Before filling out a maintenance request, please look over these important maintenance issues and see if you can solve the issue on your own. (Scroll to the bottom of this page to complete the maintenance request form.)
If you are a resident with an Emergency Maintenance request such as flood or no heat, please call 608-206-3891
TOILETS:
- Never flush baby wipes, feminine products, diaper products, toilet paper marked "extra strong" or "super strength", hair, diapers, cat litter or cat waste, foreign objects, etc. Even wipes labeled as "flushable" should not be used. These products will clog the toilet.
- If you clog your toilet you may be able to fix the problem yourself by using a plunger. Be sure to use a plunger with a flange (a toilet plunger with a rubber flap that folds out from the inside of the cup).
GARBAGE DISPOSAL:
- Before turning on the disposal switch, start running water.
- Only grind small amounts of food. Large amounts of food in the disposal, especially pasta and rice, will result in a clogged drain pipe.
- Let the water run for approximately 30 seconds after you have turned off the disposal switch. This will clear out the food matter.
- If the garbage disposal stops working, do the following:
Locate the "S" shaped metal tool under the sink. Insert the tool in the bottom of the garbage disposal motor inside the cabinet (be sure the garbage disposal switch is turned off). Turn the "S" shaped tool back and forth in the motor until you feel it loosen somewhat. Press the pencil eraser sized reset button at the bottom of the motor (push it up). Turn on water and try turning on the disposal switch. This usually solves the problem. If not, contact management.
ELECTRIC:
- If only the kitchen loses power it is usually because a GFI button has been tripped. Simply locate the "test" button on an outlet (sometimes they are red) and push in the button. This usually solves the problem. If not, call management.
- If only the bathroom loses power, it is usually a GFI problem just like in the kitchen. Locate the GFI button on an outlet in the bathroom and push it in the same was as described for the kitchen. If you have more than one bathroom, the button could be in either bathroom.
- Be aware that some of the wall outlets in the living room and bedrooms have one socket that turns on and off with a wall mounted switch. It is usually a bottom socket.
- If you lose power and it is not your GFI switch, or all lights in your apartment go off, locate the gray circuit breaker box (usually in a bedroom but may be elsewhere). Look for one of the switches that is switched off (in the middle position). Simply turn it completely to the OFF position, then to the ON position. This usually solves the problem. If not, call management.
DISHWASHER:
- If your dishwasher will not turn on, you may have accidently bumped the on/off switch under your kitchen sink while storing or removing items. Locate the switch and flip it to the opposite position. This should turn your dishwasher back on.
- If your dishwasher has standing water in the bottom, contact management as that is caused by a clogged drain pipe. You can avoid this by making sure all food particles are removed from your dishes prior to running them through the dishwasher.
- Please follow these guidelines when using your dishwasher to prevent issues:
- Use only 1 teaspoon of powder dishwasher soap per load.
- Use rinse aid in your dishwasher.
- Scrape all food particles from dishes and rinse them clean before placing in the dishwasher.
- Do not "overload" your dishwasher.
- Never use "pod" or "tablet" style soaps in your dishwasher.
- Clean your dishwasher often by placing one cup of vinegar on the botton of the empty dishwasher. Run on "hot" water cycle.
BROWN / RUSTY WATER:
- This is because the city is flushing the water mains to clear out rust. To clear the brown rusty water, simply leave the water running until the water runs clear. You may also want to run a rinse cycle in your washing machine.
WALL MOUNTED CO2 DETECTORS:
- If you hear a beep every 15-30 seconds, the 9-Volt battery in your CO2 detector needs replacing.
- To fix the problem, remove the unit from the wall. Locate the button underneath the two wall prongs and push it in to stop the beeping.
- If you have a 9-Volt battery, turn the unit upside down and locate the battery compartment. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. Plug back into the outlet again. If you do not have a replacement battery, just remove the old one and set it aside. Contact management for a replacement battery.
MOISTURE ISSUES:
- Mildew on drywall or moisture (condensation) on windows or skylights can be prevented by increasing air flow, running fans, and reducing the humidity in your apartment.
- Mildew on drywall should be removed by using a rag and 50/50 water and bleach solution.
- Consider using a humidistat to maintain ideal humidity levels for the temperature outside.
LIGHTBULBS:
- Residents should replace lightbulbs in their apartment (with the exception of "tube" style bulbs which are typically found in kitchen or laundry closet fixtures).