On this page you will find some useful tips on looking after your home.
Condensation is a common form of dampness found in homes. You can recognise condensation by:
What do I do if I have condensation?
If there is condensation in your home there are a number of things you can do:
What not to do
To try and stop condensation there are a number of things you should try and avoid doing:
Heating and hot water can account for a large part of your fuel bill. It also has a negative effect on the environment.
There are lots of things you can do to reduce your heating costs:
Finally, be aware that bar fires and fan heaters use up a lot of electricity.
To prevent a blocked toilet, do not flush sanitary towels or nappies. Put them in the bin instead.
If your toilet does get blocked then follow the instructions below:
If you still cannot unblock your toilet please do not use it again, instead report the repair to us.
Here you will find useful information on what emergency action to take if your pipes freeze or burst. Remember to report the repair to us.
Frozen pipes
In very cold weather, you may want to open the loft hatch to allow heat into the loft and help prevent pipes from freezing.
Burst pipes
If electrical items or wiring are wet do not touch them. Turn off the electricity at the mains.
If water is leaking and making the ceiling bulge, place a bucket under the bulge and pierce a hole to let the water through. This could prevent the ceiling from falling down.
Prevention is the best way to make sure you don't have problems with pests in your home such as insects and mice. There are some simple things you can do:
Ensure
If you have pests in your home you should do one of the following:
Please note that we only deal with pests in shared areas.
Possible types of pests:
Ants - We do not assist with the removal of ants.
You should obtain a suitable insecticide which can be obtained from general stores and garden centres. Always follow the instructions given and keep the insecticide out of the reach of children.
Bats - Bats are a protected species so you should not disturb them. Instead, contact your local Environmental Health Department who will take appropriate action.
Bees and wasps - If you discover a nest you should contact your local Environmental Health Department who will arrange for their removal.
Cockroaches - if you discover you have cockroaches then you should contact your local Environmental Heath Department who will arrange for their removal.
You should test your smoke detector at least every three months and make sure the vents are clear. You should change the battery in your smoke alarm on a regular basis.
If you would like more advice on fire prevention in your home, please contact your local fire brigade.
To reset a trip switch you will need to:
If the switch keeps moving back to the off position then you need to report it to our repairs team who will arrange inspection by an electrician.
Never tamper with the electricity board's fuse and seals.
In the event of a gas leak or flood do not switch on lights or appliances.
To help prevent blockages do not pour fats and grease down the kitchen sink. It is advisable to clean waste pipes with hot water and soda crystals at least once a month.
To clear a blockage: