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Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a veteran of home-
ownership, there are many things to stay on top of to keep
your new home running smoothly. Knowledge of how to
maintain all of the elements of your home is an essential
piece of information to have at your fingertips. All you have
to do is consult the index on this page, click on the item(s) for
which you need information and you're in business!
We believe that informed customers are satisfied customers and Wayne
Homes is always working to deliver your complete satisfaction.
Air Conditioning/Heating
Appliances
Bathtubs, Sinks and Showers
Cabinets
Carpet
Ceramic Tile
Concrete: Driveways, Garages, Patios and Walkways
Countertops
Decks
Doors
Electrical and Lighting Fixtures
Fireplaces
Wood Floors
Garage Doors
Hardware
Paint
Plumbing
Walls
Windows
Water Heaters
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Important:
The links above are considered to be helpful home maintenance tips and are not intended to
replace your local Wayne Homes home care manual.We are aware that some items may not be
simple fixes and might require professional attention. If you experience a problem in your new
home during your warranty period that can not be remedied by the simple steps suggested
below, or by following the instructions in your official warranty/home care manual, you should
report the item(s) to your local Wayne Homes Warranty Representative immediately. Taking
other actions and/or failure to contact Wayne Homes may affect the coverage of your warranty.
Air Conditioning/Heating
Cooling:
During extreme summer heat (95 degrees and above) your air conditioning system is
designed to maintain a 20 degree indoor/outdoor differential. Example: 97 degrees
outside = 77 degrees inside
The exterior air conditioning unit should never be moved or obstructed in any
way (shrubs, trees, or leaves, etc.)
Verify that the exterior condensation line remains open and free from obstruction
at all times.
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Heating
During the winter keep the heat above 55 degrees. Shutting the heat off could
result in frozen or burst pipes
The cut-off power switch near the furnace should always be kept in the "on" position
Reducing utility bills:
Your household's lifestyle is the largest single variable that affects your
utility bills. Identical homes on the same street may have utility bills that vary
drastically. By living "smarter" in your new home, you can maximize the benefits
from insulation and other energy-saving features your builder has installed
Common sense activities:
It is recommended that air conditioning and heating systems be inspected annually by a
professional service company.
Clean and/or replace the filters in your new home regularly.
Close windows and doors when heating/air system is working.
Avoid using the dryer, stove or oven during the middle of a hot summer day
Adjust thermostat settings to 70 - 72 degrees in the winter and 78 - 80 degrees in
the summer.
Close drapes or curtains on hot days when the sun shines into your home during the
summer.
Keep furniture, drapes and other obstructions at least three (3) inches away from air
supply registers and return air grills to maintain proper airflow for maximum system
performance.
Using your units for the 1st time:
Wayne Homes makes every effort to assure you that your heater and/or air conditioner
are fully functional. However, sometimes the mechanical contractor will fail to check the
function (either heat or air) that is not needed at the time of the final inspection.
For example, should your home be complete in the winter, the heater will obviously be
checked out. Since it is difficult to test the air conditioner in the winter, that function
might be circumvented. The same is true of the heat during the summer months.
Should you experience an issue with either of these items, the mechanical contractor will
return and thoroughly test the function under more desirable conditions. Notify your
local Wayne Homes customer service office if this is needed on your home. We do
recommend that you test the equipment as soon as the weather permits and not wait
until the function is necessary
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Appliances
Read and follow all manufacturers' manuals about safe operation, care and maintenance of
all appliances in your new home. Also, remove, fill out and mail any return postcards
necessary to record warranties.
If a gas appliance does not work, please check to make sure the pilot is lit. If you
suspect there may be a gas leak, please turn off the main gas valve near your meter and
immediately call the gas company. If an electric appliance does not work, be sure the
appliance is securely plugged in and that no circuit breakers have been tripped.
Always have cold water running when using disposal. NEVER put hands into the disposal.
If the disposal is not working, you may press the reset button located on the disposal.
You may use the disposal key to dislodge blockages in the disposal.
Grind lemon rind in disposal to help eliminate foul odors.
Never turn on a microwave when it is empty or use any type of metal or foil in it.
There is an anti-tip device under your range, which prevents movement or forward tipping
while the range door is open. If the range is moved for any reason, be certain to replace
range back into the anti-tip device completely.
Range hood filters need changing or cleaning periodically
For best dishwasher performance, run hot water at kitchen sink until it reaches maximum
temperature, then start dishwasher.
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Bathtubs, Sinks and Showers
The simplest way to maintain showers and baths is not to allow soap scum, body oils and
hard water deposits to build up. Wipe down shower walls with a towel or squeegee after
use if desired.
If soap scum build up occurs, a liquid cleaner such as "Lysol Base and Tile Cleaner" may be
used to remove unwanted film.
Some mildew-preventing products are available. But if you already have a mildew problem,
scrub with a commercial tile cleaner or fungicide. Special mildew stain removers are also
available. When using water solutions, remember that the hotter the water, the more
effective the cleaning action.
The joint between the tub and tile wall is a potential problem spot. As a new home settles,
or the tub itself flexes and settles, the grout in this joint may crack and crumble. If
this happens, remove the old grout with a sharp-point tool. Dry the joint thoroughly and
fill with a white flexible caulking compound if applicable. Silicone rubber-type caulks are especially
good for such application.
Check for cracks and fill them with grout or tub and tile caulk on a regular basis. Seal with a
grout sealer monthly, following instruction on the product label.
Abrasive cleaners are not needed or recommended on glass or metal surfaces. No cleaners are
necessary if the shower is wiped down regularly.
Use cleaners with no ammonia to clean mirrored surfaces. Spray cleaner on a cloth and wipe
as necessary. This prevents cleaner from collecting on bottom of mirror and discoloring the
finished edge.
Use of rubber mats in showers is not recommended because they cause surface blisters as well
as trap fungus and mold.
A jetted tub should be run with only clean, clear water. (No bubble
bath products, batch oils, or soaps should be used in conjunction with whirlpool motor.)
Marble Tops and Surfaces
For marble tops and surfaces, periodic applications of paste wax or products like "Gel
Gloss" may be applied to maintain a high gloss luster and to make cleaning easier.
Mild abrasives like automatic polishing compound or baking soda will remove simple
scratches/stains.
Fingernail polish remover can be extremely harmful to this product
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Cabinets
All cabinets should be cared for just like wood furniture. Do not use water to clean
cabinets. Use a furniture polish.
Do not store heavy objects or stack excessive weight on the shelves.
Do not store wet cloths or sponges in cabinets.
If young children are at home, "tot locks" can be purchased to use on cabinet doors.
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Carpets
Floor mats should be used at all entrances to absorb soil and moisture. Mats should be
cleaned on a regular basis, especially during inclement weather.
Move heavy furniture occasionally to avoid excessive pile crushing. When moving heavy,
wheeled furniture (pianos, buffets, etc.) prevent damage by placing heavy cardboard or
plywood between the wheel and the carpet. Do not use chairs or appliances with rollers/
casters on carpet.
If you use area rugs over your carpet, be sure to remove and clean them regularly.
Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades, etc.
on your windows.
The most important step in caring for your carpet is vacuuming. Vacuum thoroughly and
frequently, particularly in high traffic areas. Bear in mind that walking on soiled
carpet permits the soil particles to work their way below the surface of the pile where
they are far more difficult to remove. Cross-pattern vacuuming is necessary for good care.
A good vacuum cleaner is vital to prolonging the life of your carpet. An inexpensive machine
will remove surface dirt but will not effectively remove the hidden dirt and particles
embedded in the carpet fibers.
No carpet is absolutely stain proof. Some carpets have stain resistant treatments to
improve your ability to remove stains, not prevent stains. After a spill, absorb as much
liquid as possible with white paper towels, replacing them as they become saturated. Use a
blotting action, never a scrubbing motion, to prevent fuzzing the carpet surface. Remove
as much of food spills as possible by gently scraping with a spoon or dull knife. Always
follow up with water to remove detergent residue that may become sticky and cause rapid
re-soiling. It is recommended that a hot water extraction system be used for carpet cleaning.
This system commonly referred to as the "steam cleaning" system. Whenever this system is
used, it may be necessary to reapply the stain-resistant treatment that comes standard on
your carpet. This process should take place once a year or on an as-needed basis. For
extremely soiled or stubborn stains, a professional cleaning service is recommended.
Certain products found in most homes can cause irreparable damage to your carpet. Bleaches,
tile cleaners, mildew removers, oven cleaners and drain openers are very strong chemicals that
can discolor or dissolve carpet fibers. Acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide are
capable of permanently damaging your carpet, even just by contact with face or hands covered
in acne medications.
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Ceramic Tile
Do not use steel wool to clean ceramic tile as it may damage the surface.
Most all-purpose cleansers may be used for cleaning ceramic tile. Scouring powders that
have bleaching agents may also be useful in removing stains from grout joints>
Do not mix ammonia and household bleaches. Chemical reaction could occur.
Do not use a cleaning agent that contains color; it may stain a relatively porous grout
joint.
It is a good idea to test any cleaning agent in an out-of-the-way corner.
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Concrete: Patios, Driveways, Garage Floors, Walkways
Do not use salt or commercial ice-melting products or any other minerals, which may damage
concrete surfaces.
Do not drive heavy vehicles such as moving vans onto your driveway.
Keep all expansion joints free of vegetation.
Oven cleaner or "Greased Lightning" is good for removing oil stains from concrete.
Smooth finished concrete, as in garage floors, is slick as ice when wet; therefore, when
washing autos, etc., take caution.
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Countertops
Keep all countertop seams free of moisture and re-caulk as needed.
Do not cut on countertops. Direct cutting will damage surface.
Use non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching countertops.
Do not set hot appliances, coffeepots, or other hot items over countertop seams.
Do not set hot items directly on countertop surface.
Keep all countertop seams dry. Maintain caulking between wall and countertop backsplash to
prevent moisture from accumulating behind cabinets.
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Decks (if applicable)
It is highly recommended that approximately six (6) months after closing and when deck is
dry, that you seal your deck with a water seal. This seal should be reapplied at
manufacturers' recommended intervals. This will promote the longevity of your deck.
Paints and full-cover stains are not recommended, as they will void the wood
manufacturer's warranty.
Cleaning products are available to renew the look of your deck. Follow manufacturer's
instructions.
Heavy loads such as hot tubs will need additional bracing or supports. Hot tubs on a
deck void the structural warranty.
Periodically check and set nail heads in deck.
Decks can give splinters. Shoes should be worn on deck to avoid this problem.
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Doors
Due to the finish of your front door, it is recommended that neither nails nor tape
be used to attach items to the door.
Thresholds need to be periodically checked in order to maintain an airtight seal.
Exterior doors should be re-painted or re-varnished as needed, depending on weather
and sun exposure. Finishing of the door as needed is the homeowner's responsibility.
Modification to exterior doors may void the manufacturer's warranty.
The weather stripping on your exterior door will occasionally require adjusting to
maintain a good seal. A well-sealed door should be somewhat hard to open and close. A
slight air crack around the door, however, is normal. A hard wind may cause a weather-
strip howl. This can be adjusted as above but is not adjustable for very hard winds.
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Electrical and Lighting Fixtures
Never attempt to repair any part of your electrical system yourself. Use only a
licensed electrician for repair work.
Do not overload your power outlets by having excessive amounts of plugs on one circuit.
This will either cause your breaker switch to trip or, under continued abuse, may
result in damage .
Do not allow water or liquids to penetrate your plugs or switches.
Do not allow children to insert pencils, pins or any type of object into power outlets.
Smoke detectors should be tested and batteries replaced as needed.
Dead Plugs
Your home is equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, typically referred to
as GFCI or GFI plugs. This is required by code, therefore beyond the control of your
builder. It is common for moisture to cause these circuits to trip. Even steam from
a shower has been known to trip the GFCI circuit. Please locate and reset your GFCI
breaker before calling for service on your home. Further, it is common for some
outlets to be connected to a light switch in order for a lamp or other appliances to
be operated by that switch. Please test all light switches in a room prior to calling
for service.
WARNING!! Do not use GFI receptacle for an appliance that requires a continuous
flow of electricity, such as a refrigerator or freezer. (NOTE: Garage circuits are
typically GFI circuits. If you want to operate appliance in garage, it is recommended
that you have a dedicated circuit installed for that appliance).
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Fireplaces
Over time, fireplace refractory panels will develop hairline cracks. These pose no
danger. To help prevent cracks from occurring, the first two (2) fires built should
be small ones to allow the air trapped in the panels to escape slowly and help prevent
excessive cracking. To further prevent excessive cracking, it is recommended not to
build "roaring fires".
Always open damper. Use dry seasoned hardwood for firewood and do not use any
flammable liquids to start fire.
Have your flue inspected and cleaned once a year by a qualified chimney sweep.
Atmospheric conditions (such as wind), large trees and other obstructions may adversely
affect fireplace smoke draw up the chimney.
The fire screen should always be closed during fireplace operation.
Slate or marble is a brittle, natural material and is subject to natural grains,
textures and fracture lines. Care should be taken not to harm these surfaces with
fireplace tools, logs or by walking on them.
Firebox needs to be cleaned of ashes after every four (4) or five (5) fires. Make sure
ashes are entirely extinguished prior to removal. Use fireproof container to store ashes. Do
not store ashes in the house or garage.
Do not use any flammable liquids in fireplace.
If you have gas logs in the fireplace and there ever is a smell of natural gas, call
your gas company and turn off valve to fireplace.
Optional fireplace fans should not be turned on until fireplace has been preheated for
20-30 minutes.
Always light a piece of newspaper to warm the flue and create an updraft in the chimney.
We do not recommend the use of manufactured fire logs.
If applicable, DO NOT CLOSE glass doors during fireplace operation - glass could shatter
due to high heat.
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Hardwood Floors
Never clean your hardwood floors with water. Do not use any wax cleaner that must be
mixed with water, such as Murphy's Oil Soap, as this may result in a finish damage.
Water can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor.
If your floor abuts exterior doors, put outside doormats at the entrances to keep dirt
and moisture from being tracked in. Inside, you may want to add an area rug to further
prevent dirt and moisture from being tracked onto your hardwood floor. To prevent
slippage of area rugs, use an approved vinyl rug underlay.
Sweep or vacuum your floor as often as required to remove loose dirt or grit before
it can scratch the surface of the floor.
Wipe up spills immediately before they get sticky or dry. Remove dried spills with a
dampened cloth.
Use floor protectors on the feet of furniture to avoid scratches. When moving heavy
furniture or appliances slip a blanket or scrap of carpet, face down, under each foot
and slide the furniture carefully. This will help avoid scratching and gouging.
Certain types of casters on furniture may damage hardwood flooring. Barrel type
caster wheels or wide flat glides are best for protecting your hardwood floor. If
your furniture does not have the right type of caster, we recommend that you change
them.
Spike or stiletto high heel shoes, especially those in poor repair, may cause denting
and related damage to hardwood floors due to the extremely high compressive force
they generate and may not be covered under your warranty.
Pet's nails can damage hardwood floors.
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Garage Doors
Oil all moving parts on garage door every three months and tighten bolts on tracks
every twelve months.
Keep small children and pets away from garage door tracks.
Never attempt to adjust the garage door spring in any way.
If the opener does not close, check the sensors to make sure they are lined up.
Nothing can be in the way of the sensors.
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Hardware
When cleaning locksets and other hardware, use only a soft, damp cloth
Silicone spray is available at many hardware stores and can be used on hinges to help
eliminate squeaks.
Abrasive cleaning agents will ruin the finish on your hardware. DO NOT use Brasso
as it will remove the factory-applied finish.
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Paint - Interior
Interior walls are painted with latex paint and are not washable. Touch-up paint
is required to keep walls clean looking. Doors and trim can be washed with water
to remove dirt.
Interior doors and trim are painted with an alkyd (oil based) enamel paint which
provides a hard, durable and washable finish.
To minimize yellowing, ICI (Glidden) uses only the highest quality resins and
other raw materials. However, due to the state of current technology and the
effect of varying environmental elements, some yellowing will occur with all
alkyd or oil base enamels, regardless of the supplier.
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Plumbing
Cold weather plumbing precautions should be taken when extremely cold weather
is predicted:
- Open vanity base cabinet doors on exterior walls to allow warm air to enter.
- Keep all exterior wall faucets dripping inside the home overnight during
extreme cold weather to keep water lines from freezing as moving water is less
prone to freeze.
- Under no circumstances should hoses or other attachments be allowed to remain
connected to hose bibs during cold weather. Whenever hoses are left on the
bibs, water comes back into the bib from the hose, freezes and may cause the
bib to shatter.
- During extreme cold conditions, the possibility exists that water meters and
supply lines are susceptible to freezing even though they are correctly installed.
If the caulking around your bathtub, shower or sink appears dried or cracked, remove
the old caulking and replace it. If you do not have a caulking gun, caulking material
can be bought in applicator tubes or in disposable caulk guns. It is a good idea to
fill the bathtub before caulking.
Use a non-abrasive cleaner and sponge to clean all plumbing fixtures.
Alterations, modifications or improvements to plumbing should be done by a licensed
plumber.Sink traps are finger-tightened so that clogs or items dropped down the sink can
be remedied without a plumber's assistance.
Bathtubs and sinks made of vitreous china or porcelain on cast iron or steel will
chip or scratch. Do not drop heavy or sharp objects on them.
Do not pour grease down drain or disposal. Use cold water to flush excess grease from
drains.
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Walls
A normal condition that exists as the home goes through the settling cycle is hairline
sheetrock cracking. The most common locations for these cracks to appear are the corners
of the room, in the window returns, and at the ceiling. Uneven watering of the soil
around the foundation can also prompt these cracks.
It is recommended that the appropriate fastener be used to attach mirrors, pictures,
or any decorative items to the drywall. Also, take caution to avoid internal mechanical
systems and pipes when installing fasteners.
Keep doorstops adjusted to eliminate doorknob damage to the drywall.
Homeowner can make drywall repairs easily by using joint compound, sanding and painting.
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Windows
Do not apply pressure on windows when cleaning.
Use silicone spray on tracks to aid in the easy movement of sashes.
Do not lean ladders against windows.
When a drastic difference between the interior temperature of the home and the exterior
air temperature is present, it is common to experience some "sweating", or condensation,
to be present on the window frame.
Make sure windows are closed and locked around young children as window screens are not
designed as a safety screen and will dislodge or tear when pressure is applied.
For safety reasons, tempered glass is used in certain places in the home. These are
indicated by a tempered stamp on the glass.
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Water Heaters
It is suggested that the hot water heater should be drained every six months. Water
heaters normally collect small quantities of scale and dirty water. To remove this
material, first close the water intake valve and turn off the power source for your
water heater (gas, electric, etc.). Failure to turn off the power source could
cause the heat element to burn out. Open the valve at the bottom of the heater and
completely drain the tank. Consult the manufacturer's literature for more specific
information.
Every six months also check the temperature and pressure relief valve on your hot water
heater to be certain the lever works properly. If the thermostat should fail to
operate properly, this valve would prevent a dangerous increase in water temperature
and pressure. Consult your owner's manual for more detailed information.
Your hot water heater is equipped with a thermostatic water control, which allows you
to set the temperature of water supplied for the needs of your household. It is
recommended that water be maintained at 125-130 degrees in order to sterilize dishes
in the dishwasher. See manufacturer's data in order to understand how to select
the proper temperature on your particular model. It is recommended that you use caution
to avoid setting the temperature so high that it could scald as it comes out of
the faucet.
It may be economically feasible to set your thermostat on low or "vacation" setting
whenever leaving the home for an extended period of time.
Gas Water Heaters Only
If at anytime you should smell natural gas fumes in your garage, turn off the gas
supply at the cock valve on your hot water heater.
Lighting and turning off the pilot on your hot water heater can be accomplished by
explicitly following the manufacturer's directions as listed on the side of the
hot water heater tank.
Do not place any combustible material on or near your hot water heater.
Design and cost make it impossible to position a hot water heater near all
locations in the home that require hot water delivery. You should be aware that
the further a point of delivery is from the hot water tank, the longer it will
require for the hot water to arrive. This condition is beyond the control of
your builder and will not require service.
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