Troubleshooting Guide

Please read this Troubleshooting Guide before submitting a maintenance request. By doing this, you might be able to prevent unnecessary vendor calls and potential chargeback expenses to you.

“Beeping” or non-functioning Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

• Batteries may be low or dead
• The smoke Alarm/Carbon Monoxide Detector is defective
• Try to replace batteries and press and hold button to reset
• If the problem persists, contact TDHT for further assistance

Do NOT remove the battery or the detector. It is required by law that the detector be in place and functional, at all times.

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this for some Smoke Alarm/Carbon Monoxide Detector troubleshooting tips:

Windows and Doors, Locks:

• If there are condensations on the inside surface of the window, wipe condensation away
• Reduce humidity by turning on exhaust fans to suck out the stale/moist air inside of the home
• Opening windows to recycle the stale/moist air with fresh air, and using dehumidifiers as needed
• Does the home feel much warmer when the dryer is in use?
• Check the dryer vent to see if it is disconnected from the wall vent
• If the dryer vent is disconnected, it is blowing warm, moist air back into the house instead of blowing it outside
• If windows are difficult to open, then check the window tracks for any debris or objects
• If the window will not lock properly, please put in a temporary wood dowel, so it cannot open and submit a Maintenance Request

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this for some window condensation troubleshooting tips:

Appliances not Working:

• If the appliances is not working, check first to see if it is plugged in
• If it is plugged in, check to see if it is plugged into a wall-switch electrical outlet and make sure the switch is ON
• Check and reset all the GFCI circuits (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.)
• Check the circuit breaker in the Electrical Panel to see if the breaker has flipped
• Reset the breaker if you’ve found the breaker was flipped by flipping each breaker to the OFF position, then to the ON position
• Certain appliances have independent fuses or circuit breakers; check the appliance’s manual if applicable

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this for some appliances troubleshooting tips:

Garbage Disposal not Working:

• Garbage disposal “hums” but will not rotate or “grind”
• Most likely it is stuck or clogged, or something got caught in the rotating grinder
• Turn garbage disposal OFF, unplugged if needed
• Remove excess food items or foreign objects
• Press the reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit under the sink
• If it is still not operating, then turn off the unit, unplug if needed, find the disposal wrench (or use an Allen wrench), and turn the bottom of the disposal counter-clockwise, then press the reset button again.
• Try grinding lemon peels and ice to prevent odors If the garbage disposal have a bad odor

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this for some garbage disposal troubleshooting tips:

Dishwasher Won’t Run:

• Make sure it has power
• Flip the wall switch on if it is plugged into a wall-switch electrical outlet
• Make sure locking switch is engaged
• Check to see if the timer or delay settings is on
• Clean food and debris out of the bottom of the dishwasher
• Try to wipe away as much food and debris off the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this for some dishwasher troubleshooting tips:

Dryer not Drying:

• Check to see if the dryer vent is connected to the wall vent
• Check the dryer vent for obstructions and clean/vacuum if needed
• Clean the lint filter after and before every load

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this for some dryer troubleshooting tips:

No Power:

• Check to see if there is a power outage in the area
• Check to see if the outlet works with a light switch
• Check all of the GFCI receptacles throughout the house and push the red button to reset them
• Check the electrical panel to see if any breakers are tripped
• Reset breaker by flipping each breaker to the OFF position and then back to the ON position

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this for some GFCI troubleshooting tips:

Heat or Air Conditioning not working

• Check the thermostat to see if it have power, if not, replace the batter
• Make sure it is thermostat is properly set on “cool” or “heat”
• Check the filter to see if it needs cleaning or replacing
• For gas furnace, check to see if the gas pilot light is on or lit
• If so, press the reset button. If not, contact your local power company and they will light it free of charge
• For electric furnace, check to see if the breaker is tripped
• Make sure all the doors and covers on on properly because they may trigger shut off switch if it is not
• Make sure to clear any obstructions of debris, bushes, leaves, etc. from the outside unit
• Make sure there is nothing blocking the airflow of the vents and registers

Plumbing Issues:

• No Water – Please submit Maintenance Request or call maintenance line, if after hours
• Water is too HOT! – Check the water heater and turn it down to the recommended 120 degrees or lower
• No Hot Water
  • Electric Water Heater - check the breaker and reset if needed
  • Gas Water Heater – check pilot light. If lit, press reset button

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this on how to light a pilot light on a water heater:

Toilet Issues:

• If toilet runs constantly, or makes dripping or gurgling noise
• Open the water tank and check for kink or disconnect
• Lift the chain from the handle lever up and down a few times to try to get the flap to seal properly again
• If you’re unable to stop the toilet from running, turn off the water using the knob or valve behind the toilet and submit Maintenance Request
• If the toilet backing up or overflowing, turn off the valve at base of toilet and plunge ONLY
• Mop up excess water IMMEDIATELY
• Do NOT use snakes or other metal objects to unclog

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this for tips on how to unclog a toilet:

Sink Issues:

• If the water flow is reduced or is dripping at the faucet or hose sprayer, then unscrew aerator and clean the tip of the faucet
• Remove any debris or buildups
• If sink or bathtub is draining slowly, then remove hair and debris from drain
• Try pouring hot water and some dish soap into the drain
• Try pouring down baking soda and some vinegar combo into the the drain
• Use plunger if needed
• Do NOT use Drano or other cleaning chemicals, or detach plumbing, use snakes or metal objects to clean out drains. It may damage or break the pipe and the repair cost will be charged back to you.
• If there’s water leaks under pipes, then check to tighten the pipe connections if applicable
• If there’s water puddling from plumbing pipe you can’t stop, then clean up the water, put a bucket or towel down to prevent further damage and submit a Maintenance Request immediately

TIPS: Watch this video or videos like this for tips on how to relieve a clogged or slow draining drain:

Garage Doors & Remotes:

• If the garage remote does not work or has limited range
• Check the battery and replace if needed
• If the garage door will not close
• Check if there’s anything blocking the eye sensors on both sides of the garage door
• If nothing is blocking the eye sensor, then check to see if the sensors are lined up to look directly at each other
• Adjust them as needed so they’re looking directly at each other

Pest Control:

• Unless the pests were in the property prior to moving in, Residents are responsible for routine rodent and pest control and removal.
• Keep all food items, human or animals, away from easily accessible areas like the ground
• Bag and properly store all trash and garbage in the appropriate and designated bins
• Black Ants / Sugar Ants - They typically come out when then weather turns warm. Best to use bait traps to allow ants to take the poison back to their nests. For more suggestions, visit https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-kill-ants#natural-ways-to-eliminate-ants

TIPS: Visit this sites for tips and tricks on how to DIY pest control: www.doityourselfpestcontrol.com