top of page

Before you call for maintenance ...

Replacing AC and furnace filters

​

Air/ furnace filters need to be replaced every 30-60 Days. 

​

Time required: ~5 minutes

​

Locate the filter on the unit

Open the cover

Remove the old filter

Replace with new filter

Dispose of old filter

​

*The new filter type can be found by looking at the number on the filter currently in the unit. 

Smoke or CO alarm

​

Batteries in smoke and CO alarms should be tested every 30 Days. 

​

Time required: ~5 minutes

​

Locate the smoke or CO alarms in the home

Press and hold the TEST button down on the unit

      -The unit will emit a high pitched chirp if the batteries are fine, if no noise of only a quiet chirp the batteries need to be replaced.

​

*If the alarm is chirping every 30-60 seconds it is a sign that the battery could be getting low. Press and hold the test/silence button down for a few seconds to test the battery level.

​

To replace the battery remove the cover and locate the battery compartment.  Replace the battery with a fresh battery and press the test button to be sure the new battery is functioning properly.

Reset a GFCI outlet

​

GFCI outlets are usually located in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. If you plugged something into an outlet and it is not working it might be a GFCI outlet that needs to be reset.

​

Time required: ~5-15 minutes

​

Locate the GFCI outlet that is not working.

There will be two buttons in the center of the unit (one black and one red usually)

      -Unplug everything from the circuit to avoid any harm to you or your devices.

     -Press the reset button (usually the top red button) until you hear a click.

     -Try using the outlet again 

Turn off water heater

​

Why would I need to turn off the water heater?

 If it is making strange noises, overheating, leaking, or generally anything out of the ordinary. 

​

Time required: ~5-20 minutes

 

If it is an electric water heater:

    -Locate the breaker panel

    -Flip the breaker for the water heater to the OFF position. 

    -Turn OFF the breaker to any other appliance that is connected to the water heater.

    -Look for the water supply line (usually top right of the unit) 

     -Turn the knob counterclockwise until it will not turn anymore (usually 5-6 rotations)

​

If it is a gas water heater:

    -Locate the water heater

    -Locate the dial (usually on the front of the unit) 

    - Turn the dial to OFF

*If there is no dial locate the lever coming into to unit (usually yellow and located near the bottom of the unit) Turn the lever perpendicular to the gas line. 

    -Look for the water supply line (usually top right of the unit) 

     -Turn the knob counterclockwise until it will not turn anymore (usually 5-6 rotations)

Furnace/AC/Swamp cooler filter •

turn off water heater•

beeping fire alarm•

reset gfi switch•

Garbage disposal•

slow drain / clogged drain•

fix a toilet clog•

Pest prevention•

shut of a leaking sink

clean our dryer vent / lint trap

cleaning vents

replace fridge filter

cleaning gutters

Tripped breaker

​

​

Garbage disposal

​

How do I know if my garbage disposal isn't working?

    -Water backing up into the sink or under the unit in the cabinet

    -You flip the switch and nothing happens

    -It makes a humming noise but nothing happens.

​

Time required: ~15-45 minutes

​

***DO NOT put your hand or anything into the unit when the power is on. ***

​

    -Check that the unit is plugged into the outlet in the cabinet

    -Check that it is not a GFCI outlet that has tripped

    -Check that it is not a breaker that has tripped

    -Press the reset button on the disposal 

    -Turn off the power to the disposal, and unplug the unit to check for a blockage

Slow drain / clogged drain

​

A slow-draining sink is often caused by a buildup of debris (Like hair, soap scum, or food...) in the drainpipe or trap. 

​

Time required: ~5-20 minutes

​

-Removing the sink stopper and using a tool like a drain snake or a bent wire hanger to pull out or break up the clog.

​

-Pour baking soda and white vinegar down the drain. Wait 5-10 minutes while the mixture bubbles. Follow up with pouring a whole pot of boiling water down the drain. 

 

-Purchase a  clog removal product (like Drano) and follow the instructions on the bottle. 

​

-Purchase and use a sink plunger.  Best plunger to use on a sink is the cup shaped one. 

Clogged Toilet

​

NEVER use Drano for a toilet clog. This product can damage a toilet. 

​

Time required: ~10-20 minutes

​

-Add some dish soap (like Dawn) to the toilet bowl. While the soap is sitting in the bowl, heat up around a gallon of water. Add the hot (not boiling) water to the toilet bowl, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before flushing. 

​

-Try using a toilet plunger (a beehive shaped plunger is best for toilet clogs). Alternate between steady strokes and powerful strokes. This can take around 20-30 strokes before the clog is released.

Pest Prevention

​

Time required: ~Pest prevention is an ongoing task. 

​

-Keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed back away from the home. This includes weeds, and grasses.

 

- Keep basements, crawl spaces, and attics well ventilated and dry. 

​

-Store garbage in a sealed container and dispose of it regularly

​

-Notify us if you notice any holes or gaps around the outside of the home immediately. 

bottom of page