Brazos Elite Realty Services, LLC
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Brazos Elite Realty Services, LLC
Real Estate Sales ● Property Management● Commercial Mortgages
Maintenance Tips
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.
Smoke Detectors: It is your responsibility to maintain the smoke detectors in good working
condition. These are checked before you move in. The smoke detector will begin to
“chirp” when the batteries need replaced. NEVER REMOVE THE SMOKE DETECTOR FROM
THE WALL!
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Maintenance Tips 1PLUMBING
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. Soft Scrub or
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 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.
If the disposal is jammed DO NOT use the dishwasher as this may cause flooding. To keep
the blades of the disposal sharp, please place ice cubes in the disposal and run once a
month.
If you are unable to clear the jam – please turn in a service request and we will take care of
it.
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. You may alternately turn the
water off under the sink.
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Maintenance Tips 2Toilet 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. In addition, the toilet will become clogged if items are flushed
such as paper towels, etc. You will be responsible for any damage caused to the toilet due
to the flushing of inappropriate items.
Toilet clogs: If your toilet becomes clogged, first use 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, call us and 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. If you are living in a
apartment, contact your upstairs neighbors immediately and ask them not to use their
toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, washer or dishwasher. Then, contact us immediately and
we will handle the problem right away. In the meantime, you should turn off the water to
the toilet using the valve located on the wall behind the toilet.
Toilet Overflows: Shut off the water supply immediately! Kneel down and you will find the
shutoff against the wall. Turn this valve clockwise to shut off the water. The rising water in
the bowl should stop.
Operating your AC/Heating Unit
• Your AC/Heat will work more efficiently if the temperature setting is adjusted to more
moderate energy saving temperatures such as 68 degrees for winter and 78 degrees for
summer in lieu of turning the unit off and setting it to the auto position.
• Your unit may take a few minutes to respond to a thermostat adjustment or when you
first turn it on. If the unit does not respond after ten minutes, a service call may be
necessary.
• Never flip the setting switch back and forth quickly. Your compressor is responding to
each setting and such drastic changes can severely damage the unit. This will not only be
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Maintenance Tips 3costly, but can result in your unit being unavailable for cooling or heating while it is
being repaired.
• When using your unit for the first time each season (i.e. heat in the winter and A/C in
the summer) there will probably be an odor for the first day. This condition is normal
and does not require maintenance.
• In order for your unit to run efficiently, the filter should be checked and changed
regularly. Please see the office for assistance.
• If your A/C unit is blowing hot air please turn your thermostat to the off position and
check your breaker box to make sure the breaker has not tripped. If the breaker is
tripped flip it all the way off and then back on then turn your thermostat back on to the
auto position. Should this not work and the hot air continues to blow turn the
thermostat back off and call maintenance. Do not leave the unit running. It will burn up
the compressor, which will delay us by having to order you a new one.
Operating your Dishwasher
• Do not over fill the soap dispenser, as this will cause the dishwasher to create too many
suds, which will overflow onto the floor.
• Only use detergent that is specified for dishwasher use.
• Periodically run your dishwasher through a cycle with citric acid or vinegar to help clear
the lines. Citric acid can be purchased at your local drug store. See the office if you need
more assistance.
• You may find that your dishwasher leaves a small amount of water standing in the
bottom of the unit after it has completed the cleaning cycle. This is normal and does not
require a service call.
• It is necessary to run your dishwasher at least once a week to keep the motor from
freezing up.
• Periodically you will need to wipe out the interior of the dishwasher, paying particular
attention to the front of the unit where you find a build up of soap and hard water
deposits. Use only mild, non-abrasive cleaner.
Operating your Refrigerator
• Too many items at the rear of your refrigerator/freezer or an over filled
refrigerator/freezer may cause food to freeze due to lack of circulation.
• A regular vacuuming of the rear and front vents of your refrigerator to remove "dust
bunnies" will help it operate more efficiently, which in turn will save you money on your
utility bill.
• It is important to keep the seals of your refrigerator clean and free of any material that
will prevent the proper sealing of the door. This is an area that is commonly overlooked
and often causes problems in cooling. A mild, non-abrasive solution (such as baking soda
and water) is recommended for cleaning your refrigerator.
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Maintenance Tips 4Range Use
• Drip pans underneath your burners should be cleaned with your normal weekly
cleaning.
• If something cooks over make sure to clean the drip pan before the next use so as not to
bake it into the drip pan. This will save you the expense of having to replace them. The
inside of your stove should be cleaned when you start to see residue in the bottom.
• If something bakes over be sure to clean out the oven before you use it again.
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Maintenance Tips 5You can also read
