Maintenance Quick Fixes

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Maintenance Quick Fixes

Please browse our Quick Fixes for the most commonly reported maintenance issues. You may find an easy fix for your issue with no waiting for a maintenance person to visit.

How to Get Rid of Stinkbugs (or Shield Bugs)

Stink bugs can damage plants, fruits and crops
Stink bugs look for warm places to escape chilly winter months - including your home
While they do not pose a threat to the structure of a home, no one wants them inside
Sealing or caulking the various crevices in your home can keep them out and seal in the heat
Check this link for more information and tips to keep the pests away from your home: https://pests.org/get-rid-of-stink-bugs/

Gas Fireplaces

Make sure the emergency gas valve is turned on
Check to be sure pilot light is lit
If you are not able to get the pilot light lit after viewing this video, contact RR-Services and we will have an experienced vendor assist you
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/yeCB15rB69g
Call your gas company if you have any concerns about your gas fireplace not working properly

Mold Solutions

Mold can grow most anywhere that spores land and find moisture and a comfortable temperature
Mold is typically found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals
Almost every home gets some type of mold - the trick is toclean it up before it spreads
The most visible type is mildew, which begins as tiny black spots. This is the stuff you see in grout lines in your shower, on damp window casings, etc.
Check out this terrific site for more information on mold and how to clean it up: http://www.treatitlikedirt.com/

Hot Weather Hacks to Keep Cool

Place a heaping bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan
Only use Linen sheets - leave the bed unmade as bedspreads trap heat
Eat spicy foods - they will make you sweat which is your body's way of cooling
Take warm bath or shower - this triggers your body to naturally 'cool off'
Cool pulse points - wear wrist bands and bandana around your neck dunked in ice water - keeping these areas chilled will cool your entire body
Stay hydrated - drink lots of cool water
Stick your bed linens in the freezer for a few hours before bed each night
Soak a t-shirt in ice water, ring it out and wear to bed...wet your hair too
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/-bqtQ5WQ3dA

10 Things to Never Flush Down the Toilet!

Floss - not bio-degradable
Grease, Oil & Fat - like heart disease, these will decrease the flow of pipes over time
Band-aids - these are plastic and not bio-degradable
Medications - contaminates the water supply
Disposable Wipes - EVEN if they say you can, Don't!
Paper Towels - these do not break down like toilet paper
Feminine Hygiene Products - including cotton pads and swabs
Cat Litter
Condoms
Hair
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/If5_RVaNHS8

How to Shut Off Water to your Toilet in an Emergency

Look for the valve which is located to the LEFT behind your toilet tank
Turn the knob to the RIGHT (clockwise) to close the valve and stop water flow
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/iWjn3E7HiuM

How to Shut Off Water Supply to a Sink Faucet

Turn off water from faucet if possible
Locate water lines below sink which lead to water valves
Turn water valves to the RIGHT (clockwise) to stop the water flow
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/WCpHFewA3Ew

How Fix Your Air Conditioner - Troubleshooting Tips

Check the Filter! Change often (at least every three months) 95% of all service calls are due to dirty air filters
Check thermostat setting - set Fan to "auto", set system to "Cool"
Check air handler/furnace - you should hear it "rumbling", if not, check to make sure it is plugged in and switched on
Check circuit breaker - make sure it is not 'tripped'
Check to be sure the drain line is not clogged
Check the fan unit outside - is the fan spinning and clear of leaves and branches?
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/yrYgc5_qyVo

Fixing a Garbage Disposal That Has Stopped Working

Make sure the power is OFF. Safety First!
Insert the special wrench into the bottom of the disposal and start turning it back and forth until the jam frees up.
If necessary, reach into the disposal to retrieve or remove objects causing a jam.
Press reset button (also located on the bottom of the disposal).
Turn Power back ON.
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/J0OByRuoYM0

How to Change an Air Conditioner Filter

Locate the air-intake grill that holds the filter.
Open grill, remove old filter.
Replace with new one - IMPORTANT: air flow arrow on filter to point in the direction air is traveling (being "sucked" to).
Check filter monthly. A good habit is to check the filter each month when making your rent payment.
A clean filter will ensure your A/C is running smoothly and keep electric costs to a minimum.
Check out this link for more information and help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRmYe6UzTNA

Why You Should NEVER Pour Grease Down the Drain

Collect liquid grease to be recycled
Wipe pans clean with a paper towel
Rinse pans with cold water
Food scraps go in garbage, NOT the garbage disposal
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/1wywhEuEztQ

How to Clean Tough Grout Stains

Believe it or not...use toilet bowl cleaner!
Be sure to use gloves to protect your skin.
Apply a thin line along the grout lines and let sit a few minutes.
Wipe away with a damp cloth - then clean floor in the usual way.
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/gg5J_qCE5tE

How To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

The secret is out....Coconut Oil!
Purchase inexpensive coconut oil (around $10 for a good sized jar)
Apply a small amount to a dry cloth or paper towel
Using a circular motion, rub the oil onto the Stainless Steel making sure to cover entire surface
If done correctly, stains and fingerprints should be gone and your kitchen should be left smelling like a Pina Colada!
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/ZBXCLxCdEiA

How to Hang Artwork and Hooks without Damaging Walls

3M Command products!
You can hang small to large items using these terrific hooks and hangers
They come in many sizes and styles and are available at hardware, grocery stores, Target or Walmart
Check out the video to see how easy they are to use (and remove!)
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/HJ9RZt0_qMk

How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

Remove toilet tank lid
Lift up the fill valve (or float ball)
Pull out the water tube
Reach down and turn OFF the water valve (turn valve CLOCKWISE)
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/27QSK4afURQ

Circuit Breakers & GFI Outlets - Checking and Resetting

Some outlets are know as GFIs located near wet areas of your home (i.e. kitchen and bathrooms)
When power becomes overloaded they will 'trip' (stop working).
Press reset button on them to power back on (usually small button in the center of the outlet plate)
Still not working? Check other GFI outlets in the home and reset. If that does not work, find the breaker panel and check for flipped switches. Flip back to "On" to restore power.
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/trLeLJdMWWI

How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Make sure your disposal is OFF - Safety First!
Cut up some lemons and place into disposal OR
Add some white vinegar frozen into cubes OR
Add some baking soda OR Borax
Feeling bold? Try adding them all together
Run water, turn on disposal - One of these options should leave it smelling fresh and clean again.
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/9tTkxCU4PN0

How to Get Rid of Ants

Locate ants - ant trail is best if you can find one
Place small drops of Terro strategically in path of ants
Watch ants feed... and eventually die and disappear
Repeat above steps as needed
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/xFPRryUmYWY

How to Get Stains Our of Carpet

Blot the stain with a clean towel
Beat an egg yolk with water, dab the solution over the stain
Voila! The stain should lift right out.
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/vITy9DuhOh4

How to Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar & Baking Soda

Open detergent lid
Add vinegar to compartment that seals, baking soda to compartment that does not
Close compartment door and choose normal cycle, start the dishwasher
Perform once a month
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/Xvd9PBSJ8QY

How to Clean Your Oven Without Chemicals -- Use Baking Powder!

Mix baking powder with water
Add enough water so mixture becomes paste-like
Spread powder paste in oven
Turn oven on for 5 minutes - then turn off
Wipe oven clean
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/gADSLr99NqY

How to Lubricate Locks Using Graphite Powder

Shake graphite tube gently to loosen powder
Place point of tube into lock and gently squeeze the tube in a "puffing" motion
Take your key and run it in and out of the lock to evenly distribute the graphite powder
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/G11XUvtPWD8

How to Change the Water Filter in Your Refrigerator

Slow water flow from your fridge? Try changing the water filter
Filter should be changed every 6 months
Each fridge will have its own unique filter system - you can find details for each in the manual or by searching online
Locate the filter, twist to the left to remove, twist right to install
Some may have a push button system
Reset the filter button to reflect a new filter has been installed
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/TW4JmI1zSyg

Why is your Gas Range "Clicking" and won't start?

Wet burners are usually why a gas stove top will not light
When cleaning, avoid using too much water that will make the burners wet
Try to clean using a damp cloth only
To dry out, turn oven on to 350 degrees for 30 minutes
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/-vG9QQDiFCw

How to Check Your Toilet for a Silent Leak

Check for sounds of running water, trickling or hissing sounds
Add 25 drops of food coloring to inside of toilet tank
Wait 15 minutes...if no dye shows up in toilet bowl, no leak exists
If dye appears in bowl, toilet is in need of repair. Please log a maintenance request through your tenant portal
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/BPUqHFvEHu4

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Place a few drops of liquid dish soap on a damp cloth, use hot water
Use circular motion and apply to counters
To disinfect: fill a spray bottle with half water and half isopropyl alcohol
Spray counters, WAIT 5 minutes before wiping off with dry cloth (this ensures all bacteria is killed)
Granite counter not smooth? Use a razor blade to scrape where necessary
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/eWxumwp1hOk

How to Clean a Quartz Countertop

Apply a few small drops of Soft Scrub to countertop area to be cleaned
Using a soft cloth, begin rubbing product into the countertop using a circular motion
Once applied, use a separate, damp cloth in same circular motion to remove product
Counter should then be clean, shiny and smooth
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/gEsRBUhRblk

How to Get Your Key Unstuck from a Deadbolt

First, realign key so it is in a vertical position (12 o'clock)
Apply light pressure to smaller disc around the key (called a plug)
Pull and remove the key from the lock
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/5rfiMVkN4q0

How to Stop the "Chirp" on a Smoke Detector

Disconnect the smoke detector by twisting counter-clockwise
Replace the battery with a new one (this will most likely stop the chirping)
If it is still chirping, remove the battery and hold down the test button for 15 seconds to drain any remaining charge
Insert the new battery and reattach to the wall/ceiling
Check out this link for more information and help: https://youtu.be/iiZKa6dlp7k

How to Troubleshoot Low Water Pressure

While low water pressure can be annoying, it is often easily remedied
Click here to view a guide on ways to troubleshoot this issue

How to Prevent Condensation/Sweating on Windows

Condensation is caused by high humidity in your home
Run vent fans in bathrooms when showering to prevent condensation
Turn off vent fans in the kitchen when cooking
In extreme situations you may need to install a dehumidifier in your home
Check out this link for more information and help: https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-prevent-condensation-and-sweating-on-windows/

Furnace Not Blowing Hot Air

Thermostat Issues
Filter Issues
Issues with the High Limit switch
Condensate Line is plugged
Problems at the Source
Outside Air in the Mix
Pilot Light Issues
Gas Valve Issues
Burner Issues
Flame Sensor Issues.
Check out this link for more information and help: https://kaiserac.com/10-reasons-furnace-blowing-cold-air/

How to Patch Holes in Drywall

Place the self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole.
Use a drywall knife to cover the patch with spackling compound or lightweight joint compound in a crisscross pattern, feathering the edges so it blends with the wall. ...
Let the patch dry and apply a second coat of compound if needed.

How to Remove Pet Hair

Remove pet hair from upholstery and fabric with dampened rubber gloves by running your hand over the surface to attract hair. ...
Or, lightly spray a mix of water and fabric softener onto your upholstered furniture, then wipe off.

How to Fill Nail Holes

Apply spackle. Using the sharp corner of your putty knife, scoop out a tiny amount of spackle and gently push it into the hole. ...
Let spackle dry. Allow the spackle to dry. ...
Sand the spackled area. ...
Paint.