Unit2Rent Tenant Care & Maintenance Guide
Welcome to your Unit2Rent cabin. This guide explains how to care for your unit, prevent maintenance issues, and understand how your wastewater system works.
Following these guidelines will help you get the best from your unit and reduce the risk of maintenance problems.
Contents
Important: Stop Using Water During Power Cuts
Preventing Mould and Condensation
Understanding Your Macerator Pump
Preventing Macerator Pump Blockages
Signs Your Macerator Pump May Not Be Working Properly
Ranchslider and Window Track Maintenance
General Unit Care
Regular cleaning and ventilation will help keep your unit comfortable and prevent moisture problems.
General Tips:
- Remove rubbish regularly to reduce the risk of insects, rats, and mice.
- Open windows whenever possible to allow fresh air circulation.
- Let sunlight into the unit where possible to help reduce mould and mildew.
- Avoid drying laundry indoors if possible.
- Keep mattresses off the floor to improve airflow.
Important: Stop Using Water During Power Cuts
If you have a power cut or your macerator pump is not working, stop using water immediately.
Remember, all wastewater that leaves the unit goes through the macerator pump. This includes:
- Kitchen sink
- Shower
- Bathroom sink
- Toilet
If water continues to be used while the pump has no power, wastewater can back up and flood the unit. If your unit still has power but the pump is not operating correctly, contact Unit2Rent immediately.
Kitchen Care
Prevent drain blockages
Everything that goes down your kitchen sink eventually passes through the macerator pump, so it is important to be careful about what enters the drains.
Never put the following down sinks or drains:
- Fat or grease
- Cooking oils
- Food scraps
- Paper towels
- Wipes
- Hair
- Dental floss
- Cotton balls
- Newspaper or similar materials
Instead:
- Scrape plates into the rubbish before washing
- Collect fats and oils in a container and dispose of them once cooled
Reduce moisture
- Open windows while cooking to reduce steam and condensation
- Wipe up water spills promptly
- Do not throw food or fat out the kitchen window, as it can collect along the side of the unit.
Bathroom Care
Reduce moisture and mould
Bathrooms create significant moisture, which can quickly lead to mould growth if not managed properly.
- Always turn the bathroom light on while showering, as this activates the extractor fan
- Open the bathroom window slightly while showering, if possible
- Wipe down glass showers after use to reduce soap residue and mould buildup
- Clean showers, sinks, toilets, and floors regularly
- Products such as Exit Mould can help remove mould from corners and seals
Keep drains clear
Regularly remove hair and debris from shower waste traps to prevent blockages.
Preventing Mould & Condensation
Mould can affect both your health and your unit.
Possible effects include:
- Allergies
- Eye and skin irritation
- Aggravation of respiratory conditions
To reduce mould and condensation:
- Wipe condensation off windows and walls immediately
- Keep windows open whenever practical
- Use extractor fans where fitted
- Allow fresh air and sunlight into the unit
- Use a dehumidifier if available
- Avoid unflued gas heaters, which can create excess moisture
If condensation is left untreated, it can cause:
- Damp carpet
- Black spotting on walls and ceilings
- Damage to surfaces and furnishings
Understanding Your Macerator Pump
What is a macerator pump?
Your unit uses a macerator pump to move wastewater to the sewer or septic system.
When you flush the toilet:
- Waste enters the macerator system.
- Rotating blades break the waste down into a slurry.
- The slurry is pumped through small pipes to the wastewater system.
Because transportable units are often located below the main sewer line, the pump is essential for wastewater removal.
Important
All wastewater from your unit passes through the macerator pump, including:
- Toilet waste
- Shower water
- Bathroom sink water
- Kitchen sink water
The pump is usually located behind the toilet, although some units may have external pumps.
Preventing Macerator Pump Blockages
To protect the system:
Only flush:
- Human waste
- Standard toilet paper
Never flush:
- Wipes
- Sanitary products
- Paper towels
- Cotton products
- Non-biodegradable materials
Additional tips:
- Use reasonable amounts of toilet paper
- Clean the toilet regularly
- Watch for signs of leaks or unusual noises
Signs Your Macerator Pump May Not Be Working Properly
Contact Unit2Rent if you notice:
- Bad smells
- Water draining slowly
- Water backing up into the shower
- Leaks
- The motor running continuously
- The pump operating intermittently
If serious issues occur, switch the pump off and contact Unit2Rent.
Drain Blockage Prevention
Weekly Maintenance
Once a week:
- Boil approximately 4 cups of water.
- Pour the hot water down each drain.
- Follow with plenty of cool water.
This helps loosen grease and flush away buildup before blockages form.
Slow Drains
A slow drain is an early warning sign of a blockage.
You can try:
- Using a plunger for about one minute
- Using an enzyme-based drain cleaner
Unit2Rent recommends enzyme cleaners rather than harsh chemical products.
Products containing:
- Lye
- Bleach
- Ammonia
can damage pipes and create dangerous fumes.
Drain Clean Septic Tank Treatment (available from Bunnings and Mitre 10) may help maintain drains and can be used approximately every 6 months.
Ranchslider & Window Track Maintenance
Dirt and mould can build up in ranch slider and window tracks.
Twice yearly:
- Remove and clean the ranch slider track if possible.
- Clean tracks and recesses using water and a cloth.
- Ensure drain holes and weep holes remain clear.
Blocked tracks can trap moisture and potentially cause swelling and expensive damage to walls and surrounding materials.
Exterior & Seasonal Maintenance
To keep the unit in good condition:
- Keep weeds and vegetation away from the unit cladding.
- Ensure rubbish and stored items do not block airflow underneath the unit.
- Keep gutters and spouting free of leaves and debris.
- Wash exterior surfaces at least annually.
- In coastal areas, wash surfaces every 6 months to reduce salt buildup.
Smoke Alarms & Fire Safety
Smoke alarms
Tenants are responsible for maintaining smoke alarms during their tenancy, including replacing batteries where required.
Check alarms regularly and report any faults to Unit2Rent immediately.
Candles and incense
For fire safety reasons:
- Do not burn candles inside the unit
- Do not burn incense inside the unit
Carpet Cleaning & Stain Removal
Liquid spills
- Blot immediately using white paper towels or a microfibre cloth
- Press firmly — do not rub
- Repeat until dry
- If needed, use warm slightly soapy water and continue blotting
Solid spills
- Scrape material gently using a spoon.
- Work from the outside towards the centre.
- Blot as above.
Remember
- Act immediately
- Never rub stains
- Call a professional for difficult stains
📞 For maintenance concerns or advice, contact Unit2Rent on 0800 864 8273.