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.
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
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.
-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.
Clean out dryer vent / lint trap
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Time required: ~15-45 minutes
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-Remove the lint screen from the dryer.
-Remove the lint from the screen, and set the screen aside.
- Vacuum inside the lint trap opening
-Inspect the opening for any residual lint / debris
-Replace lint screen
Cleaning vents/ ducting
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Time required: ~40-120 minutes
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-Remove the vent cover from the HVAC duct.
-Place the cover in a bucket of hot soapy water and let it sit for around 30 minutes.
-Use a sponge to remove any stubborn dust / dirt.
-Inspect the ducting for any debris / dirt. Vacuum out the ducting where needed.
-Replace the vent covers and turn back on the HVAC system.
Clean gutters
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Time required: ~60-200 minutes
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-Inspect the gutters for any damage, and report any damage
-Start cleaning the gutters by the downspout.
-Remove any downspout strainers and set them aside.(where applicable)
-Remove any debris from the gutters by hand or with a plastic trowel.
-Flush out the gutter by using a garden hose (starting at the highest point moving towards the downspout)
-Clear any remaining debris from the gutters and downspout.
-Flush the gutters again starting at the highest point and working towards the downspout.
-Replace the downspout strainer (where applicable).
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.
Replace a fridge filter​
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Time required: ~10-40 minutes
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-Locate the fridge filter (some units the filter is in the grille at the base of the unit, most filters have a knob or button that releases the filter/ surround)
-Remove the old filter (the old filter will have the make / number of the new filter you will need to replace it with)
-Prepare the new filter (remove it from the packaging and install the cap from the previous filter if applicable. Remove and dust caps on the new filter, and fill the new filter with water if needed)
-Install the new filter
-Restore power and water to the fridge
-Flush the new filter (run two to four gallons of water through the new filter)
-Inspect new filter for any leaks
- Mark on the new filter when it was replaced
-Reset the filter button if necessary (Most models you simply push the reset button several times, or press it and hold down for a few seconds)
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. Inexpensive plastic drain cleaning tools are available on Amazon, Target, and Walmart (these work very well on hair clogs).
-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
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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. Repeat as necessary until the clog has been released.
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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.
Shut off a leaking sink
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Time required: ~5-10 minutes
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-Look if the sink has shut off valves under the sink. (in the cabinet under the sink, shut off valves will be against the back wall). If the valves are there, turn the water off at this location.
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)
Fix a tripped breaker
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Time required: ~5-50 minutes
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-Locate the breaker box
-Open the door and look for the area that is without power (the breaker labels will be located on the door or next to the breaker itself)
-Look for any tripped breakers (usually a red light / color will be present when tripped)
-The tripped breaker will be in the middle position.
-Move the breaker to the full "off" position, before moving it to the full "on" position.
-Check that power is restored to the area.
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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