This checklist and troubleshooting guide is provided to help you solve some of the most common problems encountered by our tenants.
MAIN WATER SHUT OFF
One of the first things you should do after the move is to locate the water shut off valve. The most common place to find this valve is in the garage, close to the water heater (not at the top of the heater), in a closet, or in the utility room along an outside wall. Main property water shut off is normally at the driveway or near the street in a cover box marked WATER.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Usually in the garage or a basement wall, maybe behind a panel door. To reset, simply turn the circuit breaker OFF and back ON again. If you are not sure, try them all. Off—then—ON.
GFI BREAKER
One type of circuit breaker found in many properties is the GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlet. There are usually two or three in your house — one is often in the master bath, one in the kitchen, and one in the garage, but there may be others. If you lose power to the plugs in one bathroom, you can bet you have lost all power to the plugs on the GFI. The trick now is to find the circuit breaker. Some houses have the GFI at an outside plug. If some lights or outlets in your house are not working, test and reset EVERY GFI before calling us please.
DISPOSALS
If disposal motor just buzzes, then stop and turn the switch off. Free the disposal by turning the blade backwards and forwards from beneath the sink with a wrench that fits in the center of the bottom of the motor. You may have to stick your hand in and remove any hard items that have jammed it. Push the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and try the disposal again. If the unit turns easily by hand but does nothing at all when turned on, check the kitchen GFI BREAKER outlet. If it’s leaking from the bottom, send us a maintenance request right away.
FURNACES
Gas and oil furnaces have an emergency shut off switch within sight of the furnace unit. The switch is often mistaken for a light switch. If the furnace stops working, this is the first place to check. Next, check the thermostat. Some digital thermostats require a battery. Replace the batteries if indicated. Check to make sure you have a clean furnace filter — clogged filters will not allow air flow and will damage the furnace.
WATER HEATER
Water too cold or not enough warm water in the Winter? Adjust the heat setting up, but only one or two notches at a time. Too hot of a setting WILL SCALD YOU. Turn the heat setting down in Summer or when you’ll be away for several days.
AIR CONDITIONERS
Poor cooling is usually caused by a clogged filter. Make sure yours is clean. If not working at all — check outside to see if there is ice buildup on the unit — if so, turn it off and report to us. If the unit does not run at all, check the red furnace switch and the fuse of the circuit breaker. If the unit still will not operate — send us a maintenance request. If water drops from the unit or runs on the floor, or drips through the ceiling (if the unit is in the attic) shut the unit off and clear the condensation drain. Some drains are very easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or a garden hose used to blow out the line. If you cannot do it yourself — let us know. DO NOT operate the unit until the clogged drain is cleared as the unit will continue to produce water and damage to the property may occur.
AIR FILTERS
Check for location when moving in. Change monthly or more often as necessary to improve performance of furnace or air conditioner.