An SFinvest  Property

Here are some tips that might help you fix a simple problem.  Be sure to carefully follow directions, and if you do not understand this, please call us.  We want you to be safe at all times!

ELECTRICAL

Circuit breaker trips:  A circuit breaker or GFI (ground fault interruptor) shuts off because of a direct short, or overloading the line on the breaker or GFI.  Usually, the breaker trips due to an overload.  No, you cannot run computers, heaters, curling irons, and a stereo at the same time and not trip a breaker.  When this happens, turn off all appliances that are attached to the circuit (you can deduce this by identifying the items that went off).  Then, physically reset the tripped breaker.  Carefully turn on a reasonable number of appliances.  If this fails to work, please call us and we will check out the breaker.  If the circuit is in a bathroom, you must reset the GFI (ground fault interruptor).  This is a special plug with a couple of buttons that prevent you from being electrocuted when working around water.  Just press in the reset plug after turning off appliances.  As with a circuit breaker, call us if this procedure does not work.

Light Bulbs:  Turn off light switch before changing a light.  Replace incandescent bulbs with 60 Watt incandescent bulbs or fluorescent screw in replacements only.  Bulbs over 60 Watts may damage the wiring and this will be charged back to you if there is damage to our property.  If you need to change a fluorescent tube, call us and we will replace it free of charge.  We do not want you to hurt yourself changing a fluorescent tube.

Protection of computers and expensive electronics:  Use a surge protector with quick clamping time.  This is a surge protector designed to quickly detect a surge or poor line condition.  This will protect your electronics from damage.

PLUMBING

Bathtub and shower enclosure cleaning:  The fiberglass units can be a “pain” to clean especially once they have discolored and the buildup has gotten out of hand.  Tilex Tub and Tile Cleaner with bleach and a lot of hard work will restore the tub and shower units to acceptable condition.  The best way to avoid the mess and hard work is to wipe the tub and shower out after each use.  Body oils, soap and conditioners cause the discoloration on the fiberglass.   By simply wiping out the tub and shower walls, the buildup never starts.

Bathtubs draining slow: Usually this is caused by a buildup of soap and hair.  Plunging sometimes works, but first you should use a wire (a coat hanger is ideal!).  Use a pair of pliers and bend a slight hook on the end of the wire.  Push it into the drain, pushing and pulling to dislodge the clog of hair.  The wire should go in at least 18 inches.

Sink clogs: The double sinks most apartments have utilize plumbing that has a very small diameter union where the two drains join.  This is after the disposal outlet, and the wrong kinds of food will clog it necessitating a service call at your expense.  To prevent this, NEVER place artichokes, carrots, potato peels, and other vegetables that are fibrous.  Small change and beer caps do not get along with disposals either and will cause a clog.

Sink Disposal Jams: If the disposal jams and stops running, turn off the switch and unplug the disposal.  Then,  remove all of the debris you can from the disposal with your hand.  Use a flashlight to attempt to locate the reason for the blockage. Common items that jam disposals are olive pits, peach pits, coins, broken glass, and fish tank rocks.  After removing the items, try to turn the disposal by hand.  If it will not turn, call your manager and we will supply a disposal wrench free of charge for your use.   This wrench is placed in the bottom of the disposal in the center of the unit and allows you to turn the spindle in either direction.  If you are able to free the spindle, be sure to reset the disposal reset switch on the bottom of the disposal.  Then, you can try to turn on the disposal.  If these procedures do not work, please call in a work order.

Sink leaks under the counter:  The under sink plumbing is fragile, and you must take care to not disturb it when storing items under the sink.  If you do, a leak can easily be caused.  If this happens, please call us immediately so we can address the issue.  Until we arrive to repair the sink drain, please put a bucket or pan under the leaking area to prevent damage or water accumulation that could cause mold or mildew.

Toilet cleaning and maintenance:  A chlorine tablet purchased at the market will take care of organics that might leave your toilet dirty looking.  These products, however, do not address hard water stains.  The only way to clean these stains is with a pumice stick or an abrasive cleanser.   

Toilet Clog FAQ:  the number 1 cause of toilet clogs is due to flushing an excessive amount of toilet tissue at one time.  The waste line under the toilet has a pipe size of 3” and it is possible for this line to easily clog if too much toilet paper is used at one time.

Toilet clogs:  We will loan you a plunger.  Carefully place the plunger against the toilet drain, obtain a good seal, and plunge several times.  Hopefully the water level will drop.  If this does not work after several attempts, let us know and we will auger the toilet, and if all else fails, we will contact our plumber.

Toilet keeps running:  The water valve that fills the toilet or the toilet flapper is worn out or the chain is bound up.  Remove the toilet tank lid and look inside and make sure the chain is not bound up.  If the chain is hanging loose and is not bound, you probably have a bad flapper valve.  In the event of a bad flapper valve, please put in a work order and we will repair your toilet.  This will save thousands of gallons of water, so be sure to call us as soon as you notice this.

Toilet overflows without warning:  This could mean a mainline clog.  Contact your upstairs neighbors immediately and ask them not to use their toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, washer or dishwasher.  Then, call the emergency number immediately and we will handle the problem immediately.

Toilet Overflows:  Shut off the water supply immediately!  Kneel down and you will find the shutoff to the left of the toilet against the wall.  Turn this valve clockwise to shut off the water.  The rising water in the bowl should stop.

Toilet takes a long time to fill:  The valve is not open all the way or the valve is calcified or clogged with debris from the water system.  Be certain that the valve is all of the way open, turn it counterclockwise until it stops.  If this does not remedy your problem, just put in a work order and we will repair the problem.

TELEPHONE AND INTERNET

Telephone FAQ:  We provide one workable phone line per apartment, and most apartments can accommodate more lines.  When you order service, call us if you have no dial tone.  If it is the first line, we will address the issue to insure you have a working circuit in your apartment.  For additional lines, we will work with you to help you save money on additional wiring.  The phone company is VERY expensive and we want to help you save money.