Get Expert Tenant Maintenance & Repair Services in Belfast
Throughout your tenancy with us at Belvoir Belfast, you’re bound to come across a few slight maintenance issues. Whilst some of them are likely to require the attention of a trained engineer, for the smaller everyday issues refer to our below guides to help you manage your home yourself.
Unblocking A Sink, Drain Or Toilet:
Sinks in the kitchen and bathroom can easily become blocked with food waste or hair. If you notice slow drainage in sinks or showers or the toilet consistently refills high after flushing, unblocking the drains may be necessary.
To prevent significant blockages that may require a plumber, we recommend regularly using domestic drain unblocking chemicals available at supermarkets or hardware stores. Consider investing in a small plunger for minor blockages.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid pouring grease or cooking fat down the sink or drain.
- Remove food waste from plates before rinsing in the sink.
- Do not flush wet wipes, makeup wipes, sanitary towels, or other items down the toilet; dispose of them in a bin.
- Remove excess hair from the plughole after each shower to avoid blockages.
- Note that if a plumber is called for a blockage resulting from tenant negligence, you may be responsible for the invoice!
Checking Your Fuse Box:
If all electric power in the property goes out, one of two things may have occurred:
- There may be a power cut in your area. Check streetlights or your neighbour’s lights, or consult with a neighbour to confirm.
- A fuse may have ‘tripped’ due to a blown lightbulb or fuse in a plug. Locate your fuse box using the inventory, check switches are in the ‘on’ position, and if necessary, flick any switches in the ‘off’ position back on.
If the electrics are off and none of the fuses are flipped ‘off,’ try flicking them all off and on again to troubleshoot the issue.
Replacing A Plug Fuse
If your fuse box trips repeatedly, or always trips when you try to use a certain appliance this may mean that the fuse to that appliance itself needs replacing.
To change the plugs fuse – unplug the appliance, unscrew the plastic casing and remove the fuse. Check its amperage (usually 13A) and replace with a new fuse of the same amperage – these can be purchased from any hardware store. Plug the appliance back in and test it.
Changing A Lightbulb:
- Turn off the power
- Allow the bulb to cool before touching it
- Always reach the bulb safely and ask a friend to help if it requires you standing on a ladder.
- Take the bulb out of the socket – this will depend on the type of bulb.
- Bayonet Mount – this has two prongs which stick out of each side of the base. Hold firmly and push gently upwards into the fitting then turn anticlockwise as far as possible (usually only a quarter round) and then remove.
- Screw Fitting – this type of bulb simply needs to be gently twisted anticlockwise until it is released from the socket.
- Replace the bulb with a new one of the same wattage (never higher!) and fitting type. Take the old one to the shop to make sure you get the correct type or if you’re looking to save money look out for ‘energy efficient’ bulbs.
Bleeding A Radiator:
Sometimes air gets trapped in the heating system or individual radiators, this stops the heating working as efficiently as it should and stops your house getting as warm as it can too!
- Turn the heating on and check each radiator is turned up to hot (usually a small tap on the end of the radiator where the pipes connect it to the wall)
- Find out which radiators need bleeding – you’re looking out for cool spots. (Usually at the tops of radiators when the bottom is hot.)
- Use a flat head screwdriver or radiator bleed key (available at most hardware stores) and turn the valve (located at the top of the radiator) until you hear a hissing noise.
- Keep a cloth underneath with the other hand to catch any escaping liquid.
- As soon as liquid starts to escape, close the valve quickly and tightly.
The radiator should now begin to heat evenly from top to bottom.
Hard Water Areas
Belfast is a predominately hard water area; this means that you are more likely to have lime scale build up on your taps and water-based appliances. Regular cleaning with specific ‘lime scale removing’ cleaning products will help prevent this damaging the appliance or item irreparably.
Don’t forget lime scale also builds up where you might not be able to see it – inside washing machines, or under the water line of your toilet. Make sure you use cleaning products in your washing machine and occasionally run a boil wash, without clothes, to help prevent build up, as well as regularly bleaching your toilet overnight.
ALWAYS READ THE LABELS! These products tend to be heavy duty so make sure you follow the directions and only use it on suitable surfaces and keep yourself safe by ventilating the room well too!
Condensation And Mould:
While more prevalent in older properties, condensation and mould can manifest in any property if not managed correctly. Your actions, or lack thereof, can significantly contribute to either worsening the issues or aiding in their control and risk reduction.
Ventilate – Mould and condensation often become noticeable during colder winter months, coinciding with people closing windows and doors. Aim to open windows slightly each day, especially in high-risk rooms, to promote air circulation.
Heat – In colder months, maintaining constant heating is crucial. This helps to dry out any moisture in the air. Keeping heating on a low setting consistently can also be cost-effective compared to sporadic high bursts.
Clean – Mould and mildew may appear on walls, window sills, or ceilings. Address this promptly; clean it away using mould removal solutions if necessary. Allowing mould to persist can result in stains that require painting over, leading to a more expensive repair.
Think – Various activities contribute to moisture in the air. If you’re not actively addressing this, condensation and mould can harm the property. Indoor activities like drying clothes, cooking, showering, and even breathing release additional moisture into the air.
Condensation and mould build-up are the tenant’s responsibility to manage. If you encounter difficulties, promptly contact the office, as any property damage attributed to this issue could be claimed against you.