Plumbing Care & Best Practices
Plumbing issues are one of the most common causes of property damage and tenant frustration. While our team is here to handle mechanical failures, many common plumbing problems—such as clogs and leaks—are preventable through proper use and regular monitoring. Follow this guide to keep your home’s plumbing in top shape and avoid potential service fees.
The “No-Flush” Rule: Protecting Your Pipes
According to your lease agreement, the only items that should ever be flushed down a toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Flushing anything else can lead to immediate backups and damage to the sewer lines.
Never flush the following items:
- Wipes of any kind (including those labeled “flushable” or “biodegradable”)
- Sanitary napkins and other feminine hygiene products
- Diapers and baby wipes
- Dental floss, cotton swabs, and paper towels
- Refuse, plastic, or hair
If a plumbing backup is caused by any of the items listed above, the cost of the repair will be the responsibility of the tenant.
Kitchen Sink & Garbage Disposal Care
The kitchen sink is often a source of major clogs, usually caused by grease or improper disposal use. To keep your kitchen running smoothly:
- No Grease or Oil: Never pour grease, oil, or fats down any drain. They solidify in the pipes and cause massive blockages.
- Run Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the garbage disposal to help solidify any grease and flush waste properly.
- Disposal “Don’ts”: Avoid putting fibrous items (celery, onion skins), starches (pasta, rice, potato peels), or coffee grounds down the disposal. These items expand or wrap around blades, leading to clogs.
- Dishwasher Connection: Most dishwashers drain through the disposal. Always run your disposal for 30 seconds before starting a dishwasher cycle to ensure the drain path is clear.
Emergency Preparedness: Know Your Shut-Offs
In the event of a leak or a burst pipe, every second counts. It is a requirement for all residents to know the location of the following water shut-off valves:
- Fixture Shut-Offs: Located under every sink and behind every toilet. Turning these clockwise or pushing if a plastic knob will stop water to that specific fixture.
- Washer/Dryer Outlets: Valves are located behind or beside the washing machine. These should be turned off if you are leaving the home for more than a few days.
- The Main Water Shut-Off: Usually located on the front or side of the house. This valve shuts off water to the entire property and should be used in the event of a major pipe burst or flooding.
Water Softeners & Filtration Systems
If your home is equipped with a water softener, its use is required to protect the plumbing from mineral buildup. To maintain the system:
- Check Salt Levels: Check the salt container every few months and add softener salt as needed (available at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.).
- Monitor the Drain: Ensure the drain tube remains directed into the appropriate exterior or interior drain area.
- Refrigerator Filters: If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, you are responsible for replacing the water filter approximately every 6 months or when the alert light appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my sink is draining slowly? Stop using the sink immediately to prevent an overflow. Check the garbage disposal for a jam and ensure the sink strainer is clear of debris. Do not use harsh chemical drain cleaners as they can damage the pipes.
How do I report a leak? All maintenance requests, including leaky faucets or running toilets, must be submitted through the Resident Portal. For active flooding, call our Emergency Maintenance Line at 813-625-9595 (Option 9) immediately.
What if I have a private pool? Residents with private pools are responsible for maintaining the water level at the mid-skimmer level. Failure to do so can cause the pump to burn out, which is a tenant-reimbursable repair.
When to Submit a Maintenance Request
Please report any visible moisture, musty odors, or discoloration of baseboards and walls immediately. Small leaks can quickly turn into mold or structural damage if left unaddressed.
Service Fee Warning: Per your lease, tenants are responsible for the expense of service calls deemed “unwarranted” or caused by tenant misuse, such as flushing prohibited items, failing to clean a disposal, or failing to replace a battery. Please troubleshoot using this guide before requesting a technician.
