Before you call for maintenance ...
Replacing AC and furnace filters
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Air/ furnace filters need to be replaced every 30-60 Days.
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Time required: ~5 minutes
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Locate the filter on the unit
Open the cover
Remove the old filter
Replace with new filter
Dispose of old filter
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*The new filter type can be found by looking at the number on the filter currently in the unit.
Smoke or CO alarm
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Batteries in smoke and CO alarms should be tested every 30 Days.
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Time required: ~5 minutes
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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.
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*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.
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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
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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.
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Time required: ~5-15 minutes
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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
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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.
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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)
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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
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Garbage disposal
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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.
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Time required: ~15-45 minutes
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***DO NOT put your hand or anything into the unit when the power is on. ***
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-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
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A slow-draining sink is often caused by a buildup of debris (Like hair, soap scum, or food...) in the drainpipe or trap.
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Time required: ~5-20 minutes
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-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.
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-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.
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-Purchase and use a sink plunger. Best plunger to use on a sink is the cup shaped one.
Clogged Toilet
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NEVER use Drano for a toilet clog. This product can damage a toilet.
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Time required: ~10-20 minutes
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-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.
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-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
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Time required: ~Pest prevention is an ongoing task.
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-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.
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-Store garbage in a sealed container and dispose of it regularly
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-Notify us if you notice any holes or gaps around the outside of the home immediately.