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Tips & Tricks for Matchbox Tenants

How do I make sure my sump pump is working?

Sump pumps are installed to remove water from low lying areas in the event of heavy rains or flooding.  If they are not working, these areas will take in water, which can cause extensive damage to the residence.

Sump pumps should never be unplugged, even when not in use. Please check with your portfolio manager – you can email them directly, or through your portal – prior to unplugging any major devices/appliances in your residence.

If heavy rains or flooding is expected, please take steps to ensure that the sump pump is operating properly.

  1. Confirm that the pump is plugged in
  2. Check for debris in the area of the pump – leaves, trash, or other general debris can clog the pump and prevent it from removing water effectively
  3. Make sure that the discharge pipe, which will be located on the exterior of the residence, is clear of debris and undamaged. A broken or clogged discharge pipe can cause water to flow back into the home rather than sending it outside properly.

See the following video for how to test that your sump pump – Testing Sump Pump Float Switch

If you are not sure if your property has a sump pump, please see the list of Matchbox properties below, or reach out to your portfolio manager.

  • 55 E Grattan St; 130-1, 130-1A, 130-2, 130-2A, 130-3, & 130-4 Campbell Street; 161 W Wolfe St; 157 W Market St; 167 W Market St; 237 W Market St; 253 W Market St; 281 W Market St; 230 N High St; 304-1 & 304-2 N High Street; 473-1 & 2, 473-3 & 4, 473-5, & 473-6 S Mason St; 547-1, 547-2, 547-3, & 547-4 Layman Ave; 801 N Main St; 795 Port Republic Rd

For tips for dealing with torrential rain see the infographic, or the information below.

    1. Before the Storm
      1. If you live in an area where there is potential to have water rise, move your vehicle to higher ground.
      2. Remove debris from outside drains.
      3. Remove any outside items that could be blown or washed away.
      4. If your house a sump pump, be sure it is plugged in and drains are not clogged
    2. During the Storm
      1. Take pictures and/or videos of where the water is coming in.
      2. Turn in a work order and attach your pictures so maintenance can remedy the issue after the rain has stopped.
      3. Use towels and buckets to clean up water and protect the property.
    3. After the Storm
      1. Use a piece of tape or paper to indicate where the water was coming in.
      2. Report any damage on personal property to your Renter’s Insurance.
      3. Communicate with your Property Manager and watch the status of your work order through your Tenant Portal
    4. Emergency
      1. If water intrusion is threatening the structure or your safety, always call 911.
      2. The Answering Service may not be able to dispatch anyone to your location. Typically, Matchbox cannot fix issues in torrential rains; creating the work order is the proper step.
    5. Informational Sites
      1. National Weather Service
      2. Local Weather
      3. Ready.gov

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