Based on the extensive review and consultation with local plumbing companies, the Canal Station Board decided that the drain line maintenance would be addressed on as needed basis. However, the recent repeated drain back ups caused by the use of garbage disposals brought the issue of drain back up prevention as pertaining to garbage disposals to the attention of the Canal Station Board of Directors.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT DRAIN LINE BACK UPS WHEN USING GARBAGE DISPOSALS?

1. It is best to use cold water — NOT hot water — when you run your disposal. Let the cold water run as long as the motor is running, and be sure to avoid overloading the disposal.

2. Do not pour fats or cooking oils into your sink. Liquid fats can solidify in cold drain pipes, trap food particles, and clog the drain.

3. Use a paper towel to wipe out greasy pans before washing.

4. Do not put coffee grounds down the drain.

5. Discard large quantities of food scraps in your composting bin.

6. Corn husks, artichokes, onion skins, celery, and other high-fiber material can clog your disposal.

7. If your disposal is jammed, turn off the motor and the water. Reach under the sink and insert the service wrench that came with your disposal — or a ¼ inch Allen wrench — into the hole on the bottom of the disposal. Turn it back and forth until it can turn freely in complete circles. Then use tongs to remove whatever caused the disposal to jam. Finally, press the red "reset" button on the bottom of your disposal in case the disposal needs to be reset.

8. Food particles which remain in your disposal can cause odors. Put a combination of ice cubes and lemon peel in the disposal, run it for about thirty seconds, and then run cold water through the disposal. Disposal cleaner or degreaser may help too.

9. Rinse dishes well before placing them in a dishwasher.

10. Keep a plunger handy to clear clogged drains or pipes.

11. Regularly use a microbial drain treatment (such as Bio-Clean) to help prevent grease, sludge and soap build-up. This will keep your drains flowing smoothly.

WHY IS THE INAPROPRIATE USE OF GARBAGE DISPOSALS A PROBLEM FOR THE DRAIN LINES?

The drain line on the property cannot handle the amount of waste produced by inappropriately used garbage disposals. Frequent examinations of the drain line reveal no problems with the common area drains;, however, a continual abuse of the system can lead to significant expenditures in the future.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE DRAIN LINE IN THE UNIT?

Section 15.1 of the Canal Station Declaration states that "Each owner shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of any plumbing fixtures"

Thank you for your compliance with this request. It is a pleasure to be of service to the Association.

Everyone agrees that air conditioners are a beautiful invention!  Unfortunately,  the kind that hangs in the window (like the one to the left) is not only unsightly, but they can be a hazard if not installed properly.  This is why it is against the Community Rules to have this type of air conditioner.  At Canal Station, we're focused on safety and helping maintain the return of your investment!

That said, we also know how warm your homes get in the summer months and wanted to give everyone an idea of the type of air conditioning unit that is encouraged on the property. 

The unit on the right has intake and exhaust hoses that fit right into your sliding glass doors (some models have these tubes that fit into your windows.)   The benefit to these machines is three fold:  not only are they more aesthetically pleasing from the building's exterior, but there's no chance that if bumped, it might fall on someone's head!  The best benefit of all is that these air conditioners are completely portable and will fit in a closet or storage when not in use!

If you have questions about what type of air conditioner is (or is not) appropriate for use at Canal Station, check with Brian before making that purchase!  Have a great Summer!