Princeton University

Please note that certain services are controlled by Maintenance and others are controlled by Building Services. When calling or emailing regarding a service, please be sure to note the correct contact.

Select service or problem area Air Conditioning Animals Asbestos Bathroom Dispensers Bathroom Fixtures Blinds Bulletin Boards Cabinets and Counters Carpeting and Rugs Complaints Cleaning Services Curtains and Draperies Drains Dumpsters Electric Elevators Equipment Rental Extension Cords Fire Alarms Fire Extinguishers Firewood Floors Floor Cleaning Furniture Cleaning Furniture Repair Gutters and Downspouts Heating Insects Insulation Keys and Locks Kitchen Appliances Laundromats Lawns Lead Paint Lead in Water Leaks Leaves Lights and Lightbulbs Locks Movers Painting Pest Control Princeton University Storage Facility Sanitation Radon Recycling Roads and Sidewalks Roofs and Roof Gutters Screens Shades Shelving Sidewalks Signs Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms Snow and Ice Removal Special Events Services Special Operations Special Requests Sprinkler Systems (Fire Control) Student Storage Supply Warehouse Telephones Trash Trees and Shrubs Vacuuming Vehicle Inspection Water Supply Weather Stripping Windows, Broken or Inoperative Window Cleaning Window Screens Other Requests

Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is provided in many of our buildings. If the air handling system or your existing window AC unit does not seem to be working properly, call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. Because our central air conditioning systems are computer-controlled, cooling may be limited during normal non-usage times. If you plan to use a space during off-hours, you can call the Energy Management Center (EMC) at 609-258-5890 during business hours to request special adjustments.

Animals
See Pest Control

Asbestos
Many of our older buildings do contain asbestos in some form or other. During the course of renovations or major alterations, any existing asbestos or asbestos-containing materials are routinely removed in an environmentally safe manner. If you are concerned about asbestos in your workplace or other building space, you can request an inspection by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. Maintenance will work with the Office of Health and Safety to survey your area. In many cases, these surveys are already on file.

Bathroom Dispensers
Tissue, towel and paper dispensers in restrooms are the responsibility of the Building Services Department. If you have a dispenser problem or need, contact your building janitor, the area Supervisor or call 609-258-3490.

Bathroom Fixtures
Toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs that have a water supply, drainage, or leaking problem should be reported to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. Questions regarding the cleanliness of bathrooms should also be directed to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Blinds
See Curtains & Draperies.

Bulletin Boards
Custom bulletin boards for offices and other appropriate areas can be fabricated by the Carpenters’ Shop, at the expense of the requesting department. If you purchase a ready-made bulletin board, the shop can hang it for you. This is usually a much cheaper alternative. Direct your request to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000

Cabinets and Counters
The Carpenters’ Shop, at the expense of the requesting department, can build custom cabinets, counter tops, and shelving for specific uses and spaces. However, ready-made items will most often be less expensive than custom-built items from our shops. We will be happy to help you arrange for the purchase of ready-made cabinets, shelving, etc. or to provide an estimate for custom items. Make all carpentry arrangements by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Carpeting and Rugs
The Maintenance Department provides and maintains one primary, installed, flooring surface in all spaces. Depending on the construction and use of the space, this surface may be bare concrete, wood, tile, or carpet. Carpets maintained by the Maintenance Department are most often wall-to-wall, and fastened to the building floor. Decorative and loose-laid area rugs are almost always the responsibility of the customer department.

Worn or frayed carpeting and rugs pose a safety hazard which should be corrected. An inspection can be arranged by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000 or by calling Charlie Krank at 609-258-5299. In most cases, worn, installed carpeting will be replaced at no cost to the requesting department.

Area rugs over other types of floor surfaces can be replaced at the expense of the requesting department. In some cases where existing floor surfaces are in poor condition and in need of either resurfacing or replacement, the choice may be made by the Maintenance Department to install carpeting. This may be done at no cost to the requesting department.

Complaints
We all like to think that we perform our jobs well and with a high degree of professionalism. When we fail, though, we want to know about it. If you need to discuss our performance, you can call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Cleaning Services
Vacuuming, dusting, trash pickup and other forms of cleaning are routinely performed by your building's janitorial staff. If you have a special or immediate cleaning request, please contact your Building Services Area supervisor or call the Building Services staff office at 609-258-3490.

Curtains and Draperies
Many of our facilities are provided with curtains, blinds, or pull-down shades as window coverings. As with carpeting, Grounds and Building Maintenance provides and maintains a primary window covering in these spaces, which will vary from room to room. Requests for decorative or additional window coverings beyond that which is already in place will be considered only at the expense of the customer department. If you need service for existing window treatments, please call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. In some cases, if you simply need to have a curtain or shade re-hung because it has fallen, your building janitor may be able to assist you. If your windows do not currently have any type of covering and you wish to investigate the possibilities,call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000 ( shades only ), or call the Maintenance staff office at 609-258-5299.

Drains
All problems with slow or clogged drains in buildings, on patios, or in lower areas should be reported immediately to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. After-hours emergencies should be reported to Public Safety at 609-258-1000.

Dumpsters
The emptying of dumpsters is the responsibility of the Building Services Department. To report overflowing dumpsters or to report problems with the trash disposal service, please call Building Services at 609-258-3490.

Electric
Problems with the electric supply or electrical devices can be dangerous, posing a threat to life and property. Report all electrical malfunctions immediately by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. After-hours emergencies should be reported to Public Safety at 609-258-1000. Minor improvements and alterations can be requested by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center. Depending upon the nature of the alteration, your department may be charged for the work

Elevators
Many of our buildings have elevators of one type or another. They are maintained through a regular program of safety inspections and service. If you note an elevator that does not operate properly, please notify the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Equipment Rental
The Building Services equipment rental service is available to all departments, offices and programs within the University. A fee will be charged, usually on a per item basis. Rental fees include delivery and pick-up of the equipment from one location. The fees cover the rental of an item for up to a one week period of time. Pick-up or delivery on weekends, holidays or after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays will necessitate an overtime labor surcharge.

• Our rental equipment may be rented for University functions only. As a tax-exempt institution, we cannot provide rentals for private parties.
• Equipment needed for more than a week will be rented at a rate equal to one-half the normal fee for each additional week. You may request equipment set-up, breakdown or clean-up services if you so desire. We will provide you with an estimate of an appropriate hourly rate for these services and your department will be billed accordingly.
• All rental equipment becomes the responsibility of the renter for the period of time it is rented. Any items that are broken or lost during the rental period will be charged at the replacement cost.
• A list of Rental Equipment and a Fax Order Form can be accessed by clicking here.

Extension Cords
Extension cords of any type are not permitted for use with office equipment such as computers, lamps, and fans. Multi-plug adapters such as “cube taps” and “octopus plugs” are similarly not permitted. Where an adequate number of receptacles are not readily available, UL listed plug strips are permitted provided that they are no longer than six feet, are equipped with a fuse or circuit breaker, and are plugged into a permanently installed receptacle. Questions regarding the safest method of installing/arranging electrical equipment and appliances should be directed to the Electric Shop by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Fire Alarms
Smoke detectors and fire alarms are maintained in University buildings for your protection and the safeguarding of our buildings and their contents. In conjunction with the Department of Public Safety, the Maintenance Department’s Alarm Shop maintains and routinely tests alarm systems throughout the campus. If you have questions regarding alarms and smoke detectors, please call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. If any of these alarms should be activated, immediately follow established fire alarm procedures as required by Public Safety.

Fire Extinguishers
All fire extinguishers are inspected monthly by janitorial supervisors. Each year, all extinguishers receive annual inspections from a State Certified company. New inspection tags are affixed to each extinguisher every year. Many extinguishers are removed for scheduled hydro-testing. Fire extinguishers are supplied to any department that may have a special need. Building Services works in conjunction with the Princeton University Fire Marshall in determining the need for extinguishers in any building on campus.

Firewood
While our Grounds crews chip most tree cuttings that are under 12", the larger pieces are stockpiled at our wood/stump dumpsite at the West Windsor fields. This site is open during daylight hours for anyone who cares to haul any wood away and use it for firewood. Often, wood may need to be split prior to removal. If our arborists are reasonably certain that someone will remove downed cuttings within 24 hours, they may leave some or all of the cuttings at work sites that are off the main campus to save us the labor of removal.

Floors
The day-to-day upkeep of floors is the responsibility of the Building Services Department. When existing floors become worn and in need of replacement or, if a repair is needed to an existing floor, call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Floor Cleaning
Vacuuming, sweeping, mopping and other forms of floor maintenance are routinely performed by your building's janitorial staff. If you have a special or immediate floor cleaning need, please contact your Building Services Area Supervisor or call the Building Services staff office at 609-258-3490.

Furniture Cleaning
The cleaning of upholstered furniture can be arranged through the Building Services Department by contacting your area's Supervisor or calling the staff office at 609-258-3490. In some cases, antique furniture or furniture with special coverings or surfaces must be cleaned or restored using more careful or delicate methods when this is necessary, the cleaning or restoration must be coordinated with the Office of Physical Planning.

Furniture Repair
Furniture is the responsibility of each customer's department unless it is permanently attached to, or a part of, the building (e.g. window seats, auditorium seating). On a reimbursable basis, and as workloads permit, the Maintenance Department can repair a limited amount of departmental furniture. Other items of furniture may require repair or restoration services from outside the University.

Gutters and Downspouts
See Roofs .

Heating
If you are experiencing problems with inadequate heat or the control of heat in your office or building, please call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. The heating systems in many of our buildings are computer-controlled according to known occupancy schedules. If you plan to use a room during off-hours, you must call the Energy Management Center at 609-258-5890 during working hours to request an adjustment to the normal heating schedule.

Insects
See Pest Control .

Insulation
Questions or problems pertaining to thermal insulation in walls, floors, ceilings and attics, and about weather-stripping around doors and window openings, should be directed to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Keys and Locks
The Grounds and Buildings Maintenance Department’s Locksmiths Shop is the sole provider of extra keys, new locks and keys, and lock changes in the University’s buildings. This control is critical to proper public safety and security. Requests for keys, lock changes, and lock repairs should be directed to the Lock Shop by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. All lock changes must be authorized by the appropriate manager or administrator in your department prior to work being done.

Kitchen Appliances
Repairs in Dorms and Housing units are arranged by calling the Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. For appliances in other locations, please see Furniture Repairs.

Laundromats
Building Services is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of all Undergraduate Laundry Rooms. The laundry rooms are for the express use of University students. All washers and dryers are professionally maintained by a contracted vendor. Each year, all washers and dryers are given thorough inspections and the vents are cleaned. Complaints can be called in at the front office during normal office hours at 609-258-3490 or called in to 609-258-5044 after hours.

Lawns
All members of the University community are urged to help preserve lawns and planting areas by exercising care where they walk, ride, or drive. Lawns and other grounds areas are maintained by the Grounds section of the Maintenance Department. Particular problems with lawns, planting areas, and grounds in general should be directed to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Lead Paint
Many of our older buildings quite commonly contain paint with lead elements in it. Whenever work is scheduled in areas containing such paint, precautions are taken to prevent any of the lead from escaping into the surrounding environment. If you have a particular concern about lead paint, or notice flaking or peeling paint that appears older, you may call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Lead in Water
The University’s water is supplied by the Elizabethtown Water Company, which routinely tests the water in compliance with State and Federal regulations to assure that lead levels are below detectable levels. Due to the age of many of our older buildings, lead solder components were used in the plumbing. Today’s lead content, however, as a result of leaching, has decreased to extremely low levels. Occasional testing has not revealed any detectable levels of lead.

Leaks
Water leaks, if left unrepaired, can cause considerable damage to our rooms and buildings. Leaks of any kind ( plumbing, roofs, windows, etc.) should be quickly reported to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Leaves
Every autumn, Grounds personnel routinely gather and remove fallen leaves throughout the campus. These efforts are carried out according to a plan and schedule developed over the years to maximize the efficiency of the staff and equipment. If there is an immediate problem being caused by an accumulation of leaves, such as flooding or severely clogged gutters and downspouts, please call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Lights and Light bulbs
Burned-out light bulbs that can be reached safely from a 6-foot ladder or with a special extension pole can be changed by your building's janitorial staff. Bulbs in more difficult locations will be changed by the Electricians Shop. Personal lamps are the responsibility of the owner. Although both Grounds and Building Maintenance and Building Services replace bulbs on a routine schedule, there may be a need to replace bulbs off schedule if they are affecting the use of your space. In that case, please contact the Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Locks
See Keys and Locks.

Movers
Building Services provides moving services to all University departments and offices on the main campus and at Forrestal. To enable us to better serve all the departments within the University in a fair and equitable manner, we ask our customers to observe the following procedure when requesting moving services.

Painting
Painting is done on an as-needed basis and is frequently done in conjunction with other planned maintenance, alterations, or upgrades of campus spaces. Because interior painting can be disruptive to normal occupancy activities, large painting jobs are often scheduled for the summer months, holiday and vacation periods, or weekends. Painting can be requested by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. The Office of Physical Planning has established certain color standards for general use throughout the campus buildings. The Painters will coordinate special color requests or painting needs with the Office of Physical Planning.  Every effort is made to paint offices during changes of occupancy, while the office is empty. If you know of an office that will be vacant and should be painted, call the Facilities Customer Service Center. Two weeks prior notice is desired for proper scheduling.

Pest Control
Building Services is responsible for the extermination or removal of insects and small animals. A State Certified Pest Control company is responsible for the actual pest control. All pest complaints should be directed to the Building Services front office at 609-258-3490. Complaints are generally handled within twenty-four hours.

Princeton University Storage Facility
The Princeton University Storage Facility (P.U.S.F.) is located at 755 Alexander Road in West Windsor. The purpose of this facility is to store selected equipment, material and records for which future use exists. Requests for storage space will be initialized through the P.U.S.F. Supervisor via certain request forms. These requests will need to be approved by the Provost’s Office. Getting storage items to and from the P.U.S.F. must be arranged through the P.U.S.F. Supervisor at 609-258-3730. Please see here for the Storage Facilities Policies and Procedures.

• The Surplus Equipment Program will be housed in this facility as well but is operated by the Purchasing Department at 609-258-2347.
• Any questions related to the P.U.S.F. should be directed to the P.U.S.F. supervisor at 609-258-3730.

Sanitation
Building Services Sanitation crew is responsible for the removal of all municipal waste, recyclable material, animal bedding and medical waste from main campus buildings as well as many University residential apartments and Forrestal Campus.

Radon
Over the years, the Engineering Department has tested our buildings for the presence of radon. In those areas where concentrations of radon were detected above minimum levels, proper ventilation was installed to prevent continued accumulation. If you have questions regarding radon, please contact the Engineering Department at 609-258-6681.

Recycling
The University community is committed to and actively supports recycling efforts. The Building Services Department oversees recycling efforts throughout the campus and is responsible for providing and emptying recycling containers and collection areas. Building Services also disseminates official information regarding what materials are to be recycled as part of Princeton University’s recycling program. If you have questions or problems concerning recycling, please call 609-258-8000.

Roads and Sidewalks
The care and maintenance of the campus roads, sidewalks, and plazas is the responsibility of the Grounds Department. Questions or problems should be directed to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Roofs and Roof Gutters
These elements of a building’s architecture are maintained by the Roofing Shop. Problems with roofs, roofing shingles, or loose, clogged or leaking gutters and downspouts should be promptly reported to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Screens
See Window Screens.

Shades
See Curtains & Draperies.

Shelving
See Cabinets and Counters.

Sidewalks
See Roads.

Signs
All campus signs are designed and approved by the Office of Physical Planning. All requests for additional signs, or changes to existing signs (except for name changes), should be directed to the Office of Physical Planning. Repairs to existing signs can be arranged by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
See Fire Alarms.

Snow and Ice Removal
The Maintenance Department’s Grounds personnel are responsible for clearing snow and ice resulting from winter weather. These efforts are performed according to established plans and schedules designed to maximize the efficiency of the staff and equipment while delivering the greatest benefit to the majority of the University community in the shortest time possible. The Building Services janitorial staff assist in this effort by clearing the immediate area in front of building entrances. Particular icing problems that seem to be isolated situations or overlooked can be reported to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.  For further details, see Snow and Ice Removal for Events.

Special Events Services
Meetings, conferences, luncheons, receptions, etc. occur daily throughout the campus. Such events often require special services - equipment rental or set-up, furniture rearranging, special cleaning, restroom attendants. Building Services can assist you with many of these special needs as you plan your department's event. Routine requests for some of these services are best handled by the supervisor or manager responsible for your building. Larger special events requiring a variety of support services such as rental equipment and delivery, special furniture or equipment arrangements and overtime labor should be directed to our special events coordinator or Manager of Special Operations. Several weeks notice is appreciated to allow for proper service. We will be happy to provide you with planning consultations and estimates of equipment and labor costs.

Special Operations
The Building Services Department provides a number of special services beyond the normal janitorial and sanitation activities across the campus. These services include pest control, fire extinguishers and laundromats. In addition, several services require somewhat more detailed discussion. They are: movers, equipment rental, special events services and the Princeton University Storage Facility (P.U.S.F.).

Special Requests
Requests for furniture, cleaning, trash pickup, light bulbs, toilet paper, bunk ladders and rails, etc. should be directed to the Building Services Main Office at 609-258-3490 or the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. Your call will be directed to the appropriate supervisor or manager. We will try to respond to your requests as soon as possible.

Sprinkler Systems (Fire Control)
Installed sprinkler systems are maintained where required by building codes. These systems are routinely tested by the Grounds and Buildings Maintenance Department.

Student Storage
Storage hours during the regular school year are 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. You can gain access to the storage areas by calling the Main Office at 609-258-3490 and we will have someone meet you at the storage area.

• Storage hours during Check-In and Check-Out will be posted.

Supply Warehouse
The Supply Warehouse is located at 130 University Place and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The warehouse primarily stocks cleaning chemicals and supplies for the janitorial staff but is also available to other departments within the University community. Items available include paper towels, rags, window cleaner, mops, brooms and trash liners. Supply requests and information can be obtained by calling the main office number (609-258-3490) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Supplies can also be ordered by filling out the the online Warehouse Order form. Most orders can be ready for pick up within 24 hours. Supplies can be delivered upon request every Wednesday.

Telephones
Questions or problems pertaining to campus telephone service or equipment should be directed to the University’s Telephone Office at 609-258-1200 or 609-258-0017

Trash
Proper disposal of trash is a shared responsibility of everyone in the University community. The Building Services Department performs trash collection services and is responsible for emptying all proper trash receptacles, including dumpsters, compactors and cans. If you have problems or questions relating to trash removal, please call the Building Services staff office at 609-258-3490.

Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs throughout the campus are maintained by the Grounds staff who routinely prune or trim as necessary. Grounds personnel also remove dead or fallen branches as part of normal maintenance and following severe weather. If you are aware of an urgent problem or a situation where there is imminent danger from falling tree limbs, please report the problem to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Vacuuming
See Floor Cleaning.

Vehicle Inspection
If your department is considering the purchase of a used motor vehicle from a non-University source, Grounds and Building Maintenance’s garage staff will be happy to provide a non-biased opinion after inspecting the vehicle for you prior to purchase. To discuss this service or to arrange a routine vehicle maintenance agreement, please call the Garage at 609-258-5033.

Water Supply
If you are experiencing a problem with either the quantity or quality of the water supply in your building, please call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000.

Weather Stripping
See Insulation.

Windows, Broken or Inoperative
Broken or inoperative windows should be reported to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. When you call, please indicate whether or not the broken window is an urgent safety or security threat. This will effect the Work Order Priority assigned to your problem. Windows that are only cracked and pose no danger to personnel are handled on a deferred basis.

Window Cleaning
Window cleaning can be arranged through the Building Services Department by contacting your Area Supervisor. Minor, interior window cleaning can be accomplished by your building's janitorial staff.

Window Screens
Certain buildings throughout the campus are provided with window screens. This is usually dependent upon the types of windows that were originally installed in your building. If your building has window screens, and you are in need of either repairs to or a replacement of a screen, you may make a request for service by calling the Facilities Customer Service Center at 609-258-8000. If your building does not have screens, then in most cases, no screens can be provided.