Changing kitchen lightbulb

Turn off the light. Unclip the diffuser (if it has one) and then grip one end of the tube and push towards the other end which will release it from the connectors. Measure the tube and wattage to buy a replacement. Follow the same instructions to replace the tube.

Changing bathroom lightbulb

Turn off the light and remove the cover with a screwdriver, there are usually two or three screws depending upon the make and model of the fitting. Once the cover has been removed the lamp (bulb) can be removed by carefully pinching the plastic clip near the centre of the lamp. Once the lamp has been removed the new lamp can be inserted into the holder. Some fittings may also have a starter which is located in the base plate. This will be visible when the cover is removed. Below is a picture of the base plate from a bathroom fitting, this is what you will see when you remove the cover and the starter would protrude through the large round hole near the bottom. If the new lamp fails to work and a starter is present then the starter should also be replaced.

Bleeding radiators

If you notice that a radiator is cool at the top this may indicate that there is air in the system. This is common, particularly in systems that have been newly commissioned. To release the air, first turn off the heating and allow the system to cool. Attach the radiator key to the bleed valve and turn it anticlockwise. Open the valve with care – it can come out completely. Open it just enough to hear the hiss of the air escaping. Hold a cloth under the bleed valve to catch any water when the last of the air is released. When the water comes out, close the bleed valve. If you do not have a radiator key, they are available from DIY or hardware stores. 

Blocked toilet

Is a common household repair which you may be able to resolve yourself. First you would need a Plunger, if you haven’t got a plunger you can pick one up from most DIY of hardware stores. Lift the toilet seat and press the rubber end of the plunger into the toilet and start moving up and down until the blockage has cleared and the water is gone. Place a small piece of toilet paper in the toilet and flush to make sure the blockage is clear. Check the base of the toilet to make sure there aren’t any leaks.

Unblock a sink

Check under the sink to and make sure all pipes are capped and there aren’t any leaks. Place a cloth or a bowl underneath the sink to catch any water. You will need a plunger, if you do not have one you can pick them up in most DIY and hardware stores. If you have an overflow on the sink make sure you cover with a cloth. Place the plunger over the plug hole and gently move up and down. The best way to check if the blockage is clear is to fill the sink up half way and see if the water goes down normally. Common causes for blockages include hair, fat, food and oil.

How to prevent damp and mould

Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and bathing and drying clothes indoors can cause condensation. As a responsible landlord Opendoor Homes has installed air vents to minimise condensation in your home. We have a few simple steps to reduce condensation and prevent damp and mould.

  1. Stop excess moisture building.
  • Put lids on pans when cooking
  • Close doors behind you when you’re washing or drying clothes.
  • Avoid drying clothes on radiators, use a clothes horse and open windows to vent the room
  • Wipe all excess moisture as soon as you notice.
  1. Ventilate your home
  • Open your windows regularly
  • Keep vents clear
  • Ventilate home after cooking, showers and before moisture starts to settle
  1. Keep your home warm
  • Fitting draft excluders may reduce the cost of your fuel bills
  • Having a warmer house will prevent condensation
  • If you do not have heating in every room open the doors to allow the heat to circulate, except bathrooms and kitchens where the doors should remain closed

There are other causes of damp and mould such as.

  • Leaking internal and external pipes
  • Rising damp- caused by moisture rising from the floor to the walls
  • Penetrating damp- caused by a fault in the structure allowing for rain water to penetrate.

Treating existing mould

Wipe down mould with a specialist mould spray, this can be found in most supermarkets and hardware stores. Do not rub or vacuum as it can cause a risk of breathing problems. After mould has been treated you can redecorate using a good fungicide paint that you can find in most DIY or hardware stores.