Home maintenance

To help keep your boiler running smoothly:

• Keep the area around your boiler clear
• Allow access for your annual gas safety check when invited
• Check your boiler pressure against the manufacturer's instructions if you notice a problem
• Report leaks, faults or unusual noises as soon as possible

Never remove your boiler cover or try to repair it yourself.

A few simple changes can help keep your home warm and reduce energy use:

• Use your heating timer and thermostat to control your heating
• Close curtains at night to help keep warmth inside
• Keep furniture away from radiators
• Close internal doors to keep warmth in the rooms you're using
• Use draught excluders where needed
• Keep vents clear to allow air to circulate

• Turning your thermostat down by 1°C can save around £90 a year on heating. 

If your heating or hot water isn't working properly, try these simple checks:

• Make sure your gas or electricity supply is working
• Check that your heating and thermostat are switched on
• Make sure your heating timer is set correctly
• Check that your radiator valves are open
• Look for error messages on your boiler
• Check the boiler pressure against the manufacturer's instructions

If you have no heating or hot water, notice a leak or unusual noises, or the problem continues, report a repair.

To help reduce condensation:

• Open windows when cooking or bathing
• Use extractor fans where available
• Wipe away condensation from windows
• Avoid drying clothes on radiators
• Leave a small gap between furniture and external walls
• Keep your home heated during colder weather

Damp, mould and condensation can affect your health and your home.

Find out what to do if you're experiencing problems with damp, mould and condensation.

If you notice a leak in your home, acting quickly can help prevent further damage:

• Turn off your water supply at the stop tap if it's safe to do so
• Move belongings away from the water where possible
• Keep away from electrical sockets and appliances that may be wet
• Use a bucket or towels to catch small leaks if it's safe
• Report the leak to us as soon as possible

If water is escaping quickly or causing serious damage, contact us immediately.

Your stop tap controls the water coming into your home. Here's how to turn it off:

• Find your stop tap, usually under the kitchen sink
• Turn it clockwise to stop the water
• Check that the water has stopped running
• Don't force the stop tap if it's stuck
• Contact us if you can't find it or turn it off

You can also watch our short video to help find your stop tap.

If water isn't draining away, try these simple steps:

• Remove any hair or waste you can safely reach
• Try using a plunger to clear the blockage
• Don't pour fat, grease or food waste down the sink
• Use a plughole cover to catch hair and other waste
• Report the problem if the water still won't drain

Avoid using strong drain-cleaning chemicals.

If your toilet is blocked, won't flush or keeps running, try these simple checks:

• Don't flush again if the water is rising
• Try using a toilet plunger if it's blocked
• Check that the flush button or handle isn't stuck
• Check whether your water supply is working

If the problem continues, report a repair. Tell us straight away if your toilet is overflowing or you have no other working toilet.

A few simple checks can help keep your home safe and warm:

• Check your heating is working before winter starts
• Find out where your stop tap is in case you need to turn off the water
• Keep your home warm to help stop pipes freezing
• Report any leaks, draughts or heating problems as soon as possible

If you think a pipe has frozen, here's what to do:

• Turn off your water at the stop tap if you can
• Open the affected tap to release pressure
• Gently warm the pipe with a warm towel if you can reach it safely
• Never use a naked flame or boiling water to thaw a pipe

Report a repair if you can't get your water running again or notice a leak.

If a pipe bursts, act quickly to help prevent water damage:

• Turn off your water at the stop tap if it's safe
• Keep away from wet electrical sockets and appliances
• Move your belongings away from the water
• Use buckets or towels to catch the water if it's safe

Report an emergency repair immediately.

Let us know if you have no heating during very cold weather or anyone in your home needs extra support so we can help.

If your heating stops working, you can try these simple checks:

• Make sure your gas or electricity supply is working
• Check that your heating and thermostat are switched on
• Check your heating timer is set correctly
• Look for any error messages on your boiler

If your heating still isn't working, report a repair as soon as possible.