Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide
This guide may assist you to deal with the problem yourself or direct you to course of action that should be taken.

Gas – smell gas?
Electrical issue?
Water issue?
Heating issue?
Gas cooker/hob issue?
Problem with Washing Machine?
Problem with Fridge/freezer?
Lighting issue?
Problem with a lock?
Pest infestations?
Problem with damp/mould?

Gas
Smell Gas?
If you can smell gas turn off the gas supply at the meter, open window/s and ventilate the area Immediately call National Grid on 0800 111 999.
No gas supply?
Do you have a pre-payment meter? If so check that there credit on it?
Is the meter turned on?
Check with your neighbours it may be a local problem in your street, area? Check with your gas supplier.
If your gas supplier is unable to assist you please report to Parks Properties.
Back to the top
Electrical issue?
No electricity in your property?
Do you have a pre-payment meter? If so is there credit on it?
Check the fuse board that the power is switched on.
Check with your neighbours it may be a local problem in your street, area? Check with your electric supplier.
Back to the top

Water issue?
There is no water supply to your property?
Check with your neighbours it may be a local problem in your street, area. Check with Thames Water on 0845 920 800.
If your water supplier is unable to assist please report to Parks Properties.
Leaks/burst pipes?
If you have a burst water pipe or leak in your property immediately isolate the water either at the main stop-cock or at an isolation valve, where appropriate to prevent further damage. An isolation valve is a small quarter turn screw valve in the pipe work which allows you to shut off the water nearest to the point of the leak rather than throughout the entire property to isolate a faulty appliance, fitting or pipe work.
If your leak is the result of a neighbouring property please alert the occupants to that property immediately in order to isolate the leak. Report it to Parks Properties and we will send a maintenance operative to assess any damage and arrange for any repairs.
A leak from sink or bath?
If you have a leak coming from beneath the bath or sink it may be the waste pipe. Be careful not to remove or loosen the screw in the plug hole which connects the waste pipe when trying to clear a blockage. Report the leak to Parks Properties and do not use the sink or bath concerned until the repair has been carried out.
Blocked sink or bath?
If this has been blocked it is usually the result of food scraps, fat, soap, hair that has caused the blockage and is down to the tenant to remove. Blockages can usually be cleared with caustic soda (follow manufacturer’s instructions) if this does not clear the blockage you should make your own arrangements for a contractor to clear it.
If you reside in a house or a ground floor apartment please check the gulley that the sink drains into is not blocked this is usually located outside the kitchen in the garden, outside space. This can prevent the sink from draining and can become blocked by leafs, general litter. If the gulley is blocked Parks Properties may charge you for unblocking it.
If you live in a property of multiple residences occasionally the gulley’s or the main stack to the block may be blocked and it may be necessary for the landlord/freeholder to arrange for it to be cleared. Please contact Parks Properties and they will advise situation.
Blockages and odours can easily be avoided by simply – scraping plates clear of food into the bin before putting in the sink, not putting fat down the sink. We suggest that you use bleach (follow manufacturers guidelines) to clean the waste pipes on a regular basis which will also combat odours.
If after attempting to clear the blockage yourself still remains blocked please report to Parks Properties we will then arrange for a contractor to attend. Please note that if the blockage is due to above issues you may be liable for the costs. Please advise contractor if you have used caustic solution.

Toilet issues?
If your toilet is blocked and the water is not draining away please make reasonable attempts to clear it. If you are unable to clear it please report it to Parks Properties DO NOT continue to use until repair has been carried out. Parks Properties will attend if the toilet or sewer is blocked, however if it is found that inappropriate items have been flushed down the toilet please note that you may be liable for the costs incurred.
If your toilet will not flush please report to Parks Properties. This should not be reported as an emergency you can if the cistern has a ball valve with access from the top of the toilet, lift the lid and hook the ball valve. This should flush the bowl and as a temporary solution can be used until a repair is carried out. You can alternatively flush a bucket of water down the pan and this will flush the contents away.
Water temperature issues?
If you have a ‘combi’ boiler you should have access to constant hot water if not other type of boilers the water stored once used will need approximately half an hour to reheat water when it has depleted and the water timer must be set ‘on’.
Shower issue?
When you report to Parks Properties that your shower is not working if you can please give us as much detail as possible, if it is leaking, where the leak is, what type of shower it is i.e. electric, or mixer tap shower fitting etc if possible provide us with a photo.
If the water pressure is low it may need decaling you can remove the shower head and leave in a decaling product overnight and restore.
Check that the hose leading to the shower head is not leaking/split.
Electric showers the water will heat on demand in winter months you may need to adjust temperature this may affect the pressure. If you are residing in a multiple block of flats, at peak usage times the pressure may reduce. This also may be a local problem if you check with neighbours and report to Thames Water.
Back to the top

Heating issue?
Your heating is usually dictated by a thermostat so if you are still receiving hot water please check the following – Check your thermostat is not set too low as it will not come on – it should be set at between 18 and 21 degrees. Your radiators may have individual thermostats please check each one to ensure they are on.
If you put clothes/towels etc on the radiators this may cause them to stop temporarily working remove all items and then check your thermostat.
If the radiator is not hot at the top only at the bottom it may need ‘bleeding’ if it is a pressurised heating system it may need further attention please report to Parks Properties .
Back to the top

Gas cooker/hob issue?
The most common cause of problems experienced with a gas cooker/hob is due to the appliance not being kept clean which will result in the grease clogging up the burners and the ignition spark unable to light.
Back to the top

Problem with Washing Machine?
Make sure that appliance is plugged into the mains. Many problems with washing machines can be avoided if they are regularly maintained and this will also stop odours.
Clean the soap drawer, washing machine door seal. Once a month do a ‘empty cycle’ a boil wash with no items in the washing machine or detergent and add a cup of washing soda crystals in the empty drum this will dissolve mould and soap scum.
Do not overload the washing machine and always check that all pockets of clothes are empty.
Usually the filter found at the front of the machine to the bottom under the door this should be regularly checked and cleaned.
Always make sure the wash cycle has been completed before opening the doors do not make any attempt to force before the cycle has finished.
Back to the top

Problem with Fridge/freezer?
Make sure that the appliance is plugged into the mains. Check the fuse and the bulbs. Thermostat should be set either at 3 or 4. Check that the seal on the door is working correctly and it is closing properly, the seal may need cleaning.
If there is a build up of ice, defrost as this may be the cause of the freezer not working properly.
Check that the drain situated inside the back of the fridge is kept clean and clear of any food items.
Back to the top

Lighting issue?
Please note that tenants are responsible for the replacement of all light bulbs within the property. Ensure that you use the correct bulbs for the fittings. If a light is not working and the bulb has been replaced this may be a result of the fuse board tripping. If the light still does not work please report to Parks Properties.
Back to the top

Problem with a lock?
If a door lock has become difficult to use spray with WD40 on the lock if it still is proving difficult use please report to Parks Properties.
.
Back to the top

Pest infestations?
It is important that your remove rubbish from the property on a daily basis and keep any outside spaces clear of rubbish. Keep all perishable foods in sealed containers on high shelves. Always wash up after meals and keep all work surfaces and floors clean. If you spot any pest infestations report to Parks Properties.
Back to the top

Problem with damp/mould?
If a black mildew appears on walls/ceilings this is usually caused by condensation. Make sure that you are ventilating your rooms adequately. If heating is being turned on and off for short periods of time at very high temperatures this may also lead to high moisture content in the air.
Washing being left on radiators will increase the moisture in the air and be the cause
Check if you have a fan in your bathroom or kitchen that it is clean and working properly, if it is faulty please report to Parks Properties.

Prevention tips
Turn the heating down to 19 to 20 degrees and leave on for longer periods of time this will not cost any more.
Hang washing on dryers instead of radiators and if possible use tumble dryer instead. Do not leave sauce pans with boiling water without lids and use kitchen /cooker extractor if possible.
Keep bathroom and kitchen doors shuts during cooking and bathing.
Check all window vents and extractors are clean and in working condition so moisture can escape.
Avoid locating furniture close to outside walls.
If you do experience a build up of mildew this can be removed by washing off with diluted bleach.
If you continue to experience problems with mould after these precautions have been taken please contact Parks Properties.

Back to the top