MAINTENANCE TROUBLESHOOTING

• Check and see if the breaker is tripped in the electrical box
• Change the batteries in the thermostat.
• Ensure that the emergency switch at the furnace isn't off.
• Ensure that the utilities (gas or electric) is on

• Look for the area next to the furnace (right or left, occasionally inside) where the furnace filter sits.
• Lift the old furnace filter out.
• Replace with a new one. Ensure that the arrows on the air filter are pointing towards the furnace. (Air-Flow).
• A clean furnace filter will ensure that the furnace is operating properly to keep costs down and to prevent damage to the furnace.

After completing the following steps, if still persists then submit a maintenance request.

• Mold or mildew (most times) can grow anywhere there is moisture present and a temperature that promotes growth (warm).
• Most homes have mold somewhere, it is important to clean it up before it can spread.
• Most observed mold is typically mildew, this is what you find in the caulking in tubs, on bathroom ceilings, grout lines, and on damp windows casings. This typically presents itself as small black spots.
• Mold is typically found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals.
• There is a great resource here regarding how to clean up mold & mildew - https://www.treatitlikedirt.com/how-to-clean/

• If the air filter has not been changed in 30 days, change it. 95% of all service calls are due to dirty air filters
• Check or change the battery in the thermostat
• If you notice ice on the coils at the unit, turn off AC and submit a maintenance request
• Check thermostat setting – set Fan to “auto”, set system to “Cool”
• Check air handler/furnace – you should hear it “rumbling”, if not, check to make sure it is plugged in and switched on
• Check circuit breaker – make sure it is not ‘tripped’
• Check to be sure the drain line is not clogged
• Check the fan unit outside – is the fan spinning and clear of leaves and branches? And the fins on the outside are not clogged with debris, if so spray it down with a hose.

Follow these steps prior to submitting a maintenance request!

• Use a plunger to try and clear the obstruction
• Make sure that no hair or grease are disposed of in the toilet
• When using the plunger us short quick thrusts in a downward motion repeatedly. You might need gloves.
• If the toilet has water to the brim or higher than normal do not flush again until the water level is at or below its normal level in the bowl... IT WILL OVERFLOW, AND YOU WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE.
• For clogged bathroom sinks - take a small washcloth and close the emergency overflow drain and use a plunger on the sink. Rremove the cloth from the emergency overflow
• There are white long small plastic drain hair grabs that they sell at any home improvement store. Use one of those to remove hair clogs.
• Tub clogs use a plunger with the same instructions for the sink, and use a drain hair grabber the same way. Typically the plunger will work as long as the emergency overflow is plugged while plunging.
• You can also pour boiling water down the sink or tub drains to remove hair and soap buildup. If doing this... be careful boiling water is hot and will burn you!
• If a drain clog is deemed to be hair the tenant would be responsible for the clearing of the drain.

• Ensure that no one "missed" or spilled water
• If not then submit a maintenance request through the portal

If there is no noise coming from the disposal:

• Look under the disposal and there is a red button, press the red button and see if the disposal turns on.
• Try the red button to reset the disposal.
• If that does not return the disposal to proper operating
• Unplug the disposal cord from the power source
• Then using a disposal wrench or a allens wrench look for the hole in the middle of the disposal, insert the appropriately sized wrench and turn back and forth several times to clear the obstruction that might be lodged in the blades.
• If retrieving an item in the disposal either make sure that it is unplugged or use a long-handled wrench to retrieve the object out of the disposal.
• DO NOT REACH YOUR HAND IN THE DISPOSAL WHILE PLUGGED IN OR ON!

This is something that needs to be remedied immediately to prevent high water bills that you will be responsible for!

• Take the lid off of the back of the toilet.
• look under the flapper to make sure that the chain or other object is preventing the flapper from closing. If the chain is disconnected from the handle reconnect.
• If unable to prevent the toilet water from consistently running - turn the water off at the toilet shutoff valve behind the toilet at the base near the wall. turning in a clockwise direction until the valve won't turn or the water stops. do not force this further than necessary to prevent it from breaking. This will prevent high water bills.
• Submit a maintenance request.

• Remove the lid on the back of the toilet
• Check to make sure that the chain is connected to the handle.
• If no water is in the back of the toilet ensure that the water to the toilet is on.

Typically this is a filter at the bottom of the dishwasher that is clogged with food.

• Remove dishes and look for food that is gathered in the bottom of the dishwasher.
• There is sometimes a cup (filter) that can be pulled out and rinsed out.
• Ensure when loading the dishwasher that you  RINSE YOUR DISHES FIRST! This isn't like you see in the commercials where they put the gross dishes in with food all over them! It will clog! Rinse First!
• Also, use Jet Dry as this will help prevent hard water build-up!

• Check to make sure that the GFI (the outlet with the buttons near the sink) is not tripped. Press the buttons to reset.
• Make sure that the lock is engaged.
• Make sure that there is not a timer setting engaged.
• Make sure that there is not a tripped circuit breaker

• Some outlets are known as GFIs located near wet areas of your home (i.e. kitchen and bathrooms)
• When power becomes overloaded they will ‘trip’ (stop working).
• Press the reset button on them to power back on (usually a small button in the center of the outlet plate)
• Still not working? Check other GFI outlets in the home and reset. If that does not work, find the breaker panel and check for flipped switches. 
• Flip back to “On” to restore power.
• Check appliances. Unplug all of them in the unit. Reset breaker, plug in one appliance at a time to find the faulty appliance.
• Contact your power company to inquire if there are power outages in your neighborhood.

Follow the power circuit breakers & GFI instructions above.

• Check to ensure that the lint trap is cleaned out. This should be a regular occurrence as it is one of the leading causes of household fires as well!
• Make sure that a circuit breaker is not tripped.
• Make sure that the dryer is not too overloaded with clothes, this can affect drying times, and efficiency.

• Check whether the washing machine taps are turned on at the wall.
• Check if the appliance at the wall is turned on.
• Check if the lid is closing properly.
• Check if the settings knob is pointed directly on the desired settings.
• If the machine has stopped halfway through the cycle you may have overloaded the machine and caused it to be out of balance. Try redistributing the wash evenly in the drum.
• Don’t overload the machine.
• ONLY use laundry detergent NEVER use dishwashing detergent.

Check the thermostat on the hot water tank and turn down the temperature.

• Make sure that the gas service is on.
• Make sure that there is not a leak at the base of the tank.
• Check the thermostat to make sure that it is on.
• Check the breaker panel or fuses.

• Find the water meter coming into the house on an exterior wall in the basement or utility room.
• Turn the knob clockwise (right) to close the valve and stop the flow of water.

• Try and turn the water off at the faucets first.
• Look underneath the sink and turn off the water at the shutoff if possible.
• Turn the valves under the sink clockwise (right) to stop the flow of water.

• Remove the tank lid
• Lift the fill valve (or float ball)
• Turn off the water valve behind the toilet near the wall at the base of the wall.

• When showering turn on the bathroom fan to decrease moisture.
• If no fan, crack the bathroom window, or if able leave the door cracked.
• If there is soap and or mildew buildup on the ceiling clean with a cleaner of some kind and wipe off.

• Change the battery (this is an indication of low battery.
• Ensure that it is a smoke detector and not a Co2 detector.
• If it is a Co2 detector exit the house and call 911 to have the fire department make sure it is safe to occupy the home.
• Notify the Management Company

• Check to make sure that the stove or stovetop is off (if gas).
• If off then call RG&E and have them come out to ensure that it is safe.
• They will automatically call the fire department as well, so don't be surprised when they show up.
• Notify the management company.

• The cost for any maintenance repairs that are deemed to have been caused by your actions or negligence.
• Missed scheduled appointments.
• Clogs caused by hair or other tenant-caused debris in drains or toilets.

• Collect liquid grease in another container and throw it away when cooled.
• Wipe pans with a paper towel.

• “Flushable” Wipes - They don't disintegrate in water.
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Paper Towels
• Condoms
• Disposable Diapers
• Cotton Swabs
• Kitty Litter
• Dryer Sheets
• Hair
• Dental Floss
• #11 - Extra Bonus - Don't flush toys, brushes, toothbrushes, towels, and soda bottles, we have seen it all!