I just moved into a newly constructed home. What should I know about my faucets?

Even though a plumber flushes the pipes before completing work on yourhome, a small amount of construction debris may be flushed out of your pipe system during the first few days you use your faucets. Solder particles,copper chips, plumber tape and other installation materials can also get caught in aerators and showerheads. The tips below will help you avoidproblems. It’s also a good idea to follow these procedures each time thewater has been turned off for repairs in your home.

To Flush a Kitchen or Lavatory Faucet:
• Remove aerator using the special tool that came withyour faucet (Figure 1). For some faucet models, the aerator (and black sealing gasket above it) may beremoved by hand.
• Turn hot and cold faucet handle(s) to full-on position(s)and flush lines for two minutes before turning off water.Make sure not to move the handle(s).
• Replace aerator (and gasket, depending onyour model).


To Flush a Pull-Out/Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet:
If the spray does not come out of thewand as you would expect:
• Unscrew the wand from the hose(Figure 2). Aim hose into drain.
• Turn faucet handle to full-on hot and coldmixed position and flush for two minutes toremove debris from the lines. Do not move thehandle during that time.
• Tap the screen in the wand (located at the baseof the wand where it connects to the hose) toremove debris (Figure 3). Note: Do not furtherdisassemble the wand.
• Screw the wand back onto the hose.




To Flush a Tub/ShowerFaucet:
• Remove showerhead from arm, if applicable.
• Turn handle(s) to full-on hot and cold mixed position(s).
• Flush tub spout for two minutes without moving handle(s).
• Divert water to shower (if applicable) and flush shower arm for two minutes. 
• BE SAFE! Make sure cold water flows FIRST and that the adjustable rotational limit stop is properly set.* Dueto inlet water temperature changes, you may need to adjust it seasonally.

Cleaning tips
How should I clean or maintain the finish on my faucet?
• Wipe your faucet with a damp cloth and mild household cleanser.
• Dry with a soft cloth to retain luster and shine.
• Remove hard water stains with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water.Rinse thoroughly with water afterward.

What cleaning products can cause damage to faucet finishes?
Although your faucet’s finish is extremely durable, it can be damagedor scratched by harsh cleaners or abrasives. Here’s what to avoid:
• Industrial cleaners
• Abrasive cleaners
• Toilet bowl cleaners
• Bleach-based cleaners
• Polish
• Ammonia solutions
• Heavy-duty scrub sponges
• Products that state on the labelthat they remove tarnish and rust
• Products containing hydrofluoric,hydrochloric and/or phosphoricacids and caustic agents

What’s the best way to remove lime and mineral deposits from my faucet?
If using a mild household cleanser doesn’t do the job, place a cloth soakedin white vinegar over the deposits for several hours, then try the mild cleanseragain. Note: Drying the faucet with a soft cloth after each use will helpprevent mineral deposits.

How do I remove mineral deposits from the aerator?
• Unscrew aerator or use the special tool that came with your faucet.
If your aerator has a separate black sealing gasket, rinse it in clear water.
• Soak the aerator in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution for several hours.
• Flush the aerator with water.
• Rub stubborn deposits with a toothbrush.