Timing is everything

If you have a sprinkler system you most likely run it using a timer. Timers are an effective way to keep a worry free watering schedule, but, unless you have a rain sensor, your timer will still water regardless of rain. If it is raining, has recently rained, or is due to rain, it is a good idea to manually override your sprinkler system and turn it off. This will keep your system from drowning your plantings and also help lower maintenance expenses.

If you would like Russo Bros. & Co. to come to your home and show you how to do this, call 1-800-MR-RUSSO.

Read more tips from Russo Bros. & Co. >>

Don’t break your back lugging heavy bags of salt for your water softener

Call Russo Bros. & Co. We won’t drop your salt at the curb and run. When you call us for salt we:

• provide a delivery appointment window
• drop the salt off where you want it
• fill the softener tank
• check your system to make sure it is working properly

Try getting that level of service from the big box stores! Call 1-800-MR-RUSSO for prompt delivery!

Garbage Disposal Tips

We’ve put together a few dos and don’ts to keep your garbage disposal running at 100%. For a general guideline, don’t put these items down your garbage disposal:

• Bones or shells from shellfish and the shells when peeling hard-boiled eggs.
• Fruit pits and foods that are fibrous, such as corn husks, artichokes, or celery.
• Grease of any kind.
• Caustic drain cleaners.
• Plastic, glass, or china pieces.

Use plenty of cold water when you run the garbage disposal – it will help flush everything through the disposal and pipes.

If you don’t have a garbage disposal but are interested in getting one, call 1-800-MR-RUSSO and let Russo Bros. & Co. come to your home and give you an estimate.

Check our safety tips page for more tips!

Is my toilet leaking or is it condensation?

When trying to detect a tank leak, add food coloring to the tank water if you can't tell whether your toilet is leaking around the tank bolts or just sweating. Wait an hour; then touch the bolt tips and nuts under the tank with white tissue. If the tissue shows coloring, you have a leak; otherwise, it's condensation.

Flush Your Water Heater

Russo. Bros. & Co. recommends draining your water heater every 12 months.

Don’t feel bad, not many people remember to check or drain their water heater. This is the very reason why your water heater probably runs out of hot water every day. Minerals, rust, and other “hard water” elements flow into your water heater and get trapped. This makes your water heater rust and rot from the inside out. Did you know that 93% of all water heater repairs can be avoided through prevention?

Call Russo Bros. & Co. at 1-800-MR-RUSSO if you’re ready to enjoy having non-stop hot water!

Conserve Water Outside

The summer is here and everyone is using more water to keep their lawns looking fresh. Last week we shared some ways to balance your water usage and conserve water inside your home. Here are ways to save water outside:

• Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
• Divide watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption.
• Put down a layer of mulch to slow moisture evaporation and discourage weed growth.
• Weed regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for water, nutrients, and light.
• Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car.
• Sweep sidewalk and driveway with a broom instead of washing away dirt with a hose.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce water evaporation.
  

Check our safety tips page for more water conservation tips!

Conserve Water in the Bathroom

The summer is here and everyone is using more water to keep their lawns looking fresh. Last week we shared some ways to balance your water usage and conserve water inside your home. Here are ways to save water in the bathroom:

• Take a five-minute (or less) shower instead of a bath.
• If you do take a bath, plug tub before turning water on and adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• Install a water-saving shower head.
• Fix all running toilets.
• Drop tissue in the trash instead of in the toilet to eliminate unnecessary flushing.
  

Check our safety tips page for more water conservation tips!