Maintenance Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Turn off the breaker connected to the garbage disposal before performing any of the following steps.

• Press the reset button on bottom of disposal.

• Remove anything that is physically blocking the blades.

• Attempt to manually turn the blades.

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Is it producing any noise when the motor is turned on?

• Is it leaking underneath?

Troubleshooting Steps:

If the dishwasher is not draining:

• Remove filter from bottom of the dishwasher to clean off any food build-up.

• If you have a garbage disposal, check to see if it is clogged.

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Does it have any power?

• Is it leaking? If so, where and when does it leak?

• Are the dishes not getting clean?

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Reset the breaker

• Try a different outlet

• If there is a buildup of ice, defrost the unit

Details for Maintenance Request

• Is the lower compartment cold?

• Is the upper compartment cold?

• Is the unit getting any power?

Troubleshooting Steps:

• If electric, make sure it is plugged in all the way

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Is there power going to the unit? (if electric)

• Is the pilot light lit? (if gas)

• Are the burners getting hot?

• Is the oven getting hot?

Troubleshooting Steps:

• If the leak is significant, and/or causing damage, close the shut off valves connected to the faucet until maintenance can arrive.

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Which faucet is leaking?

• Where is it leaking? (from handle, under the cabinet, etc.)

• Is it leaking only when in use?

• Is water dripping from the faucet? How frequently?

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Remove the aerator at the end of the faucet and clean out any debris.

• Run the water for several minutes to see if the discoloration disappears.

• Check local water bureau websites for information on any water main issues in your area.

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Which plumbing fixture is experiencing low pressure?

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Reset the circuit breaker

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Is your hot water only lasting a few minutes? 

• Is you water heater leaking? 

• Is there no hot water at all of your plumbing fixtures, or just one?

• Do you get hot water during non-peak hours (10:00am - 4:00pm)?

Troubleshooting Steps:

• If leaking or running: Close the shut-off valves to stop the water from leaking/running until maintenance can arrive.

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Is it flushing?

• Is it leaking? If so, where? (Common leak areas: base, toilet tank, pipes in the back)

• Is it constantly running?

• Does it act like it’s clogged?*

*Clogged toilets are subject to an additional tenant charge if a maintenance tech is dispatched.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Attempt to clear any clogs with a Zip-It drain-snaking tool. These are one to two feet long and have “teeth” on the edges that can grip whatever might be stuck in the drain.

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Which drain is affected?

Additional Tenant Charge

Drain clogs that require a maintenance tech may be subject to a tenant charge depending on what is causing the clog, how far down the clog is, and if the drain line is stacked with units above, below or next door to you.

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Is it leaking? If so, from where?  

• Is it filling with water? 

• Is it draining? 

• Is the agitator moving? 

• Is it spinning? 

• Are clothes still soaking wet after running through a full cycle? 

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Clear any lint build-up on the screen and behind/around the unit.

• Check your unit for a condensation-catch, and empty if present (often in newer buildings and in stacked washer/dryers).

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Are the clothes not drying at all?

• Is it taking a few times for clothes to dry completely?

• Is it getting warm?

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Replace batteries, then press the reset button on the detector.

• If beeping continues after replacing batteries, submit a maintenance request to replace the device.

Additional Tenant Charges:

Residents are responsible for replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. There will be an additional tenant charge if a maintenance technician is called out to replace batteries, except in the following cases:

• The device is mounted on a high ceiling (9+ feet tall).

• The tenant is unable to or uncomfortable with standing on a small ladder or stool to reach the device.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Reset any GCFI outlets

• Reset breakers

• Check fuses (often located behind appliances in kitchen)

• Check PGE’s online outage map or call them for updates on local power outages

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Is the power out in the whole apartment, or just part of it?

• Do you notice the power out in any common areas of the building, or just in your unit?

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Deploy gel or liquid bait ant traps (such as Terro brand) near the source of activity. Traps usually eliminate the nest within one to two weeks.

Details for Maintenance Request:

• Where is the activity occurring?

Buildings heated by a central boiler system release heat multiple times throughout the day to keep a consistent temperature throughout the building. Since the system is not constantly running, it may take extra time for upper floor units to fully heat up.

Due to the central boiler system’s design and in order to maintain a comfortable heat level for all residents in a building, we are unable to adjust the temperature for individual units.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Make sure your radiator valve is completely open or closed depending on desired heat level.