Carbon monoxide often referred to as “the silent killer” cannot be detected by sight or smell. It is a toxic gas that is produced when gas, oil, propane, kerosene, coal, and wood does not have enough oxygen to burn completely. If inhaled it can prevent your blood from getting its necessary oxygen and can potentially be fatal.

To avoid these issues make sure you take necessary actions to prevent CO in your home. Some things to mindful of are:

• Schedule inspections on your hot water and heating systems by a qualified technician
• Install a CO detector
• Ensure all vents and chimneys are clear of debris
• Make sure all appliances are installed properly

If you are experiencing or suspect a CO problem contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center and if it is an emergency call 911.

For more information on how to keep your home and family safe from this issue review this article by New Jersey Natural Gas

http://www.njng.com/safety/carbon_mon.asp

Maintaining your water heater is critical to ensuring it runs properly year after year. A properly maintained water heater can last approximately 8 to 10 years and can reduce electric bills by ensuring it functions efficiently. Some things to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your water heater are:

• Flush it every year to wash out sediment build up
• Ensure your electric water heater is insulated to help reduce your energy bills
• Check the pilot light for gas water heaters and ensure it is a blue or blue/green with just a bit of yellow at the tip

For more information about the importance of maintenance and things to look for with your water heater read this article to find out more.

https://www.plumbingsupply.com/why-maintain-your-water-heater.html

Preparing your home for the winter months is actually pretty simple. By using a fall checklist you can ensure that your home can withstand the cold months that lie ahead. Just a little bit everyday will make a big difference for you and your home.

Here are just a few things to include on your fall checklist:

• Winterize lawn sprinklers and outdoor faucets
• Replace and clean dirty furnace filters
• Check all smoke and CO monitors to ensure your family’s safety
• Schedule maintenance on your furnace and have it inspected by a professional
• Clean out your gutters and to ensure the drainage system runs smoothly

For more items to add to your Fall Checklist please visit the following website

For more items you can add to your Fall Checklist please visit the following website

http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/maintenance/weatherizing/your-homes-fall-checklist/

Having properly insulated hot water pipes can help reduce heat loss and raise water temperature up to 4 degrees. This in turn can allow you to turn down your water temperature. With insulated hot water pipes you won’t have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on the hot water to your faucets. This quick and easy project can help you save money and energy usage on your water heater. 

1. Measure the exposed hot water pipes starting at the water heater.
2. Cut the insulation to the proper length.
3. Place pipe sleeve so that the insert space is face-down.
4. Using either tape or zip ties secure the sleeve every one to two feet to the pipe.l

Use a bucket to pour water down the sump pit to make the water level rise. Wait to see what happens as the sump pump processes  the extra water.  The system should pump it out of the basement. If your sump pump doesn’t get rid of the water, you have a problem.  You should try cleaning the hole in the discharge line to get rid of any clogs or residue.  Also, check the breaker to make sure the sump pump is getting power. It may be a good idea to add back-up power for your sump pump to ensure any power outages don’t interrupt its operation, especially if you will be away for any extended period of time.

During the month of October Russo Bros. & Co. will be donating a portion of their sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Jersey.

1. Putting lemons in your garbage disposal cleans it.
This process may help your drain to smell better but it won’t actually clean it. The most effective way to clean your disposal is with soap and warm water. Disconnect the disposal from the electric source and spray the soap solution, wait a few minutes and then scrub with a brush.

2. Free flowing drains are clear drains.
This isn’t necessarily true. To keep drains from backing up make sure to use them as intended. Avoid putting food, hair, oils and any other chemicals down your drains.

3. In tank toilet cleaners help keep toilets cleaner.
False. In tank cleaners do not eliminate build up, they just bleach over it. To help minimize build up you can pour vinegar down the overflow tube.

4. Chemical drain cleaners are best to avoid clogs.
These highly toxic chemical cleaners just corrode your pipes and cause long term damage to your plumbing system. Not only are they extremely harmful to your pipes but they are also harmful to the environment. If the clog isn’t too deep you can try a plunger to manually remove the clog .

5. Hand soap is the best way to clean your plumbing fixtures.
Some soaps can be too harsh on your fixtures. For example brass fixtures should be cleaned only using lemons and baking soda. Toilets should be cleaned using a stronger disinfectant to kill harmful germs.