HELPFUL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Common Maintenance Tips and Fixes

WANT TO TRY A QUICK FIX?

WE'RE STILL HERE IF YOU NEED US




  • Remember To:
  • Run your dishwasher regularly; remove odors by running an empty cycle with 1 cup of white vinegar.
  • Scrape food off dishes—no need to rinse (it wastes water).
  • Select the proper wash cycle; shorter isn’t always better.
  • Place the dirtiest items in the lower rack.
  • Use either detergent with rinse aid or liquid rinse aid—not both.



  • Be Sure To:
  • Don’t overload; water and soap need to circulate freely.
  • Clean the dishwasher filter near the bottom regularly.
  • Run hot water at the nearest faucet before starting if the water heater is far away.
  • Air-dry dishes by using the auto setting or cracking the door after the final rinse.
  • Know Your Shutoff Valves:
  • Locate the main water shutoff valve and individual shutoffs for sinks and toilets to quickly stop leaks or emergencies.
  • Prevent Clogs:
  • Use drain cleaners periodically, avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, and don’t put coffee grounds or starchy foods down the disposal.
  • Be Cautious When Drilling:
  • Avoid puncturing hidden pipes when drilling or nailing into walls, floors, or ceilings.
  • Use Tools Wisely:
  • Keep a quality plunger on hand for clogs and use a wet-dry vacuum to remove small objects from drains. 
  • Handle Fittings with Care:
  • Don’t over-tighten pipe connections to prevent damage to fittings and fasteners.



  • Remember To:
  • Remember your detergent and quarters!
  • Pre-treat your stains! Use dish soap for grease and water with salt or club soda for wine, juice, coffee, and soda stains.
  • Empty your pockets before washing.
  • Separate colors to prevent dye bleeding.



  • Be Sure To:
  • Don't overload the machines; clothes need space to clean.
  • Line-dry delicates like sweaters and dresses.
  • Avoid hot water on items that may shrink; wash towels in hot water, others in cold.
  • Empty the lint trap to save money and prevent fires.
  • Use Cold Water:
  • Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to prevent overheating and help flush debris.
  • Clean Regularly:
  • Drop in ice cubes or a spoonful of coffee grounds and run the disposal once a month to help clean and sharpen blades. Pour in a bit of dish soap, run cold water, and turn on the disposal for 30-60 seconds. Toss in citrus peels occasionally to freshen the smell.
  • Run After Dishwasher Drains:
  • Turn on the disposal after draining the sink to clear any leftover food bits.




  • If It Loses Power:
  • Hit the red reset button on the bottom of the unit's motor housing.
  • If It Hums But Doesn't Spin:
  • Unplug the unit & use a 1/4" allen wrench or a disposal un-jamming tool in the bottom center hole to manually turn the blades and free the jam.
  • Never Put These Down The Disposal:
  • anything non-food
  • bones or fruit pits
  • grease, oil or fat
  • high-fiber waste
  • expandable food (rice, pasta)
  • chemicals or cleaning solvents




  • Use Toilet Paper In Moderation: 
    Extra-thick or excessive toilet paper can build up quickly. A couple of flushes are better than one overloaded one.
  • Plunge Proactively:
    If you notice slow flushing or rising water, a quick plunge early can prevent a full blockage later.
  • Watch For Running Water:
    If you hear the toilet running when it’s not in use, the flapper may need adjusting or replacing. Catching it early saves water—and money.




Don't Flush:

  • Diapers
  • Facial Tissues
  • Baby Wipes
  • Paper Towels
  • Sanitary Napkins
  • Medications

MAINTENANCE MADE EASY

Some maintenance items are best handled by our team, while a few simple fixes can be taken care of right at home. Here’s a quick guide to help you know what’s what—and remember, we’re always here if you need us.


  • Lighting:
  • Residents typically replace light bulbs inside their apartments, while we take care of lighting in common areas. If a bulb is difficult to reach or feels unsafe to change, just let us know—your safety always comes first.
  • Plumbing:
  • Occasional clogs can happen. A plunger, drain snake, or liquid drain cleaner may help with minor issues. If the problem continues or you’re unsure, our team is happy to assist.
  • Appliances:
  • Simple upkeep can keep appliances running smoothly—like cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar, vacuuming behind the refrigerator, or checking dryer vents for lint. These small steps can make a big difference.
  • Doors & Minor Adjustments:
  • If a door feels a bit off, a quick hinge adjustment may solve it. If it’s still not quite right, we’re just a call away.
  • Safety Devices:
  • Residents are responsible for replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If a device still isn’t working after that, please reach out so we can help.
  • Smoke Detector Battery:
  • If your smoke detector is chirping, it is often time to replace the battery. If the detector continues to chirp, won't reset, or you're unsure at any point, please submit a maintenance request.