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Winterize Your Plumbing in Illinois: Step-by-Step

  Winterize Your Plumbing in Illinois: Step-by-Step Illinois winters can bring sudden cold snaps that test even well-built homes. Winterizing plumbing is about reducing the risk of frozen pipes (which can burst) and preparing fixtures, valves, and outdoor water lines for freezing temperatures.   1) Check when freezing can reach your pipes   Begin by identifying where water lines run: along exterior walls, through unheated basements/crawl spaces, garages, attics, and any sections near vents or poorly insulated areas. Those are the most vulnerable spots during overnight dips and wind-driven cold.   2) Insulate first, then plug gaps   Use pipe insulation rated for cold weather, especially on exposed supply lines and any “runs” that travel through unheated spaces. Add insulation to elbows, valves, and pipe-to-wall transitions—these points often cool faster than straight runs.   After insulating, look for draf ... Read more »

Garbage disposal manufacturer guidelines

 

Garbage disposal manufacturer guidelines

According to most garbage disposal manufacturer guidelines, there are several items that should not be put into a garbage disposal. These include:

 

1. Non-food items: Garbage disposals are designed to handle food waste only. Non-food items such as plastic, metal, glass, or paper should not be disposed of in the garbage disposal.

 

2. Hard or dense materials: Avoid putting hard or dense items like bones, fruit pits, shells, or coffee grounds in the disposal. These can damage the blades or cause clogs.

3. Grease, oil, or fat: Pouring large amounts of grease, oil, or fat down the disposal can lead to clogs and odors. It's best to dispose of these in a separate container and throw them in the regular trash.

 

4. Fibrous foods: Foods like celery, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes contain fibrous materials that can tangle around the disposal blades and cause jams.

 

5. Starchy foods: Foods like pasta, rice, or potatoes can expand when exposed to water, leading to clogs in the disposal or pipes.

 

6. Harsh chemicals: Avoid pouring bleach, drain cleaners, or other harsh chemicals down the disposal, as they can damage the unit and potentially harm the environment.

 

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