top_spacer-50pxMaintenance FAQs

What is considered an emergency?

The following constitute a maintenance emergency and warrant an after-hours call:

  • Any leak that has the potential to cause damage to property,
  • No Heat,
  • No A/C

What to do if you experience problems with your …

Garbage Disposal

  • Push the red reset button on the bottom of the unit under the sink. Test the disposal after pressing the reset button.

Bathroom Lights

  • Bathrooms will typically have a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter)receptacle located near wet areas (such as sinks and vanities). If you notice the lights are out in your bathroom, try pressing the reset button on your GFCI receptacle in order to reset the circuit. Test lights after reset.

Dishwasher

  • If water is running out of the unit, check to make sure nothing is preventing the door from closing.
  • Be sure to remove food and debris from dishware before putting them in the dishwasher.
  • Only use DISHWASHING DETERGENT in dishwashers.
  • If there’s a problem with your dishwasher not draining, try running your garbage disposal to clear the drain line.

Washing Machine

  • Make sure the drain hose is inside the drain typically found in the wall to the side of your washing machine.
  • Left side is hot water whereas the right side will be your cold water.
  • After connecting both the hot and cold supply hoses to the hose bibs, be sure to turn the water valves on. Tighten as needed if there are any leaks.

Dryer

  • If you notice a hot, dry smell every time you run your dryer, check behind your dryer and make sure the flexible vent is still connected to the back of your dryer.
  • If there is not a dryer vent located in your laundry area you can contact the office and they will provide you with a wet pack and instructions on how to use/install.

Heating and Cooling

  • If your furnace/air handler is not working, make sure you haven’t accidentally hit the emergency shut off switch (located in some apartments on the hallway wall). It is a RED SWITCH that has ON/OFF distinctly marked on it.

*****Very Important***** Do not turn your heat off during the winter and leave your apartment for an extended period of time! This may cause your pipes to freeze and burst, thus flooding your apartment. During Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, you may turn your thermostat to 60 degrees  – but never turn it completely off!

Smoke Detectors

  • Functional smoke detectors are an important part of fire safety. If you have a smoke detector that is chirping and/or has a flashing red light, this indicates that the battery may need to be replaced. Call our office immediately.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  • Functional carbon monoxide detectors are an important part of fire safety. If you have a carbon monoxide detector that is chirping and/or has a flashing red light, this indicates that the battery may need to be replaced. Call our office immediately.

Sinks and Toilets

  • If there is ever a situation where a pressurized water line has burst or is spraying water all over your bathroom or kitchen, supply valves located underneath your sink and behind your toilet can be used to cut the water off, therefore alleviating an emergency. Call maintenance immediately if there are any water issues!

Sub-zero Temperatures

  • During times of extreme cold (sub freezing temperatures for multiple days), a good habit to get into is to leave the base cabinet doors under your kitchen sink open to allow ambient heat from your apartment to warm supply lines below your sink. This is helpful in preventing lines from freezing.
  • Another way to avoid frozen water lines during the winter is to leave one of your faucets just barely dripping, therefore alleviating pressure and allowing movement through your water lines.

*****Very Important***** Do not turn your heat off during the winter and leave your apartment for an extended period of time! This may cause your pipes to freeze and burst, thus flooding your apartment. During Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks you may turn your thermostat to 60 degrees but never turn it completely off!