Plumbing System
Any
plumbing fixture that is not used frequently should be turned on or flushed at
regular intervals. Each fixture contains a water‑
filled trap that prevents sewer gases and airborne bacteria from
entering your suite. Running water through these fixtures replenishes the trap,
replacing water vapours and helping eliminate odours.
To help
prevent clogs in your plumbing system, minimize the disposal of grease, fats,
and similar materials down the drain, as these substances can cool and solidify
inside the piping and lead to blockages. Consider keeping a container under the
sink to collect liquid grease or fat, and discard it in the garbage once full.
If grease or fat is accidentally poured down the sink, run hot water for
several minutes to help reduce the risk of it cooling and contributing to a
clog.
Toilets—Operation and Maintenance
Your
suite is equipped with a dual‑flush toilet with
lever handle, which uses reduced water volume per flush to conserve water in
accordance with British Columbia plumbing efficiency standards. As a result of
the lower flush volume, you may occasionally need to flush more than once to
fully clear solid waste.
Toilet
bowls are sealed at the floor flange with a rubber gasket that creates a
watertight connection between the toilet and the drainpipe. If a toilet is not
flushed regularly, the water in the bowl can evaporate over time, potentially
causing the rubber gasket to dry out, become brittle, and lead to leaks or
damage. To help preserve the integrity of the gasket and prevent potential
leakage, toilets should be flushed at regular intervals.
Do not
dispose of unintended items—such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products,
wipes, or diapers—down the toilet. These materials are not designed for sewer
systems and can cause clogs or blockages. In British Columbia, blockages caused
by improper disposal are typically considered avoidable and non‑
warrantable, and the homeowner may be held responsible for any
resulting plumbing repairs or water damage to their suite or suites below.
Regular proper use helps maintain plumbing performance and reduces the risk of
avoidable blockages and damage.
Main Water Shut‑Off Valves
Your suite is equipped with main water shut‑off
valves, typically located inside the access panel in your Den or living room
closet. There are two valves— red for hot water and blue for cold water—that
supply all plumbing fixtures within your suite. To turn on your water supply,
cut the plastic zip tie and rotate the valve handle so that it is parallel to
the water supply pipe.
Knowing the location of these valves is important so they can be shut
off quickly in the event of a leak or emergency, helping to prevent further
water damage. It is also strongly recommended to close the main shut‑off
valves during extended absences, such as vacations, to reduce the risk of
undetected leaks while you are away.
In addition to the main shut‑off valves, there are several localized shut‑off
valves throughout your suite, including under the bathroom sink, under the
kitchen sink, near your clothes washer/dryer, and near your toilet. These
localized valves can be turned off when servicing individual fixtures or
appliances, which aligns with basic plumbing safety practices and helps isolate
water supply without disrupting service to the entire suite.
Familiarizing yourself with the location and operation of your suite’s
water shut‑off valves can help minimize potential water damage and support
responsible home maintenance. To shut off water to your entire suite, turn the
main valve so the handle is perpendicular to the pipe. To restore water flow,
turn the valve so the handle is parallel to the pipe.
When reopening any water valve, turn it slowly. Opening the valve too
quickly can create a sudden surge in water pressure, which may cause leaks or,
in severe cases, a pipe burst.
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