Skip to content

Self Help Maintenance

Self-Help Maintenance Guide

Our self-help maintenance tips cover minor issues you may be able to fix yourself or with help from your RA.

Maintenance Emergencies

Call immediately: 812-464-1845

A maintenance emergency is any issue that could harm a person or cause property damage.

  • If you call and it is not an emergency, you will be directed to submit a Fix My Home work order online instead.

Clogged Drains

  • Use a plunger and push firmly several times.
  • For double sinks:
    • Cover the opposite drain with a cup to create a seal before plunging.

Toilet Issues

  • Overflowing or constantly running toilet:
    • Turn off the water supply behind the tank.
    • For overflowing toilets, call812-464-1845 for emergency maintenance.

Important Rules

  • Do not alter or modify plumbing in any way.

Showers

There are two types of shower diverters:

  • Pull-up knob style
  • Pull-down faucet tip style

Low Water Pressure

  • Clean the aerator (small screen on the faucet tip).

Toilets: What You Can Flush

Only flush:

  • Toilet paper

Do not flush:

  • Paper towels or hand towels
  • Tissues (Kleenex)
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • “Flushable” wipes

Important: Flushable wipes do not break down properly and can cause backups.

Additional Rules

  • Do not install a bidet.

Dehumidifiers (Apartments Only)

Set your unit to:

  • Mode: Pump
  • Humidity: 40%

To activate pump mode:

  • Press and hold the Pump button until it beeps.

Proper Use

  • Always run water before turning on the disposal

To Remove Odors

  1. Turn on water
  2. Turn on disposal
  3. Add:
    • 1 cup ice
    • ½ cup vinegar

Do Not Put These in the Disposal

  • Pasta or rice (dry or cooked)
  • Fibrous foods (celery, asparagus, banana peels, corn husks, rhubarb)
  • Bones
  • Nuts or seeds
  • Potato peels
  • Eggshells
  • Coffee grounds
  • Grease
  • Onion layers
  • Non-food items
  • Aquarium rocks

Misuse may result in repair charges.

If You Notice a Foul Smell

  • Pour a few pitchers of hot water into the nearby drain.
  • If needed, add a small amount of bleach.

Common Issues

  • Living room outlet may require the wall switch to be ON.
  • Bathroom outlet may need a reset:
    • Press the red button (GFCI reset).

Important

  • Do not attempt to reset circuit breakers.
  • Call 812-464-1845.

General Information

  • Apartments and residence halls use different HVAC systems.
  • Thermostats or unit controls vary by building.

Residence Halls

  • Cooling uses a chilled water system.
  • When outdoor temperatures drop below 50°F:
    • Cooling is turned off.

If Your Room Is Too Warm

  • Open a window for fresh air.

If Your Room Is Too Cold

  • Submit a work order.

When Leaving for 24+ Hours

  • Winter: set thermostat to 65°F
  • Summer: set thermostat to 75°F

McDonald West, O’Daniel North & South

  • Units will not cool below 68°F, even if set lower.
  • Keep 18 inches of clearance around units.

Tips

  • Do not run at lowest setting for long periods.
  • This can cause condensation and mold.

Seasonal Note

  • Burning smell or light smoke when heat starts is normal.
  • Should stop within ~15 minutes.

If smoke or sparks continue:

  • Turn off unit
  • Call 812-464-1845 Emergency Maintenance

When Leaving for 24+ Hours

  • Winter: heat ON, set to 68°F
  • Summer: AC ON, set to 74°F

McDonald East

  • Switch thermostat to heat to activate furnace.

Seasonal Note

  • Temporary smell when heat starts is normal.
  • Open windows if needed.

When Leaving for 24+ Hours

  • Winter: heat ON, set to 65°F
  • Summer: AC ON, set to 74°F

USI maintenance staff may enter your space for:

  • Repairs
  • Routine maintenance
  • Emergencies
  • Inspections

What to Expect

  • They will knock before entering.
  • All staff will have proper identification.

Connect With
Housing and Residence Life

(812) 468-2000