Unit owners are responsible for checks and inspections of appliances and operating features of equipment within their units. Residents who have questions or need assistance, should contact the Building & Grounds committee.
The following are items that need checks/inspections:
Gas and water emergency shutoff valves are located in the balcony water-heater closets. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THESE SHUTOFF VALVES IN YOUR WATER-HEATER CLOSET. Every unit's closet has shutoff valves for that unit. First floor units have a master water shutoff valve that shutsoff the water to all units in the tier.
Be aware of how to shut them off in an emergency. If water is leaking
in your unit or in a unit above yours, acting quickly can avoid major water
damage to your unit and to others.
Make it a habit to turn off the main water valve to your unit along with
the water-heater circuit breaker when you know you will be away for several
days or weeks.
Follow the maintenance instructions on the yellow tag attached to the water heater. At least once a year, lift and release the lever handle on the pressure/temperature valve on top of the water heater. Drain sediment from the tank (valve at bottom) monthly. Have contractor inspect the anode as indicated on the yellow tag.
Do NOT store flammable material in the water-heater closet.
If you need instructions or guidance regarding these procedures, please contact your Condo Board or Building and Grounds Committee to set up a familiarization session.
Have a contractor inspect washer hoses and dryer vent pipe every year or so. Water hoses can fail and lint build-up in vent pipe can be a fire hazard and/or reduce performance of your dryer. Washer/dryer assembly must be carefully lifted out of closet for access to hoses and certain repairs. The plastic catch pan under the washer is there to catch water in the event of leakage and must be intact and unbroken to do its job.
Replace air filters (monthly or as needed). In Bldg B, replace battery in thermostat if furnace fails to start. Do not store flammable materials in the furnace closet. Have a contractor inspect the furnace/air conditioner periodically (annual inspection recommended).
Replace "back-up" batteries annually. Ask a neighbor for help if you are unable to replace the battery yourself. Purchase a ladder yourself (or collectively with some neighbors) to safely manage changing batteries or hard-to-reach light bulbs. Or use smoke-detector-battery-replacement services advertised in the Heritage Horn. Consider the "ultra-life" lithium 9-volt batteries that can last up to 4 times longer than ordinary alkaline batteries and 10 times longer than carbon-zinc batteries, but be aware that some of these special batteries are physically bigger than a standard alkaline battery and may not fit a given smoke detector.
Test smoke detectors monthly by pushing the Test button. Gently vacuum the outside of your smoke detectors monthly to remove dust and cobwebs. Replace detectors when they reach ten years of age.
Note that original smoke detectors are 110 volt models with battery backup.
Further, these wired smoke detectors are interconnected such that when one
goes off in a unit, they all go off. Replacment smoke detectors should be
compatible in design.
Note that smoke detectors often have routines where they chirp periodically
to warn of certain conditions; such as a week battery or other condition.
Detectors have Test and, usually Hush, buttons on them. Depending on what
you push or disturb, you may trigger such a warning chirp. For example,
on one Kidde smoke detector model used in our condos, pushing the Hush button
causes the detector to have reduced sensitivity for 7 minutes during which
period the detector chirps every 45 seconds. (The solution here is when
testing, just push the Test button and let the detector shut off by itself.)
Detectors often have detailed instructions on their backside and often come
loose from the ceiling by twisting counter-clockwise.
Only covered, electric grills are permitted. Charcoal and propane grills and cook stoves are prohibited.
Become familiar with the electric panel in your unit so you can disconect the power, when required, to any appliance; such as the hot water heater, washer/dryer, furnace, or electric stove. If a breaker is "thrown" (no lights to one or more rooms) move the breaker to the left, then to the right to reset; if the breaker trips again, call an electrician.
The outlets in kitchen and bath and on your balcony that have a rectangular cutout in their wall plate are Ground Fault Interrupter outlets. Periodically check their operation. Push Test button to test -- outlet should shut off. Push Reset to reset.
Check that your windows are completely closed and latched. If you feel drafts, hear wind howling, or have an excessively cold room on cold days, check your windows as follows: Inspect the latch mechanism to verify that the latch on the lower sash engages the cutout in the tab on the upper sash when you turn the latch lever to the latched position. Try to open the lower sash without unlatching the window; if it opens, the latches are not properly engaged.
To properly latch a window, open the latches, push the upper sash all the way up (you can use a broom handle to push up on the lip at the top of the upper window), close the lower sash, and close the latches, being carefull that the upper sash does not slide back down as you in the process.
It seems simple but five of six stairwell windows in Building A and windows in at least 2 units were found not to be latched.
Units in building A have an installed Pest Control System that can be serviced from a box on the wall of the water-heater closet. Visit the Home Team web site for description of the system. For service, call the 703-393-1234.
Are electrical extension cords in good condition? And suitable for the use in question?
Are electrical extension cords kept from being stretched across heavily traveled areas of your home?
Are electrical outlets checked regularly for overloading?
Are open flames such as candles kept away from walls, curtains, and combustibles?
Is an approved fire extinguisher kept in a convenient location?
Do you have emergency phone numbers -- police, fire, doctor, utilities -- handy by the phone?
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