Maintenance Tips

Chimney Sweep

When the weather begins to change tenants are starting to think about using their fires, we want to ensure the chimney is swept before you begin to use it.

This is to ensure it is kept safe for you and your family throughout the winter months.

During the summer debris could have fallen down the chimney so it is wise to ensure it is clear before use.

As a rule, chimneys in regular use should be swept at least once every 12 months to ensure fire safety at all times.

Our chimney sweeps number is: A Brown and Son 07939871683 , although if you know someone locally then please feel free to use your own.

Run hot water through the sink after each use. Hot water keeps oils in food products running down the drain, rather than building up on the interior surface of pipes, which can make drains sluggish and lead to clogs.

Throw a handful of baking soda into the drain and follow it with hot water. Baking soda is a terrific cleaning agent, and it’s also great for absorbing foul odors and leaving your drain pipes smelling like a rose. Okay, maybe not like a rose, but a lot better than they otherwise would.

Pour 1 cup of bleach down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes; then chase it down with very hot water. bleach is a wonder cleaner. It contains acetic acid, which acts as an excellent solvent in removing buildup of crud in pipes.

If clogging is a regular problem at your property, try pouring 1/2 cup of bleach just before going to bed (to allow the solution to sit overnight, giving it more cleaning horsepower).

Gas Leak

Where can I find my gas isolation valve?

In newer houses, the isolation valve is normally outside with the gas meter - in a meter box. If it's not there, try looking under the stairs, beneath the kitchen sink or in the garage.Turn the handle so the lever is at 90 degrees to the upright gas pipe.

Turning off your gas

Smell gas? Call the Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999

And then, remember to:

Open all your doors and windows to let the gas out and some fresh air in
Don't switch anything electrical on or off
Put out all naked flames. Don't smoke, strike matches or do anything which could make the gas catch fire
If you have any electrical security entry phones or locks, don't use them. Open your doors manually

Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarm Chirping

If a smoke alarm is chirping every 30 seconds consistently, the smoke alarm's battery may need to be replaced.

If you have changed the battery in your chirping smoke detector and it still chirps, you might think your detector is bad. ... With the battery removed, press and hold the test button for 15-20 seconds. Put the new battery back in the detector and restore power to the circuit breaker.

Testing your Smoke Alarm

Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from thesmoke detector while the button is pressed.

Condensation and Mould

Why do you get condensation?

Air can only hold a certain amount of water vapour therefore the warmer it is the

more it can hold. If it is then cooled by contact with cold surfaces such as mirrors,

windows and walls the water vapour turns into water droplets, which creates

condensation. All homes need ventilating i.e. opening a window, if there is a

central heating system in place.

When is it a problem?

Every home at some point will get condensation, it usually happens when moisture such as having a

bath and steam are produced, when a main meal is being cooked and when your clothes are being

washed. It often occurs in bedroom, if its been a cold night and there is not a lot you can do about

this. However, if you feel its something that happens too often then please read on for more

advice…..

How do you know if it is condensation?

Condensation is usually found on north-facing walls and in corners in cupboards and under work

surfaces, usually where there is little air movement. You should check for leaks under sinks, check

pipes and overflows. Checking outside is important too as the gutter might have a crack or pipes

may be leaking. All of these repairs can be reported to us on 01869 249499. If you are

living in a new or recently modernised property, you should take into consideration that it may not

have dried out from building materials that have been used. This can take 9-18 months. You may

need to use more heat during the 9-18 months.

What can you do about it?

1. Cupboards and wardrobes - Don’t overfill cupboards and wardrobes , always make sure that some air can circulate freely by fitting ventilators in doors and leaving space at the back of the shelves.

2. Doors - Keep kitchen and bathroom doors shut, particularly when cooking, washing or bathing, otherwise water vapour will spread right through the house and condensation will probably reach other rooms.

3. Extractor fans - always use the extractor fan when you’re cooking, showering or bathing.

4 Reduce the amount of moisture produced in the first place by keeping lids on pans when cooking, drying clothes outside when possible, and if you use a tumble dryer, making sure it’s vented to the outside.

5. Ventilate so the moist air leaves the house – leave any window vents open, and don’t block off any other vents.

6. While you don’t want to waste money heating rooms you don’t use, very cold rooms are more likely to get damp and mould. Set the thermostatic radiator valve to 1 in unused rooms so the radiator gives out a little bit of heat whenever you have the heating on. If you don’t have central heating, consider using a room heater with a timer and temperature control. Remember, unused rooms will need a good airing from time to time.

7. Wipe down your windows every morning as each person roughly breathes about 330mL of moisture into the air over night.

Mould Growth

If you have mould growth, the chances are that it is a result of condensation. It is important that you remove mould by washing down affected areas with a bleach type solution or a mould removal solution (available from most supermarkets) as untreated mould will spread.

The only permanent cure is to reduce the amount of condensation.

Cold Weather And Your Heating

Many of you called us with frozen pipes, so we want to help prevent this from happening so you don’t end up without hot water or heating.

Have a look at your boiler and then check the exterior of the property where the boiler is situated. If you have external pipework, particularly lengthy then you are possibly more at risk of freezing pipes (take a look at the attached pictures). By insulating these pipes you will reduce the likelihood of this happening. If you think your boiler has external condensate pipes then send us a picture and we can advise you further.

We would also advise you to keep the heating on a low setting if you are planning on going away for more than a day or two. This will prevent pipes bursting in your absence which could result in costly damage to the property.

General advice is to keep heating on a low setting rather than turning it up high and then turning it off again. This is more energy efficient and will not put as much pressure on your boiler.

If you are unsure then please contact us (if in a Managed property) or your Landlord for advice on your property.