Heating and Boiler
- Leave the heating on low (15 degrees) if you are going away, even for a few days.
- If the boiler goes off first check that there is power to the boiler. Check the wall socket and if switched on, check the consumer board to make sure all the switches are on, if not turn them back on. Now try the boiler again.
- Check that the pressure gauge is between 1 and 1.5; if it has dropped carefully use the water valve to adjust the pressure; turning the valve off once it has reached the desired level. Then try again.
- If that doesn’t work, first try the reset button. If this doesn’t work, turn the boiler off at the socket and then turn it on again.
- If after all these checks the boiler still isn’t working, give your property manager a ring who will arrange for a gas engineer to attend.
- Boiler not working in freezing temperatures? If your boiler has stopped working in freezing temperatures, then there is a good chance that your condensate pipe has frozen. Luckily, this isn't a big problem, and it can be easily resolved yourself without the need for an engineer.
- If part of your condensate pipework is outside and does freeze during a prolonged period of very cold weather, you might hear a gurgling noise coming from the boiler and if your boiler has a digital display, you may see an ‘EA’ error code too. There’s no need to worry if your condensate pipe freezes. You can usually thaw it safely without the need to call an installer or engineer. Look for an outdoor pipe, it’s usually white plastic, connected to your boiler. If safe to do so, pour warm water, not boiling, along the pipe. Reset your boiler once it has been defrosted and all should be working normally.
Damp and condensation
- Keep the property heated and ventilated. If condensation appears on windows or walls wipe it away as soon as it appears. If you have window lights leave them slightly ajar to prevent condensation. If mould marks appear on the walls wipe them down with a mild solution of bleach.
- If you dry clothes inside the property, make sure that the heating is on, and a window is slightly open.
Radiators
- If the radiators are not getting hot, you will need to bleed them with a radiator key, making sure you have a cloth to prevent any water dripping onto the floor below. Radiator keys can be bought at hardware shops or online at very little cost.
Stopcock
- Ensure you know where the stopcock is located so the mains’ water can be turned off if the pipes burst.
by Shirley Green, Property Manager at Ashington Page