Tenants Tips
Basic Works Guide
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Lack of heating/hot water:
If you have a combi boiler and suddenly find yourself without heating or hot water, you may just need to top up the pressure in the boiler. This is a simple task that does not require a heating engineer.
How to top up boiler pressure:
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Make sure the boiler is switched off and the system is cool.
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The hose will have a valve at both ends – make sure both ends of the hose are securely attached to both valves.
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The valves can be opened either by tap handles, or by using a flat headed screwdriver.
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Open both valves to allow the cold mains water into the system.
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You should hear water filling the system.
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Keep an eye on the pressure gauge until it reaches 1.5 to 2 bar, then close off both valves, one after the other.
How to video:
To reset a boiler:
Locate the make and model number of your boiler you may be able to find specific instructions on your unit using google.
Bleeding a radiator:
This requires a specific key such as this: Using an old cloth or towel to prevent spillage, turn the key slowly to open the valve and release any air. Once water starts to escape, close the valve. Radiator valve keys are easily available from any large supermarket/DIY store/online
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Changing a lightbulb:
1. GU10 - these are available from any large supermarket, electrical or DIY store for minimal cost. To remove, push the bulb up and twist simultaneously.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USvLN6EDLk4
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2. Low Voltage Spotlight –Squeeze and remove the retainer clip, this will free the bulb from the fitting and will drop down allowing you to safely pull from the transformer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGLbknXVSPYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D-Ft-YF4yY
3. LED – Screw/unscrew as needed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW2Br1yjwZA
4. Bayonet – Push and twist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBfJZCdfVtk
Smoke alarms:
some smoke alarms are battery powered others are connected to the mains. These should be tested monthly. If the smoke alarm is omitting an intermittent beep, the battery may need to be replaced. Simply unclip/unscrew the facia of the alarm, and replace the battery. These are normally 9V square batteries and are easily available.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuOssn2Btwk
Power cuts:
If you are experiencing a power cut within your flat, please check if the mains switch of the fuse board has tripped.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n9FsVTJL1o
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If this has no effect, please check the building/neighbours if there is a more widespread power cut. If this is the case then there is likely a notional grid issue and you will need to be patient to allow the power to come back on. If you have internet access via mobile device, you can check the status using this link:
https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/list
If an RCD/Circuit Breaker trips instantly please double check appliance/outlet (kettle, toaster etc), unplug each and rest the mains switch. Plug each appliance back in and try again. If it repeatedly trips, there may be a faulty appliance/outlet.
Water cut:
Please check with Thames Water using the below link for any localised disruption to water services, using the link below:
https://inyourarea.thameswater.co.uk/No-water
Please also check the stop cock if this has been closed. If there are no reports and your neighbours still have running water, a plumber will be required for further investigation.
Washing machine: If your washing machine is not cleaning properly or locked shut, the filter may need to be cleaned. The filter is normally located at bottom right corner on the front of the machine. Simply unscrew, remove and clean as required. Please ensure you have a cloth as there may be a small amount of water spillage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v4QQcceoH0
Dishwasher: If the cleanliness of the dishwasher seems to be regressing, please check that the appliance has sufficient Dishwasher Salt and Rinse Aid. Please top up as required, available from any decent supermarket.
De-frosting a freezer: remove all produce from freezer and turn off power and allow to defrost for 4-6 hours. You may need to scrape some remaining ice away. Please keep a bucket handy to collect the melting ice water.
Please ensure this is kept free of debris, and cleaned regularly. Failure to do so can result in the fridge not reaching its best temperature/best performance.
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Removing plinths: Carefully pull the plinth towards you. Each clip will be attached to the legs of the unit, take care when removing to ensure they do not snap.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mughzpM2TBk
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Hot Water Switches: Before instructing a heating engineer, please ensure that the switches are all powered on, heating switches are most likely located next to your cylinder perhaps in a cupboard. If a switch is fuse spur as per the below picture, and the indicator does not light up the fuse will may to be replaced.
Immersion Heaters: if you have an immersion heater, and your hot water is not working, you can use this temporarily. Please turn it on from the mains switch approximately 20-30 mins before needed, to allow time to heat up. Please turn it off immediately after use to avoid burning out the stat/element. This uses a high amount of electricity so prolonged use will result in higher bills.
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