Your water meter and main shutoff valve is usually found right where the main supply pipe enters the house coming up through your basement floor either next to or very close to the water meter. The main shutoff for the house will be one or two valves near the main water supply pipe that can be turned on and off by hand.

Foul odors can occur from a buildup of food debris within the disposer. Try these steps to eliminate odors: Run ice cubes and orange or lemon rinds through the disposer for about 30 seconds. While the disposer is still running, pour a small amount of liquid dish detergent into it. Rinse any remaining debris away by running cold water for about 30 seconds.

Showerheads develop uneven spray when the holes become clogged with mineral deposits from the water. To clean: Unscrew swivel ball nut - you will need adjustable wrench or channel-type pliers. (Hint: to protect the finish from scratches, first wrap the jaws of the tool with masking tape.) Unscrew collar nut from showerhead. Gently clean the outlet and inlet holes of the showerhead using a thin wire. Flush the head with clean water. You may want to soak the showerhead in vinegar and water overnight to remove all mineral deposits.

Low water pressure from the sprayer or water leaks from the handle, are usually caused by lime buildup and sediment blocking the small openings inside the sprayer head. Clean the head using the following steps: By hand, carefully unscrew the aerator from the faucet turning counterclockwise. If it will not unscrew, wrap the jaws of your pliers with masking tape and loosen the aerator with the pliers. Continue by hand. Take aerator or spray head apart. Use a small brush dipped in vinegar to remove sediment. Reassemble the unit and screw.

If your garbage disposer stops working. Your disposer has an overload protector that senses if the motor is overheating and shuts it off. If your disposer cuts off during operation, it may be this broken electrical connection.

Turn the disposer switch off. Do not put hands or objects down drain. Make sure the appliance is plugged in securely at the outlet. With power switch turned off, press reset switch on front or bottom of the garbage disposer.

Restart waste disposer by turning on power switch.

To test a toilet for leaks: Check the water level in the tank to be sure that the water is not overflowing by way of the overflow pipe (the pipe in the middle of the tank). It will have a small piece of tubing connected to it. If water is running into the overflow pipe, adjust the fill valve until the water stops approximately 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube (there may be a water level mark stamped on the side of the tank). Test the flush valve mechanism by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Check the bowl after 15 minutes, if the water has changed color, the ball or flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.

Maintain your water heater once a year. Drain several gallons of water from the tank to flush your water heater. Flushing will remove sediment buildup that can cause corrosion and reduce heating efficiency. Test the pressure relief valve by lifting up on the lever and letting it snap back. The valve should allow a burst of water into the drainpipe, if not, call a professional to have a new valve installed.

Check your temperature setting on the thermostat, it should be set to 120 F. Lowering your temperature setting lowers your energy use and reduces risk of damage to your tank caused by overheating.