At Trusted Property Management Solutions of Houston, we always encourage tenants to try a few simple troubleshooting steps before submitting a maintenance request. It saves time, avoids unnecessary costs, and keeps your home running smoothly.
Here are five of the most common maintenance issues you can often solve yourself.
1. Garbage Disposal Not Working
If your garbage disposal suddenly stops, don’t panic, this one’s almost always easy to fix.
If it’s humming: That means it’s jammed. Turn it off first, then insert the small hex key (usually under the sink) into the slot on the bottom of the unit. Twist it back and forth to free the blades, then try again. If you don't have a key, a wooden spoon or broom handle can often move the blades to dislodge the jam.
If it’s silent: It’s likely tripped. Press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal. If that doesn’t do it, check your kitchen’s breaker panel and reset the circuit.
2. AC Blowing Weakly or Not Cooling Well
In Houston, weak air conditioning feels like an emergency, but often it’s just a dirty air filter.
Replace your AC filter first. A clogged filter blocks airflow and makes your system work harder, leading to poor cooling. Filters should be replaced every 30–60 days, especially during summer. While you’re at it, make sure all vents are open and not blocked by furniture.
3. Power Out in One Room
If you lose power in a single area of your home, it’s almost never a wiring issue. It’s usually a tripped breaker or GFCI outlet.
Check your breaker panel for any switches that look slightly off, flip them all the way off, then back on. If the problem persists, look for GFCI outlets (with reset/test buttons) in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. Press the reset button to restore power.
4. Dishwasher Not Draining
A dishwasher that won’t drain can often be fixed in under a minute.
First, turn on your garbage disposal. Most dishwashers drain through the same line, so a jammed disposal can block it. If that doesn’t work, check the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher for food buildup. Remove and rinse it to restore normal drainage.
5. No Hot Water
If your water suddenly turns cold, start by checking your breaker box to make sure the water heater hasn’t tripped.
For gas heaters, verify that the pilot light is still lit. If only one faucet is affected, it could be a fixture-specific issue rather than a heater problem.
When in Doubt, We’re Here to Help
Taking a moment to troubleshoot small maintenance issues can save time and prevent unnecessary service visits, but you never have to go it alone.
At Trusted Property Management Solutions of Houston, our team is here to help keep your rental home comfortable, efficient, and well cared for.
If you’ve tried these steps and the problem continues, submit a maintenance request or give us a call. We’ll handle it from there.
