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Troubleshooting Guides

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Lighting
Intermediate
Occupancy Controls / Lighting Sensors

Occupancy sensor turns lights off with people present or leaves them on when empty — sensitivity and time-delay tuning

Symptom: Lights shut off while people are still in the room (forcing occupants to wave their arms), or lights stay on long after a space is vacated, or lights won't turn on when someone enters.

30-45 minutes 3 tools 1 parts
Mechanical
Beginner
Sump Pump

Sump pump discharge frozen — winterization and prevention

Symptom: Sump pump activates but water does not exit building — discharge line frozen at exterior. Pump may shut off on thermal overload from blocked discharge. Water backing up in pit.

30-60 min 3 tools 2 parts
Other
Beginner
Refrigerator

Refrigerator water dispenser not working

Symptom: Water dispenser button or paddle pressed — no water or very slow trickle. Ice dispenser may still work.

20-30 min 2 tools 2 parts
HVAC
Beginner
air conditioning

AC Condensate Drain Clog — Clearing Procedure

Symptom: Water dripping from ceiling near air handler, standing water in drain pan, or AC shut off by float switch

20–30 minutes 2 tools 1 parts
Plumbing
Intermediate
Faucets

Outdoor hose bib — drips, leaks, or won't shut off

Symptom: Outdoor hose bib (sillcock) drips from spout when handle is off, leaks around the stem when on, or handle won't close fully.

20-45 min 2 tools 3 parts
Plumbing
Intermediate
Faucets

Faucet makes noise — hammering, squealing, or chattering

Symptom: Faucet makes noise during use: squealing or whistling when open, hammering/banging when shut off quickly, or chattering or vibrating sound during flow.

15-30 min 2 tools 1 parts
Plumbing
Beginner
Faucets

Under-sink supply line leaking — connection or line replacement

Symptom: Water found dripping or pooling under sink. Originating from flexible supply lines connecting shut-off valve to faucet inlet. May stain cabinet floor.

20-30 min 2 tools 1 parts
Plumbing
Intermediate
Water Pressure

Water hammer — banging pipes when fixtures shut off

Symptom: Loud banging or thudding in walls when faucet is turned off quickly, toilet stops filling, or washing machine solenoid closes. Sound is a single loud bang, not rattling.

20-40 min 1 tools 1 parts
Plumbing
Beginner
Supply Line

Sink faucet supply line dripping — replace flexible riser

Symptom: Dripping water under the sink from the flexible supply lines connecting shut-off valves to faucet. May be at either the shut-off end or the faucet end.

20-30 min 4 tools 1 parts
Plumbing
Beginner
Supply Line

Toilet supply line leaking or spraying — replace braided supply hose

Symptom: Water leaking from the flexible supply line connecting toilet shut-off valve to tank. May be slow drip at fittings or sudden burst if hose failed.

15-30 min 4 tools 1 parts
Plumbing
Beginner
Hose Bib

Hose bib leaking at handle or won't shut off completely

Symptom: Water dripping or running continuously from hose bib even when handle is turned fully off. Or water leaking around the handle stem when bib is open.

20-30 minutes 1 tools 1 parts
Other
Beginner
Dryer

Dryer not drying clothes — takes multiple cycles

Symptom: Clothes are still damp after a full dryer cycle. Dryer runs warm but clothes require 2 or more cycles to dry. Dryer exterior may be very hot to the touch.

30-45 minutes 1 tools 1 parts
Other
Beginner
Pool / Spa Equipment

Pool filter pressure too high — backwash and media inspection

Symptom: Filter pressure gauge reading 8-10 PSI above normal clean starting pressure. Reduced flow from return jets. Pump working harder than usual.

20-30 min 2 tools 2 parts
Refrigeration
Beginner
Refrigerator

Refrigerator water dispenser not working

Symptom: Water dispenser button or paddle pressed — no water or very slow trickle. Ice dispenser may still work.

20-30 min 2 tools 2 parts
Doors & Hardware
Beginner
Storm Door

Storm door drags or rubs

Symptom: Door drags, rubs, or feels out of square

15-45 minutes 3 tools 2 parts
Roofing
Beginner
Gutter System

Gutters overflow during rain

Symptom: Gutters overflow during normal rain

15-45 minutes 6 tools 2 parts