Garbage Disposal Problems?

Garbage disposal can be a great addition to a kitchen. They can also be a source of constant frustration if not used properly.

If your garbage disposal stops working follow these simple tips to reset it:

  • Step 1) turn off the garbage disposal and unplug
  • Step 2) Press the red reset button. On the underside of the disposal, underneath the sink, there should be a small red button. To reset the disposal just hit the red button.
  • Step 3) Plug the disposal in. Run cold water through the disposal and turn it on to make sure it is working properly.

If the above steps do not solve the issue, then the disposal may be clogged. To unclog a disposal please follow these steps:

Needed Tools: Garbage disposal wrench or a 1/4 inch hex key. a plunger with a wooden handle.

  • Step 1) Turn off the disposal and unplug
  • Step 2) Use the garbage disposal wrench or hex key. At the bottom of the disposal you will find an opening just big enough for the hex key to fit, usually next to the red reset button. Insert the garbage disposal wrench or hex key in the opening and move back and forth.
  • Step 3) Use the wooden handle part of the plunger to insert into the disposal through the drain opening. Move back and forth to try to rotate the grinding plate inside. This should release the jam. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as needed.
  • Step 4) Plug the disposal in. Press the red reset button. Run cold water for a few minutes, then try to turn on the disposal.

If this does not solve the issue, please contact your Property Manager. Our online tenant portal can be accessed 24/7 at: https://alfanopropertymanagement.com/tenant-portal/

Resetting a Circuit Breaker

Have you ever lost power to one room of the home while the rest was unaffected? Or possibly an appliance lost power unexpectedly while the rest of the home was unaffected? If so, this was probably a result of a tripped circuit breaker and possibly a simple fix.

Circuit breakers are designed to cut power to a circuit that’s been overloaded or suffered a short. This is a safety measure intended to keep homes safe.

Resetting a circuit breaker is simple:

  • Step 1: to prevent shock wear eye protection, gloves, and make sure the room / area is dry
  • Step 2: Turn off all the lights in the affected room/area and unplug everything
  • Step 3: Open the circuit breaker. Each circuit has three positions: ON, OFF, and a center position.
  • Step 4: Located the circuit breaker in the center position (if any).
  • Step 5: turn switch OFF then back to ON
  • Step 6: Wait a few minutes and make sure the circuit breaker stays in the ON position. If it does not, contact your Property Manager via the 24/7 tenant portal at https://alfanopropertymanagement.com/tenant-portal/

Oh No a Leak!? What To Do

If you have a leak in your toilet, sink, washer, or tub your first step should be to turn off the water valve closest to the source. Second step should be to notify your property manager right away by submitting an online maintenance request and giving him/her a call.

  • Toilets: Look underneath or behind the toilet to find the water valve to the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise until it is shut. Do no force the valve if it is stuck to avoid breaking the valve or pipe.
  • Sink: Look underneath the sink, inside the cabinet. You will see two sets of valves (hot and cold). Turn the valves clockwise to shut them off. Same with toilet valves, if stuck do not force.
  • Clothes Washer: Look behind the clothes washer, you may have to pull away from the wall to get access to space behind washer. You should see the hot and cold water valves, if so, turn them off by rotating clockwise. Same as above, if stuck in place, do not force.
  • Bathtub: Depending on the type of leak, turning the bathtub faucet may stop the leak. If it does not, please notify your property manager right away.

Unreported or repaired leaks can lead to extensive (and avoidable) property damage, as well as very high water/sewer bills. Please make sure to report any and all leaks to your property manager right away. The online tenant portal is accessible 24/7 here: https://alfanopropertymanagement.com/tenant-portal/