Drains
Sink, shower and tub drains with traps need to be cleared of hair, soap and other waste often. Because they are directly linked to the floor drains, a blockage can very quickly cause flooding and extensive damage. Water and waste may flow back onto your floors and then seep through the porous concrete and into the ceiling of the Unit below.
Please take some time regularly to make sure all of your drains are running freely and remain clear.
Do not use commercially prepared caustic products such as Drano or Mr Muscle, as they can dissolve the glue that is used to join the pipes together. Instead, try the drain cleaner recipe found in the Tips for MX Residents in the Information Handbook. If the drains don’t clear, call a plumber.
Fuses – Internal and External
Internal Fuse
You need to know where your internal fuse box is located.
These are generally white, have two plastic doors hinged on each side, about 450mm wide and 300mm high, and placed about 2 metres up on a wall. It may well be located in a wardrobe or cupboard (see the fuse box in the gym for an example of what you are looking for if unsure).
If you have problems with an electrical overload, your fuse box is the first place you need to look to reset the circuit breaker switch. If the problem persists you may need to get an electrician to investigate further.
External Fuse
Apartments have external electrical meters and circuit breakers that are located in the stairwells in locked cupboards. For safety reasons, only the meter readers, Building Manager and Chairperson have a key to gain access when required. If power is lost to your whole apartment, before you call an electrician, contact the Building Manager or Chairperson for assistance. It could possibly save you an unnecessary and costly electrician call out.
Halogen Wall Washer Lights
Halogen wall washers lights with bulbs facing up can overheat with dust build up and reduce the life of the bulb. When the lamp is cool, a quick wipe with a damp cloth will avoid any hot burning smell.
Kitchen Extractor Fan
Hob extractor fan screens can build up with grease and dust and need to be removed and washed regularly with hot soapy water. Push each screen back and pull down to remove from the fan unit. Remove grease and dust (see Tips for MX Residents in the Information Handbook). Reinsert the wall end and push back up to reinstall.
Waste Disposal Unit
A comprehensive description can be found here.
Water Stopcock and Toby Valves
A flood can have serious consequences to you and the Apartment(s) below you.
It is important to know how to turn off the water supply to your Unit should a pipe burst, if you need to fix a tap, etc. Please take the time to locate it and ensure that you can get to it quickly should the need arise.
It is normally found near the hot water cylinder. Test to make sure that you have indeed found your Toby valve by turning it off and checking a tap for the stoppage of water flow.
Montreaux Apartments 