Troubleshoot

Sometimes, problems in your home may only require a simple solution. An example of such is immediately stopping a leak by shutting off the main water valve in your home to avoid damage to your home and potentially damaging your neighbor’s home as well. Once the main water has been shut off within your home, you can contact a repair service. Simple understanding of where your water valve is located can avoid damage to your home and potential damage to your community. Your Homeowner Maintenance Manual contains detailed information regarding troubleshooting items within your home. We now offer an online PDF of troubleshooting ideas by clicking here.
In case of an emergency, please contact your community’s HOA management company’s 24 hour emergency call number.

 

Plumbing

If a water main breaks or a major plumbing leak develops, turn off the main water valve.

If you notice a leak under a sink or toilet, turn off the water to the fixture by using the shutoff valves located under or behind the unit. Arrange for repair service.

If a toilet becomes clogged, turn off the water to the fixture. Follow the procedures outlined in the Homeowner Maintenance manual.

If you notice a leak in the tub or shower, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve and arrange for repair service. Do not use the shower or tub until service can be provided.

If you notice water spots (darkened areas) on your walls or ceilings, you may have a water leak. Determine the source of water if possible and take steps to prevent further damage. If the leak can be traced to one location (one toilet, sink, or tub), turn off the water to that fixture. Contact the Community HOA Management Company. If the leak cannot be isolated, turn off the main water service.

If you notice water dripping from the PVC pipe coming out of the overhang, there could be a problem with the air handler in your attic. Call for service immediately.

 

Electrical

If a complete power outage occurs, look to see if your neighbors have electrical power. If the power is off in your community, call the electric company to report the outage. If the outage is limited to your home, inspect all circuit breakers, including the main breaker. If a breaker appears damaged, leave it off and submit a warranty service request. If the breakers are not damaged, turn them all off and then back on again, one at a time.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: If your main circuit breaker trips or is turned off, wait 2- 3 minutes before turning it on. Then, restore power to the other circuits, one by one. This avoids overloading the system.

If you notice sparks or smell burning, find the location of the odor or sparks. If an appliance for a short in the cord or other problem and unplug it. If this is not the problem, shut off the problem circuit and call the electrical subcontractor listed on your Emergency Sticker.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Immediately call the fire department if there is any possibility of a fire.

If there is not power in a bathroom or the kitchen, these locations may be connected to a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFCI) device designed to interrupt the flow of electricity, thus preventing electrical injury or damage. Locate the nearest GFCI outlet. If the reset button has been tripped, unplug the appliance, and then press the reset button to restore power. If power is not restored, determine if the circuit is being overloaded. Two hair dryers or other appliances being used on one circuit could cause the breaker to trip. Defective appliances can trip a GFCI when they will not trip a standard breaker. Rarely will a GFCI be too sensitive and require replacement. Contact the Customer Service Department if you have questions about the GFCI outlets in your home.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not use power tools, refrigerators, freezers, or appliances in GFCI outlets. Do not plug an appliance with a separate transformer or an item with a timing device into GFCI outlets.

If there is no power to an electrical outlet, make sure that the outlet is not controlled by a wall switch that may be turned off. The outlet will be turned upside down compared to the other outlets in the home. Once this is determined, inspect the circuit breakers and reset any that are in the 'off' position.

If a luminous light fixture does not work, make sure all bulbs are installed properly. Adjust any tubes that are flickering or buzzing. Check wall switches and circuit breakers.

 

Heating And Air Conditioning

If the heating system is not working properly, make sure the thermostat is set to a temperature higher than the room air. The thermostat is turned to the 'heat' position, and the circuit breaker is in the on position. See the 'Construction Standards' section for information on the heating and air conditioning system in your home. If you are unable to isolate the problem, call Skandia Construction's Customer Service Department.

If your air conditioning unit shuts down or will not start, make sure the thermostat is set to a temperature that is cooler than the room air. Then, turn the air conditioner off at the thermostat and inspect the circuit breaker. If the breaker is tripped, reset it to restore power to the unit.