produced in the septic tank FINAL TREATMENT COMPONENTS The final treatment and recycling of effluent back to groundwater occurs in the soil. Natural processes and soil bacteria will remove or alter the pollutants and pathogens in wastewater. With suitable soil and adequate separation distances from water tables this effluent will safely return to the groundwater. The soil treatment of effluent occurs mostly through the action of aerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen if the are to do their job. In treating sewage, they must have food and water (effluent), air to breathe and suitable environment in use of treatment field trenches to return effluent to the soil. The Alberta standard of practice requires five feet of this suitable soil below the bottom of the treatment field trench for septic effluent and three feet for class q plant or advanced treated effluent. Treatment field trenches are typically two feet wide by two feet deep and will likely total more than 400 lineal feet. In areas not having the required depth of suitable soil, imported suitable fill material will be needed to construct a treatment mound. After placement of the pipe or chambers, the trench is covered with six to 12 inches of topsoil and landscaped with grass which helps divert surface water and improve the fields performance. 42 TTN Home Maintenance Manual Cross-section of a treatment mound. In a mound, pressurized distribution pipes ae placed in a bed of aggregates or chambers with a 12” layer of sand below. The wastewater is pumped into the perforated pipes and the drains into the sand layer where aerobic bacteria cleans the effluent. The mound must be above three feet between the bottom of the sand layer and the restrictive layer. Mounds that are landscaped with grass and regularly mowed have improved efficiency. PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION TO MOUNDS AND TREATMENT FIELDS Pressure distribution system is a carefully designed network of small pipes with small holes called orifices, connected to a pump. Periodically the pump sends doses of effluent under pressure to the network of pipes. The pipes are totally filled during each dosing cycle to ensure a uniform volume of effluent is distributed from each orifice. This intermittent dosing allows the effluent to pass into the sand layer or ground and then time for air to reach the soil before the next dose. Pressure distribution is superior to gravity distribution and is required for a mound. Pressurized distribution makes use of the whole mound or treatment field area, thus creating a longer life of the final treatment component. NOTE: wastewater is a mix of blackwater and greywater and both must be treated by your septic system. Blackwater contains human waste, food particles, dirt and contaminants. Greywater is water from bathing, washing and laundry. There is a common misconception that greywater doesn’t need treatment, but it does. TREATMENT FIELD MAINTENANCE To protect your treatment field system, regularly pump the sludge and scum from the septic tank. Typical cleaning schedules range from six months to three years depending on the tank, family size, etc. never leave mote than three years between cleanings. An uncleaned tank has a reduced working capacity that results in overloads that send solids to the field, clogging the soil and ruining its ability to dispose of wastewater and leading to costly repair. Compaction: do not pave your treatment field or drive or park on it as these activities compact the soil and damage the fields performance. Nothing heavier than a riding mower should be allowed on the field. Also avoid putting pathways or planting anything other than grass on top of the field. Vegetation Cover: a field performs best if covered with grass and mowed regularly. The grass cover and landscaping that channels rainwater away from the field improves its performance. Surface Water Diversion: direct water flowing from drains, downspouts, driveway’s, sump pumps away from your 43 TTN Home Maintenance Manual treatment field as it must remain unsaturated for the bacterial action to take place. Consult an installer before major landscaping is undertaken. Changing the slopes and elevations near your system can affect its performance and longevity THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND • Have a professional inspect your system (once a year for the first three years and then every three years) and pump your tank as necessary every 12 to 36 months. • Use water efficiently • Don’t dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks and toilets. • Plant only grass over and neat your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the treatment field. • Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soul in your treatment field or damage the pipes, tank or other septic system components. Any foot, ATV or vehicle traffic over the system in winter can lead to freezing problems. SIDING Siding expands and contracts as changes in humidity and temperature occur. Typically, slight waves are visible in siding under moist weather conditions and shrinkage and separations will be more noticeable under hot or dry conditions. These conditions are normal and do not require attention. WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS Wood or wood-product siding may require routine refinishing depending on the type of finish. Some raw wood products may be stained or painted and those should be maintained accordingly. Some wood products may have baked enamel finishes which do not require annual cleaning and painting, but may require touch-ups if damaged. Some wood siding, such as cedar, is subject to more cracking and will require more maintenance. VINYL Vinyl siding requires cleaning. Start at the top and dampen the siding using only low- pressure washers or other sources of high- water pressure. To avoid streaking use only water and a brush, or use a cleaning product recommended by your siding manufacturer. Follow instruction carefully. CEMENT BASED PRODUCTS Cement based siding such as hardy-plank or hardy-board will require repainting and caulking. STUCCO Stucco is a light weight and thinly applied cement product that is subject to expansion and contraction and therefore may crack. Typically, only minor hairline cracks will develop I the outer layer (color coat) of stucco. This is normal and does not reduce the function of the stucco in anyway. If the cracks develop into larger gaps these may require caulking or repair as required. Your builder will repair may not exactly match the surrounding area. If there are signs of water stains coming from the cracks investigate further. 44 TTN Home Maintenance Manual DRAINAGE To ensure proper drainage away from the stucco keep dirt and concrete flatwork a minimum of 15 cm below the bottom edge of the stucco. Do not pour concrete or install masonry over the bottom edge of the stucco or right up to the foundation since wood members behind the stucco may be damaged by water. EFFLORESCENCE The white, powdery substance that sometimes accumulates on stucco surfaces is called efflorescence. This is a natural phenomenon where lime in the stucco leeches out. It can be removed by scrubbing with a stiff brush and vinegar or there are commercial products sold to remove efflorescence. One cleaning will not permanently stop efflorescence, it will continue until such time as all the lime has leeched out. SPRINKLERS Since stucco is not a watertight barrier avoid spraying water from irrigation or watering systems directly on to stucco surfaces. SUMP PUMP In some conditions the foundation design includes a perimeter drain and sump pump. The perimeter drain runs around the foundation to gather water and channel it to the sump catchments. When the water reaches a preset level, the pump activates and pumps the water out of your home’s drainage system. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use and care of your sump pump. 45 TTN Home Maintenance Manual CONTINUOS OPERATION The pump may run more frequently or continuously during a heavy storm or long periods of rain. This is normal under such conditions. DISCHARGE Locate the discharge point for your sump pump system and keep the end of the drain clear of debris so that water can flow out and away from your home. POWER SUPPLY The sump pump runs on electricity. If the power goes off, the pump cannot operate. Storm water could then enter your basement. ROOF WATER Ensure that roof water drains quickly away from the home to avoid circulating it through your sump pump. Keep downspouts extensions or splash blocks in place to channel water away from your home. ROUTINE CHECK Check to confirm the pump is plugged in, the circuit breaker is on and that the pump operates on a regular basis. To test the operation of your sump pump, pour several gallons of water out. Follow this procedure at least once a year. VENTILATION New homes today are more tightly sealed to the outside environment than older homes. While this improves efficiency there are negative effects such as condensation, cooking odors, indoor pollutants, radon and carbon monoxide may all accumulate. There are both mechanical and passive methods of ventilating homes and minimizing the effects of these factors. It is important that you attend to ventilation maintenance as an important contributor to your health and safety. 46 TTN Home Maintenance Manual ATTIC VENTS Attics are vented through the soffit (the material installed on the underside of overhangs) or on gable ends. Driving rain or snow can sometimes inter the attic through these vents. Do not cover the insulation in front of the vent with poly plastic covering. By doing this you allow the vent to remain open and the small amount of water that blows in will evaporate safely. If the amount of water is excessive ensure the vent grilles are properly installed. WINDOWS, SCREENS AND SLIDING GLASS DOORS Contact glass company for re-glazing of any windows that break or repair of any component. Clean the glass as needed with vinegar and water, commercial glass cleaner, or the product recommended by the window manufacturer. Always consult the manufacturer’s literature and maintenance recommendations if there are special window glazing treatments. ACRYLIC OR GLASS BLOCKS Clean acrylic or glass blocks during moderate temperatures using a mild solution of soap and warm water. Wash using a sponge or soft cloth or brush and dry with a towel. Avoid abrasive cleaners, commercial glass cleaner, razor, stiff brushes or scrubbing devices of any kind. VINYL WINDOW FRAMES Clean vinyl window frames during moderate temperatures using a mild solution of soap and warm water. Wash using a sponge or soft cloth or brush and dry with a towel. Avoid abrasive cleaners, commercial glass cleaner, razors, stiff brushed or scrubbing devices of any kind. From the outside of the home inspect and ensure that the drain (weep) holes are free of dirt or debris. 47 TTN Home Maintenance Manual ALUMINUM Clean aluminum metal surfaces with warm, clear water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or steel wool. After each cleaning apply silicone lubricant with a cloth. CONDENSATION Condensation on the interior surfaces of the window and frame is the result of high humidity within the home and low outside temperatures. Lifestyle controls the humidity level within your home and is affected by the number of residents, cooking habits and so on. SILLS Window sills in your home are typically made of wood and require minimal maintenance which includes repairing minor cracks, keeping paint in good condition and caulking of the joints. SLIDING GLASS DOORS Sliding glass doors are made with tempered glass which is more difficult to break than ordinary glass and protects people from injury if broken. Tempered glass breaks into small pieces (popcorn) rather than large splinters or shards which can cause severe injury. Keep the sliding door tracks clean for smooth operation and to prevent damage to the door frame. Lubricate the tracks with silicone spray lubricant. Ensure the proper operation of sliding door hardware for maximum security in your home STICKING WINDOWS If sticking occurs or excessive pressure is required to open or close a window, apply a silicone spray lubricant to the tracks. If lubrication does not help investigate further. 48 TTN Home Maintenance Manual WEEP HOLES (DRAIN HOLES) CONDENSATION Condensation that accumulates between the panes of glass in double-glazed sealed windows indicates a broken seal. Your builder will replace the window if this occurs during the applicable warrant period. Many manufactures provided warranties against seal failure for many years beyond your contractor warranty. If you have a seal unit failure, after your initial warranty expires consult your manufacturers literature. TINTING OR FOIL FILMS If you add tinting or foil films to double- glazed windows all warranties are voided. Damage can result from condensation or excessive heat build-up between the panes of glass. Refer to the manufacturer’s literature for additional information. WOOD TRIM Shrinkage of wood trim occurs normally during the first two years or so depending on ambient temperatures and humidity levels. All wood is more susceptible to drying and shrinkage during the hot summer season. Wood shrinkage can result in separation at joints of trim pieces and cupping or cracking may occur. Homeowners should correct this with caulking and touch-up painting as required. Shrinkage or cupping may also cause a piece of trim to pull away from the structure. If this happens re-nail the board with an appropriate size finishing nail s as to attach it properly. Fill the nail hole or crack if needed with putty and touch-up paint. During your builder orientation (walk- through) your builder will confirm that wood trim is I acceptable condition. Minor imperfections in wood materials are normal with natural products and will require no action. EXTERIOR Your builder will caulk and apply touch-up paint to cracks in exterior trim components that exceed 2 mm during you first year of warranty. Your builder will typically perform repair one time only near the end of the first year or as weather conditions permit. Paint or stain touch- up may not match. Your builder will correct any separation at joints that allows water to enter the home. RAISED GRAIN Because of the effects of weather on natural wood, you should expect raised grain to develop. this is normal attribute of wood and not a defect in the wood or paint. Warranty coverage excludes this condition 49 TTN Home Maintenance Manual 5) SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST It is important that every homeowner gets to know how their septic systems operates and where they are located. This is the number one call Public Works receives every year due to homeowners obstructing their septic systems. Following this checklist will help you keep your septic and water systems running efficiently for years to come. a) How Your Septic System Works Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures, commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. They use a combination of nature and proven technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. A typical septic system consists of a septic tank, mound and/or field. b) How to find your Septic System • Looking on your home’s “as built” drawing. • Checking your yard for lids and manhole covers. • Checking your yard for large mound located on the opposing side of the house from the well location. • Strong odor around the septic tank and field or mound. c) The TO-DO LIST for you Septic System This list will guide you to maintaining your septic mound, tanks and septic fields. • Know where the system is and protect the area from livestock, heavy traffic etc. • Practicing water conservation and spreading your water usage throughout the week. • Cut the grass and weeds on all fields and mounds. NO RIDING LAWN MOWERS. • Divert water away from the mounds. • Don’t treat your toilet like a trash can! • Think about what you dump down the kitchen sink drain. • Be careful with cleaning chemicals. Various cleaning products homeowners use can harm good bacteria in a septic system. AVOID USING CHEMICALS LIKE BLEACH. • Avoid planting trees and shrubs close to the field and mounds. d) Failure symptoms: Mind the signs! • Septic alarms usually identifies that the tank is either full or the pump is not operating properly. • Odors could mean your septic tank is full and needs draining. • Sewage backup. A full septic tank or obstruction in your plumbing lines can result in a backup. • Slow drains could indicate your tank is full or there is a blockage in your plumbing lines. 50 TTN Home Maintenance Manual Things You Should Never Put in a Septic Tank  Paint, paint thinners, gasoline, motor oil.  Cooking grease, Fat  Cat litter, coffee grounds  Cigarette butts  Dental floss  Disposable diapers  Ear plugs  Charmin Toilet paper, flushable wipes  Sanitary napkins or tampons  Paper towels  Plastics  Inspect or weed killers  Photographic chemicals  Solvents STOP THE WATER, PREVENT FUTHER ISSUES IF YOU NOTICE ANY SIGNS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM FAILURE (BACKUPS, SEPTIC ALARMS) STOP USING THE WATER IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER DAMAGES. 51 TTN Home Maintenance Manual 6) Water Well & Cistern WATER WELL Working with Public Works and developing an effective monitoring and preventative maintenance program for your water well is important to ensure a secure water supply and protect water quality. Monitoring will identify changes in water levels, water quality and well yield before they become a serious problem. Just like a vehicle needs regular oil changes, tune ups and inflated tires to run properly, your water well needs to be properly maintained to keep it operating smoothly for many years to come. Preventative maintenance reduces the onset of well problems, the need for costly, time-intensive rehabilitation treatments and even premature well failure. VISUAL INSPECTION OF WELL (Public Works can investigate remedial action for an issue you discover) You should regularly examine your well and the ground surface immediately surrounding it. Ask yourself the following questions: • Is the casing in good condition (no corrosion, cracks, or holes) and does it extend at least 45 cm (18 in.) above ground level? • Is the well cap securely attached? Is it vermin-proof? If your well is located in a low-lying area prone to flooding, is the well cap flood-proof? • Are the electrical wires secure and protected from the elements? • Are there any potential contamination sources or physical dangers nearby? • Is the ground surrounding the wellhead sloping away to divert surface runoff? • Can any vegetation with root systems cause harm? • Is there any ground settling around the outside of the well casing? Could the annular seal be compromised allowing surface water to seep into the well? • If your well is located in a high-traffic area, is it properly marked to avoid being damaged or lost in deep snow cover? MONITORING WELL QUALITY Noting changes in water quality is an effective way to monitor the health of your well. The following checklist is a starting point to determine if a problem exists: • Unpleasant odor or taste • Cloudy, dirty water • Red discoloration on plumbing fixtures and fabric • Soap curd on dishes and fabrics • Scale in pipes and water heater • Salty alkali taste 52 TTN Home Maintenance Manual This link will explain water well maintenance more in-depth https://wellowner.org/resources/water-well- maintenance/ CISTERN A cistern is a watertight tank used to store a large volume of water to meet a water demand. To prevent the water from freezing, cisterns are usually buried below the frost level. NOTE: Cisterns and Septic Tanks look similar. To distinguish them apart a cistern has 1 access hatch and a septic tank has 2 access hatches. CONTAMINATION RISKS Insects, rodents and small birds/animals can enter your cistern if there has been any physical damage. Surface water can infiltrate, bringing dirt and other debris. Fertilizer, manure and other chemical or biological contaminants can be carried in by rainwater or snowmelt. HOW DO I INSPECT MY CISTERN? Visually inspect the ground around where your cistern is buried to confirm it is sloped and can divert away rainwater and snowmelt. Inspect the access lid and fill port for a watertight seal. Turn on faucets in house and examine water flow. If water comes out murky/smelly please contact Public Works. Look inside the cistern for evidence of dirt, insects or rodents. Look for light coming in from possible cracks or faulty connections. Check the vented overflow pipe is located properly to continuously draw air. Confirm it is down turned, covered with a fine mesh screen cover and high enough not to be submerged under rainwater or snow. Large roots can become a problem if trees are located too close to your cistern. If any damage is found please call Public Works. CLEANING MY CISTERN Routine maintenance of your cistern is conducted by Public Works and will include an annual cleaning to remove any build-up of sludge or biofilm. After cleaning out any sludge build-up from the cistern a chlorine shot is added to obtain a concentration of 50 ppm while the cistern is being refilled. Public Works has a routine schedule to service Cisterns on Tsuut’ina Nation. 53 TTN Home Maintenance Manual APPENDIX A: SOLAR INFORMATION www.SkyFireEnergy.com info@SkyFireEnergy.com 780 474 8992403 251 0668 Solar PV System Internet Connect i on Guide 1. Verify that Solar Breaker is ON Ensure that your Solar Breaker is turned ON in your electrical panel (Indicated with the warning sticker shown below). The breaker will be at the top or bottom of your panel. 2. Verify Wired Internet Connection Plug the supplied ethernet cable into a LAN port on your modem/router. DO NOT use the WAN port. Using a laptop, or other device capable of receiving wired internet connection, verify that the ethernet cable connected to the LAN port is supplying an internet signal. You will need to disable the WiFi capability of the device for this test. If the internet provider’s modem has been bridged, the LAN ports may be deactivated. In this case, please use the LAN ports on your 3rd party router. If the LAN port is not supplying an internet signal, contact your internet service provider to troubleshoot the connection: Bell: 1-844-310-7873 Shaw: 1-888-472-2222 (Option 1, 1, 1) Telus Fibre Optic: 1-844-372-8559 Telus Copper: 1-888-811-2323 QUICK START GUIDE FOR WIRED CONNECTION 3. Connect ECU device to the internet www.SkyFireEnergy.com info@SkyFireEnergy.com 780 474 8992403 251 0668 RJ45 Signal/RS485 (Australia Only) RJ45 Internet AC Power Antenna Antenna If your modem/router is not located next to the electrical panel, unplug the ECU device, lift to remove it from the screws, and plug it back in next to your modem/router. Connect the RJ45-Internet port on the ECU to a LAN port on your modem/router using the grey ethernet cord provided. DO NOT use the WAN port on your modem/router. When the internet LED is green, proceed to the Monitoring instructions document. If you have verified that the LAN port on your modem/router is functioning, and the LED will not turn green after 24 hours, please email info@skyfireenergy.com with your address for assistance. SkyFire Energy will charge $90/hour for service calls to resolve internet connection issues if the ECU unit is found to be functioning properly. QUICK START GUIDE FOR WIRED CONNECTION If the internet LED on the ECU device is green, you are ready to move to the monitoring stage, otherwise return to the Internet Connection guide. Install EMA APP on your Android or iOS device: Solar PV Syste m M onitorin g www.SkyFireEnergy.com info@SkyFireEnergy.com 780 474 8992403 251 0668 EMA App User Guide EMA APP (Android) EMA APP (iOS) Get your EMA APP login information from one of three places: Use the EMA APP to monitor the performance of your solar system, and ensure that all equipment is functioning normally. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to identify equipment failures, since neither SkyFire Energy or your builder will be actively monitoring your system. Click here to access the user manual for the EMA APP or you can aceess it by scanning the QR code above. Android: Click here to download the EMA APP iOS: Search for “EMA APP” in App Store If you have a QR scanner, scan the code below for your device. Sticker on the front of ECU device Welcome email from SkyFire Energy Send an email to info@skyfireenergy.com with your address to request login info QUICK START GUIDE FOR WIRED CONNECTION QUICK START GUIDE FOR WIFI CONNECTION www.SkyFireEnergy.com info@SkyFireEnergy.com 780 474 8992403 251 0668 Solar PV System Internet Connect i on Guide 1. Verify that Solar Breaker is ON Ensure that your Solar Breaker is turned ON in your electrical panel (Indicated with the warning sticker shown below). The breaker will be at the top or bottom of your panel. 2. Connect the ECU Device to your household WiFi network Search for and install ECU APP on your Android or iOS device. If you have a QR scanner app, scan the QR code below. If your ECU device has an AP button on the side, press it to initiate a WiFi signal. In the settings on your iOS or Android device, find and connect to the WiFi network that is broadcast from the ECU device (ECU_R_XXXXXXXXXXXX), password 88888888. You may need to try the password several times. If you get a message saying that this WiFi network is not connected to the Internet, click OK. ECU APP (iOS) ECU APP (Android) www.SkyFireEnergy.com info@SkyFireEnergy.com 780 474 8992403 251 0668 Open ECU App. On the Home page, ensure that it shows “ECU connected”. If not, swipe down to refresh. On the Settings page, select WLAN. Find your household WiFi network in the list, select it, and enter your password. The ECU device may reboot at this point. Please wait a few minutes to allow it to restart, then ensure that “ECU Connected” is shown on the Home Page. If it is not connected, please repeat the steps on the previous page. Whether you have connected via ethernet cable or WiFi, ensure that the Home page shows “Internet Connected”. If the Solar Breaker is on and the Home page shows “ECU connected” and “Internet connected”, but the system is producing 0w, please contact SkyFire Energy (info@skyfireenergy.com) for further assistance. Open your iOS or Android settings and select the ECU_R_XXXXXXXXXXXX WiFi network. Select “Forget Network”. This will allow your iOS or Android device to re-connect to your household WiFi network. QUICK START GUIDE FOR WIFI CONNECTION If the internet LED on the ECU device is green, you are ready to move to the monitoring stage, otherwise return to the Internet Connection guide. Install EMA APP on your Android or iOS device: Solar PV Syste m M onitorin g www.SkyFireEnergy.com info@SkyFireEnergy.com 780 474 8992403 251 0668 EMA App User Guide EMA APP (Android) EMA APP (iOS) Get your EMA APP login information from one of three places: Use the EMA APP to monitor the performance of your solar system, and ensure that all equipment is functioning normally. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to identify equipment failures, since neither SkyFire Energy or your builder will be actively monitoring your system. Click here to access the user manual for the EMA APP or you can aceess it by scanning the QR code above. Android: Click here to download the EMA APP iOS: Search for “EMA APP” in App Store If you have a QR scanner, scan the code below for your device. Sticker on the front of ECU device Welcome email from SkyFire Energy Send an email to info@skyfireenergy.com with your address to request login info QUICK START GUIDE FOR WIFI CONNECTION