Helpful Maintenance Tips & How-To Guides

Troubleshooting Common Apartment Issues at King & Queen Apartments

Living in a professionally managed apartment community in Downtown Williamsburg means most maintenance concerns are handled quickly by management. However, some minor issues can often be resolved easily with a simple reset or adjustment.

This page provides practical troubleshooting tips for residents of King & Queen Apartments near the College of William & Mary.

If an issue cannot be resolved using the guidance below, please submit an Online Maintenance Request.

Toilets

If Your Toilet Is Clogged

  1. Insert a plunger at a slight angle, fully covering the drain.
  2. Plunge firmly and steadily.
  3. Repeat if necessary.

If the clog does not clear, contact management.

Reminder: Only flush toilet paper and human waste.
Do not flush wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or debris.

If Your Toilet Is Constantly Running

  1. Locate the water shut-off valve beneath the tank.
  2. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the water.
  3. Contact management.

A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water, so shutting it off promptly helps conserve water and prevent high utility costs.

If Water Is Leaking from the Tank

  1. Place a towel behind the toilet to absorb moisture.
  2. Turn off the water supply.
  3. Flush and hold the handle to drain the tank.
  4. Contact management.

Sinks

Dripping Faucet

Contact management for repair.

Constant Stream of Water

  1. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink (hot on left, cold on right).
  2. Turn the appropriate valve clockwise.
  3. Contact management.

Leak Under Sink

Place a bucket or bowl beneath the leak and dry any standing water. Then contact management promptly to prevent damage.

Bathtub & Shower

Faucet Dripping After Use

This may be caused by water trapped in the diverter. Opening the diverter may release residual water.

If dripping continues, contact management.

Low Water Pressure

Mineral buildup in the showerhead may reduce pressure. Contact management for service.

Ceiling Leaks

If you notice water spots or dripping from your ceiling:

  • Contact management immediately.
  • If there is an apartment above yours, notify that resident so they can stop using the affected fixture.

Prompt reporting helps prevent structural damage.

Drain Care

Each apartment includes:

  • Kitchen basket strainer
  • Tub drain hair catcher

Using these consistently helps prevent clogs.

Avoid putting the following down drains:

  • Food, grease, oils, pasta, rice, bones
  • Fibrous materials (celery, onion skins, peels)
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Paper towels or wipes
  • Debris of any kind

Do not use chemical drain cleaners (Drano, Liquid Plumber, etc.). These can damage pipes and cause injury.

If your drain begins to empty slowly, contact management before it worsens.

Clogs caused by misuse may result in service charges.

Electric Range & Oven

All apartments feature electric ranges.

  • A slight odor during first use is normal.
  • If an element does not heat, ensure it is properly seated in the receptacle.
  • If an oven does not heat properly, contact management.
  • If you see sparks, discontinue use immediately and contact management.

Heating System

King & Queen Apartments operates on a central boiler system.

Heating season typically runs mid-October through mid-April.

To operate:

  1. Set SYSTEM to “HEAT”
  2. Set FAN to “AUTO”
  3. Adjust thermostat to desired temperature

Keep windows and doors closed during cold weather.

No Heat?

  • Confirm thermostat is set to HEAT.
  • Confirm set temperature is above room temperature.
  • If the unit runs but does not produce heat, contact management.

Winter Reminder: Keep thermostat above 50°F to prevent pipe freezing during long absences.

Electrical System & Breakers

Each apartment is equipped with an upgraded breaker panel featuring AFCI and GFCI protection.

The breaker box is located in the walk-in closet.

If a Breaker Trips

  1. Turn off or unplug appliances on that circuit.
  2. Locate the breaker that has flipped outward.
  3. Push it firmly back toward the center until it clicks.

Common causes include running multiple high-draw appliances (hair dryer + portable AC, etc.) on the same 15-amp circuit.

If the breaker continues to trip, contact management.

If Power Goes Out

First determine:

  • Is the entire building without power?
    • If yes, contact Dominion Energy at 1-866-366-4357.
  • Is it only your apartment?
    • Check breakers.
    • Check GFCI outlets (kitchen and bathroom).
    • Check light switches controlling wall outlets.

If the issue persists, submit a maintenance request.

Important Electrical Notes

  • Living room and bedroom circuits are 15-amp.
  • Kitchen and bathroom have dedicated 20-amp GFCI circuits.
  • Many wall outlets are controlled by light switches near the entry and bedroom doors.

Avoid overloading circuits with multiple high-draw appliances.

If you see sparks or arcing from any outlet, discontinue use immediately and contact management.

Our Goal

King & Queen Apartments is committed to maintaining clean, well-functioning apartments in Downtown Williamsburg near William & Mary.

These tips are designed to help you resolve minor issues quickly and confidently. When in doubt, we are here to help.

Submit an Online Maintenance Request anytime you need assistance.