Updates From the Buildings & Grounds Committee Spring 2023
Spring is here, so we’re sharing some updates about our lawn repair, exterior water faucets, irrigation system and water leak prevention.
Lawn Repair
Villani Landshapers has scheduled for May 9 and 10 the repair work for the sod displaced by snow removal last winter. The displaced sod will be removed, the bare areas reseeded and top soil and straw matting will then be applied.
Repair of lawns in other common areas will begin in late June or early July. Once this is complete, the irrigation system will be turned on. Waiting until June or late July to begin irrigation will also help reduce costs.
Exterior Water Faucets
These will be turned after May 15. Once turned on, feel free to use the water.
Irrigation System
At the recommendation of SCI Real Estate, Inc., we’re contracting with DJ’s Lawn Irrigation Service to inspect and maintain our irrigation system. The change was made due to our previous contractor announcing a significant increase in its hourly rates.
Our irrigation system will be inspected in May, and needed repairs will be made in preparation to meet the property’s irrigation needs this season.
Water Leak Prevention
Significant water leaks occurred this past winter due to the failure of water lines within several units.
We’re all responsible for ensuring that the water lines within our units are kept in good working order. Water lines include those connected to our sinks, washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, toilets, furnaces and hot water heaters.
Water lines coming from our furnaces and hot water heaters are supposed to be running into your utility room drain. If those lines aren’t properly inserted into the drain, water will leak onto the floor.
Please have all of your water lines inspected by a reputable plumber who is licensed and insured, and replace those that are original to your unit or that show any signs of deterioration.
Furnaces, Air Conditioners & Hot Water Heaters
Furnaces and air conditioners pose an additional risk due to the condensation created within your furnace by the operation of the air conditioner. The condensation collects in a drip pan within your furnace and normally flows from the drip pan into the drain line. If that line becomes plugged, the water over-flows the drip plan and collects on the floor beneath the furnace.
Hot water heaters that are 10 or more years old also carry an additional risk. Rust around the top or the bottom is a sign that it could fail at any time.
Regular Inspection & Maintenance
We’re all responsible for ensuring that all of our appliances are in good working order. Regular inspection and maintenance of these appliances is necessary. It will help keep them operating correctly, alert you to the need to have them replaced when needed and prevent you from having to pay for costly repairs should one of them fail.
If you’re not having your furnace, air conditioner and hot water heater inspected on an annual basis, now is a good time to start. Contact a reputable contractor who is licensed and insured who can help you evaluate the condition and needs of your appliances.
Contact the Management Office at 414-427-5715 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
OLCA Buildings & Grounds Committee
