Helpful tips on how to solve common problems
There is often a quick and easy solution to a problem that may be causing you concern. If this still exists after trying our suggestions, please contact the Customer Service Team.
Inside your home
Cupboard door loose in kitchen
This is to be expected as you use the units. You can realign the doors by adjusting the screws.
Black marks appearing on the gas fire
This is a build up of soot and is a sign that your fire needs to be serviced.
Draught coming from gas fire
This is normal and is to ensure adequate ventilation. Please do not place anything over the fire as this could be dangerous.
Mould appearing in fitted wardrobes
Please ensure that you do not place too many items in your wardrobe as air must circulate freely to prevent damp. You can clean this mould using a diluted bleach solution.
Toilet seat becomes loose
This is to be expected with normal usage. Tightening of the screws at the back of the seat will resolve this.
Smoke alarm keeps beeping
It is possible that dust is in the sensor. A light hoovering of the alarm should solve the problem. Alternatively, replace the battery and reset.
Floorboards are creaking
Please take care when fitting carpets, especially to stair treads. Minor creaking is to be expected in a new home due to shrinkage.
Minor cracks appearing on walls
Minor cracks are to be expected in a new home and can be rectified with filler during decoration. For excessive cracks, please contact us.
Heavy furniture
This can permanently mark new carpets and flooring and should be moved regularly. Leaving an ice-cube to melt in carpet indentations can help to restore the pile.
Electrics have cut out
This is often caused by an appliance or a bulb with too high a wattage overpowering the system. Initially, check that the appliance where accessible is plugged in and switched to the ’on’ position, then check your trip switch, ensuring that the switch is back to its proper position. The power should be restored.
Heating
Boiler
Please maintain your boiler annually. If you experience problems with your boiler, please have this checked by the manufacturer.
Radiator not heating up
Ensure the room thermostat and the radiator valve are at the correct setting. Please do not bleed radiators as this may lead to your system requiring re-balancing. If you experience difficulties, please consult a heating engineer.
Radiator leaking
Be careful when vacuuming that you do not knock the radiator pipe (this is the most common cause of leaking radiators). If the leak is not due to this, please call us.
If your boiler is noisy
It is likely that a new part is required. The boiler will be safe to use (just noisy - please do not worry - in the unlikely event that the boiler was to become dangerous, it would shut itself down).
Water-based problems/leaks
Water appearing under the sink
Firstly, please check your dishwasher and washing machine connections.
Water appearing on a ground floor ceiling
This may be due to a leak from a bathroom above. Please check that the sealant around the shower or bath is intact.
Leak when the bath is used
If you remove the bath panel, this will enable you to see where the leak is coming from. You may need to reseal and regrout or tighten up the waste connection which can work loose.
Water not draining away
Try removing any hair from the shower tray or bath by using a blockage removing product.
Taps dripping
The washer in the tap may need changed. Refer to your Warranty Provider Guide for further details.
After turning the hot tap on the pressure drops
This is part of the system and can be rectified by turning the tap again.
External
Flaking paint on external windows
External paintwork needs painted regularly to prevent flaking.
White marks appear on the brickwork
This is due to efflorescence (natural salt coming to the surface). This can be removed with brushing and will disappear over time.
Gutter overflowing
The gutter has become blocked with debris and should be cleaned.
Driveway has water collecting on it
If this persists in dry conditions, please call us and we will investigate this for you.
Burglar alarm keeps going off
Press the reset button and refer to your manual.
Top ten tips for saving energy
Research has shown that our daily activities impact on the environment around us. The following points are a few helpful tips that highlight the fact that by making small changes to our daily living habits, we can help decrease the impact on the environment around us as well as help to reduce our household bills.
- Install energy efficient light bulbs as they use about a quarter of the electricity and last 8 - 15 times longer (Source: The National Energy Foundation).
- Switch off light and electrical appliances when they are not in use.
- Turn down the thermostat by 1 degree and save 10% on your heating bill.
- Don’t leave the heating on when windows are open.
- When replacing appliances do it with energy efficiency models.
- Using 40 degree wash rather than a 60 degree wash means that you use a third less electricity.
- Defrost fridges and freezers regularly. Don’t leave the door open longer than is necessary, and let food cool down before putting it in the fridge.
- Reduce waste and recycle as much as possible.
- Only boil as much water as needed when making a cup of tea/coffee, ensuring that the element is covered.
- Opt for a shower when possible as a bath uses approx 80 litres whereas a shower uses on average 30 litres. This saves time, energy and water.
As well as reducing the environmental impact the financial benefits to making these small changes makes sense. The average household can cut at least £100 per year off their bills without losing either warmth or comfort by simply using energy efficiently and effectively.