EMERGENCIES

Emergencies

Ring any or all of the emergency contact numbers until until you get through to someone.  Do not just leave a voicemail.  If you cannot get through to anyone try texting and emailing just in case these are picked up.  Do not just walk away while your house is flooded.

Emergency Contact Numbers

LEYDON LETTINGS OFFICE: 01227 713 913
LEYDON 1 EMERGENCY ONLY: 078 345 404 57
LEYDON 2 EMERGENCY ONLY: 01227 710 345
If you are unable to contact anyone from Leydon Lettings, please use the numbers below in the event of an emergency:
GAS: Tranco 0800 111 999 
ELECTRIC: UK Power Newworks 0800 783 8866
FIRE - AMBULANCE - POLICE: 999
FLOOD: 999 
POLICE: Important but no an emergency 101

Leaks

Occasional leaks (e.g. through ceilings)

This is probably from an appliance like a shower, tap or toilet. Do not use the suspected appliance until Leydon has investigated. Be careful that water is not flowing over the edge of the shower tray or bath. Occasional leaks could also be rain coming in from the roof in which case the roof will need repairing.

Constant leaks - burst pipes

This is very rare, but if it does happen FIRST turn OFF the stop cock (usually located under the kitchen sink), THEN turn ON as many taps in the house as possible to try and reduce the water pressure to minimise the amount of water escaping.

Washer, dryer or dishwasher

Switch the applicance off at the machine and the isolation switch (usually labelled and above the work top). If the leak continues turn the blue and red taps one quarter turn to the off position (these small taps [isolation valves] are in the off position when pointing at a right angle to the pipe on which it is fitted.  Usually the small taps  are accessible under the sink area. Some valves have a handle whilst others have a slot for a screwdriver or small coin to turn on/off).  Try to mop up as much of the water as possible.  You may need to pull the appliance out from the wall to access the taps fitted behind it.

Keys

I have lost my keys

Ask one of your housemates to let you in and contact us in office hours to arrange replacement keys.

Gas,

I can smell gas

If you think you smell gas, get out of the house and call Transco on 0800 111 999. They will advise you on what to do and arrange for someone to come out to your house to inspect.

There is no gas

Check with your neighbours to see if there is a problem in the area. If it is your house only, call Leydon Lettings.

Electricity

There is no electricity

Go to the fuse box in your house (normally under the stairs). If any of the switches are down, push them back up again. If the switches continually trip there is a problem - avoid using the electrics. Check with your neighbours to see if there is a problem in the area IF SO RING THE ELECTRICIY COMPANY:   UK POWER NETWORKS 0800 783 8866  BUT FIRST:

If it is your house only, call Leydon Lettings. 

Fridge / Freezer

If the fridge or freezer fails, avoid opening the door more than necessary.
Keeping the door(s) closed to retain the cold air inside longer.
Most Leydon Lets houses have two fridges and freezers.  Transfer food from the defective, to the working fridge/ freezer for now.
Do not refreeze food after it has thawed out, food poisoning could result!
You can however, cook thawed food and then refreeze after cooking and cooling carefully.
If you do not have a spare unit then if you have a "cool-bag" or ice-packs use these as instructed by manufacturer.  It is worth buying a cool-bag for such emergencies as you can also use it to transport food at the start and end of student academic-years and student-vacations.
If you live near one of our other houses and or are friends with the neighbours you might  ask them for ice cubes to use as a temporary coolant!
Call Leydon Lettings meantime - we will probably order you a new unit.
If you have our insurance policy you should check with your insurer to reclaim the loss of any food.

Blockages

Toilet

Toilets usually become blocked by flushing tampons, sanitary towels, face wipes, cotton buds, and so on. In order to avoid this problem, avoid doing this. If you have already tried solutions suggested in fault finding, please contact Leydon Lettings and we will arrange for plumber.

Baths, showers and sinks

Baths, showers and sinks usually become blocked with hair, fat and food. Try to be very careful not to let these things go down the drain. Usually chemical "drain-hole and plug unblocker", will solve the problem. You can buy this at all supermarkets and Wilkinsons. There are various kinds, but if the water does not drain at all, be sure to use an appropriate product.  Be careful not to burn yourself with acid based products.  Splash backs could result in a burned behind!

Ring Canterbury City Council 01227 862 211 to report the following other important non-emergencies:
Abandoned vehicles
Dog fouling
Graffiti
Fly-tipping / litter
Noise nuisance
Parking (e.g. on yellow lines) - Kent Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111