Maintenance FAQs

  1. I lost power or need to reset the circuit breaker
  2. I lost power to the bathroom, kitchen, or outside
  3. Checking for a blown fuse
  4. How to unjam my garbage disposal
  5. How to properly use your garbage disposal
  6. What do I do if I smell gas in the house?
  7. How do I light pilot light on gas fireplace?
  8. What if I don’t have hot water?
  9. How do I change my furnace filters?
  10. My air conditioning is not working
  11. No heat for systems using electric heat
  12. No heat for systems using gas heat
  13. How to patch a door knob hole in a wall
  14. How to unclog my drain
  15. Troubleshooting your dishwasher
  16. How to turn off main water supply
  17. Testing smoke detector / maintenance
  18. Smoke detector FAQs
  19. I put the wrong soap in the dishwasher -- now what?
  20. Dryer Issues?
  21. Refrigerator Issues?
  22. Garage Issues?

1. I lost power or need to reset the circuit breaker

A circuit breaker provides protection by stopping the flow of electricity if an overload or fault occurs. When an electrical fault occurs or the load on your circuit becomes too great, the breaker on that circuit trips and interrupts the flow of current to that circuit. A tripped circuit breaker is still sometimes referred to as a "blown fuse" in reference to the older technology that circuit breakers replaced. If your home uses an actual fuse and not a circuit breaker, click here for information on fuse boxes.

circuit 1

Before electricity can be restored, the circuit breaker must be reset. However, even before you do that, you must take steps to ensure that it is safe to do so. Turn off or unplug all of the devices that are plugged into the circuit. Make certain no dangerous condition exists before restoring power. A Circuit Breaker which has been tripped will either be in the middle or "OFF" position. Locate the tripped circuit breaker and reset it by pushing it all the way to the "OFF" position and then back to the "ON" position. Often when you can't cannot reset the circuit breaker, it is because it must be turned all the way to the "Off" position first.

circuit 2

Electricity should now be restored to the circuit. If the circuit breaker trips again before you have turned anything on or plugged anything in, please submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc immediately.

If no circuit breakers were tripped and you still do not have power at an outlet, the circuit is probably on a GFCI. Click here.

2. I lost power to the bathroom, kitchen, or outside

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is a device that adds a greater level of safety by reducing the risk of electric shock in locations such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and outdoors.

circuit 3

A GFCI outlet may be wired in a branch circuit, which means other outlets and electrical devices may share the same circuit and breaker (or fuse). When a properly wired GFCI trips, the other devices down the line from it will also lose power. Note that devices on the circuit that come before the GFCI are not protected and are not affected when the GFCI is tripped.

If you have an outlet that doesn't work, and the breaker is not tripped, look for a GFCI outlet which may have tripped. The non-working outlet may be down line from a GFCI outlet. Note that the affected outlets may not be located near the GFCI outlet, they may be several rooms away or even on a different floor. Pressing the "Reset" will restore the circuit. If the outlet doesn't reset, then whichever appliance that is causing it to trip, may still be plugged in. If after unplugging everything, checking the circuit breaker or fuse, and resetting the GFCI does not work, please submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc right away.

3. Checking for a blown fuse

If you have an older home, you may have fuses as opposed to circuit breakers. Located inside or outside of your home is a fuse box that contains a fuse for each of your home's circuits. A fuse provides protection for each of your circuits. When an electrical short occurs or the load on your circuit becomes too great, the fuse on that circuit burns out and breaks the circuit; this is what is referred to as a "blown fuse". If your home uses circuit breakers instead of fuses, click here.

Before electricity can be restored, the fuse must be replaced with a new fuse. However, even before you replace the fuse, you must take steps to ensure that it is safe to do so:

  • Turn off or unplug all of the devices that are plugged into the circuit. Make certain that no dangerous condition exists before restoring power.
  • Replace the fuse with a fuse that is of the proper rating for the circuit. For instance, if the circuit is rated for 15 amps, use a 15-amp fuse. Never use anything other than a fuse of proper rating.
  • When removing or inserting a new fuse, NEVER touch the metal parts of the fuse. If your fuse box is equipped with a master switch to cut power to the fuse box, cut the main power prior to replacing the fuse.

Electricity should now be restored to the circuit. If the fuse blows again before you have turned anything on or plugged anything in, submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc right away.

If the fuse blows after plugging in or turning on a device, that device may have a short or may be placing too much of a load on the circuit.

If no fuses were blown and you still do not have power at an outlet, make certain that the switch, if any, that controls the outlet is turned on. If you can find no problem, the outlet, switch, wiring or some other component may be at fault. Also, the outlet may be on a GFCI branch circuit. Refer to the guide for checking a GFCI circuit.

4. How to unjam my garbage disposal

External link for Troubleshooting

5. How to properly use your garbage disposal

External Link: How to properly use your garbage disposal

6. What do I do if I smell gas in the house?

External Link: What do I do if I smell gas in the house?

7. How do I light pilot light on gas fireplace?

External Link: How do I light pilot light on gas fireplace?

8. What if I don’t have hot water?

  1. Check that a fuse hasn't blown or that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Replace with the appropriate fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
  2. Some properties also have Hydronic Furnaces. This means the heat comes from the hot water in your water heater. To be sure the hot water is getting to the furnace check the water valves going from your water heater to the furnace. They both need to be on (turned the same direction as the pipe). Sometimes the hot water valve is turned off in the summertime in order for the A/C to work at the highest efficiency.
  3. Check to see if the pilot light is on. If it is not you can follow the directions on the water heater to re light the pilot light.

9. How do I change my furnace filters?

External Link: How do I change my furnace filters?

10. My air conditioning is not working

Before calling in your problem or making a work order request, please check the below possible options:

  1. Check that a fuse hasn't blown or that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Replace with the appropriate fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
  2. Check the furnace filter. If the filter is dirty it needs to be replaced.
  3. Check the thermostat. Make sure the batteries are good and that temperature isn't set too low if the inside temp is high inside.
  4. Check the outside unit to make sure the fan blades are moving and that the unit is not iced over.
  5. Some AC units have a light switch right next to the furnace which turns the furnace and AC off. Because this switch is identical to a light switch, it gets turned off by mistake. Simply check any nearby switches. If they don't turn lights on and off, they may be turning the furnace and or AC on or off.

If after checking the above and you still do not have air conditioning, please submit an on-line maintenance request.

11. No heat for systems using electric heat

Before calling in your problem or making a work order request, please check the below possible options:

  1. Check that a fuse hasn't blown or that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Replace with the appropriate fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
  2. Check that your thermostat is on, heat is selected, and set at a temperature that would call for heat (not too low)
  3. Check that there is nothing obstructing the airflow from the heater or heater vents
  4. Electric furnaces, not baseboards or cadet heaters, often have a light switch right next to the furnace which turns the furnace off. Because this switch is identical to a light switch, it gets turned off by mistake. Simply check any nearby switches. If they don't turn lights on and off, they may be turning the furnace on or off.

If after checking the above and you still do not have heat, please submit an on-line maintenance request. Within the request, please annotate the condition of your furnace filters and the status of any steady or blinking red lights.

12. No heat for systems using gas heat

Before calling in your problem or making a work order request, please check the below possible options:

  1. Check that a fuse hasn't blown or that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Replace with the appropriate fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
  2. In or around most furnaces there is what looks like a light switch. This operates the power to the furnace. Be sure this switch is on before completing the on-line maintenance request. You will be charged for the heating company to flip this switch.
  3. Check that your thermostat is on, heat is selected, and is set at a temperature that would call for heat (not too low).
  4. Verify that your gas service is in your name or has not been disconnected for non-payment or other issues.
  5. Can you hear any fans or blower running? If no noise at all, the problem must be one of the items above.
  6. Is there a window with a blinking or steady red light? If so, please explain what you are seeing if you submit a work order request.
  7. Are your furnace filters dirty? If so, replace immediately. Dirty filters are the cause of 95% of all heating issues. If your lease requires you to maintain your furnace filters and you submit a request for maintenance and your filters are found to be dirty, you likely will be billed for all charges. To avoid inconveniences of not having A/C or no heat, keep spare filters handy and replace them at a minimum of once every three months.
  8. Some properties also have Hydronic Furnaces. This means the heat comes from the hot water in your water heater. To be sure the hot water is getting to the furnace check the water valves going from your water heater to the furnace. They both need to be on (turned the same direction as the pipe). Sometimes the hot water valve is turned off in the summertime in order for the A/C to work at the highest efficiency. Properties with these systems include those at Garverdale, Tottenham, Wilson, Cloverbrook and Cloverfield. If you live at any of these properties please be sure to check your valves. Also check the temperature on the water heater and make sure it is not set to a low setting.

If after checking the above and you still do not have heat, please submit an on-line maintenance request. Within the request, please annotate the condition of your furnace filters and the status of any steady or blinking red lights.

13. How to patch a door knob hole in a wall

External Link: How to patch a door knob hole in a wall

14. How to unclog my drain

External Link: How to unclog my drain

15. Troubleshooting your dishwasher

Symptom

Possible Solutions

Dishwasher does not work - no sound, water or lights

Dishwasher does not start but motor hums

Dishwasher does not fill with water or it drains while filling

Water does not drain from the dishwasher
  • Clean the drain
  • Re-run an entire cycle and see if problem continues

Dishwasher is leaking water or soap leaks around the door
  • Check your garbage disposal to make sure the drain is not clogged.
  • Make certain that your detergent is intended for dishwashers. Do not use liquid dish soap.
  • If problem continues, submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc.
Dishwashers not cleaning properly
  • Get cleaning agent product from WL May called Glisten

Door does not close or latch properly

Dishwasher cycle does not complete
  • Let the dishwasher complete the cycle wherever it is at, then re-start a new cycle and it should clear itself.

Detergent cup does not open
  • Check and clean the detergent cup for obstructions

Dishes are not cleaned adequately
  • Clean the drain screen
  • Spray off dishes before using the dishwasher
  • Run several cycles with no soap to clean out soap residue.

16. How to turn off main water supply

External Link: How to turn off main water supply

17. Testing smoke detector / maintenance

External Link: Testing smoke detector / maintenance

18. Smoke detector FAQs

All properties have smoke detectors. Properties with gas burning appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage should have a CO/Smoke combo.

They are usually clearly labeled if they detect carbon monoxide as well as smoke/fire.

Smoke detectors have 2 alarms that mean different things:

  • Beep/chirp approximately 2-3 times every 5 minutes most of the time means the battery needs changed. If that doesn't fix it, it may have lost power to the unit or have a loose connection. If you unplug the detector from the ceiling/wall, it will probably continue making noise because there is a back-up battery in most of them. If you take the battery out it still has enough power stored internally to beep 4-5 more times.
  • Beeping/chirping non-stop means there is smoke/fire or it's a false alarm.

See below for false alarms:

  • Most false alarms (chirping non-stop) are caused by dust in the sensor area of the detector. - Fixed by blowing out with compressed air or vacuum.
  • Some smoke detectors have an expiration (10yrs for example & usually labeled on back of unit) and after that time period they start having false alarms. - Fixed by replacing expired detectors.
  • Very rarely, false alarms are caused by drastic temp./weather changes, such as attic being 120 degrees and house at 75. - Fixed by pushing the silence button (if it has one) and after a short time it will reset and hopefully not falsely go off again.
  • Very rarely, false alarms are caused by air blowing directly on the detector (open window, ceiling fan blowing upward instead of downward, etc.). - Fixed by re-directing air movement away from detector.
  • Very rarely, false alarms are caused by a defective detector. - Fixed by replacing detector.

19. I put the wrong soap in the dishwasher -- now what?

External Link: I put the wrong soap in the dishwasher -- now what?

20. Dryer Issues?

If your dryer is not heating up, please look at this website: http://www.partselect.com/dryer dryer-wont-heat repair.htm

If your dryer is heating up but not drying, you may have a vent issue. Please look at this website: http://www.ehow.com/how_2081666_fix-dryer-vent.html

21. Refrigerator Issues?

If your refrigerator is not working correctly, please visit this website for troubleshooting: http://www.repairclinic.com/Refrigerator-Troubleshooting

22. Garage Issues?

If your garage door isn't closing all the way, you may have a problem with the aligning of the sensors at the bottom corners of the garage door. This may occur if anyone has accidentally bumped into them. For a video of how to properly align your garage door, go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHIytLm0iAU