Teething Troubles

When you first move in you may experience a few teething troubles.

Because we, as agent and landlord, do not live in the property, not all faults are apparent to us upon inspection. Most problems are easily solved, while others will need Leydon Lettings’ attention.

Below is a brief list of the things you may be able to resolve quickly for yourselves.

Washing Machine

Do you have an Ariston washer/dyer?

To re-set an Ariston washing machine:
1. Switch off the machine at the socket and disconnect the plug.
2. Position the dial to any of the main cycle ‘dots’ at the beginning of a cycle (not in between).
3. Leave unplugged for 60 seconds.
4. Put the plug back in the socket and switch on again.
If the problem persists, email [email protected] with a description of the problem and the make and model of the machine.
Leydon will then instruct an engineer to attend.

Is it turned on?

If your washer/dryer or dishwasher is not working, check that the switch above the worktop is not switched off. If it is switched on it is always worth turning it off, leaving it for a couple of minutes and turning it on again.
 

Hot Water / Heating Doesn't Work

Boiler Pressure

Ensure that there is sufficient pressure on the boiler pressure gauge.

How to check:

The pressure gauge is located on the boiler.

If the boiler is located in the loft, call Leydon Lettings to check and repressurise if necessary. However, the boiler is usually situated in the kitchen and within a wall unit.

On the boiler (combination boilers only) there is a pressure gauge. On the gauge you will see a green “fan” – an area which looks like a quarter circle within a semi-circle.

If the indicating needle is within the fan the boiler pressure is set.

If the indicator is low and not within the fan, then the boiler needs repressurising. Please do not do this yourself unless you are competent.

To do this locate the two iso-valves (taps with black plastic lever handles). They are usually found under the boiler and are not immediately apparent.

Read this next text very carefully before you start before proceeding further:

Turn each of the two valve levers so that the levers are “in-line” with the pipe to which they are attached, one at a time. This will open the water supply to fill the system. Whilst opening the second valve (to complete the water connection) you must simultaneously observe the green fan and the position of the needle – the needle will move as the water fills the system, increasing the needle’s position.

The pressure will increase very quickly – in a few seconds only. When the pressure is midway in the fan, turn off the first of the two iso-valves.

Check the needle is still in the correct position and then turn off the second valve. If you overpressurise the boiler it will not work! So you must monitor the pressure gauge closely whilst adjusting the two valves.

On the boiler is a reset button or dial. Press or turn to release this dial and the green light on the boiler will illuminate, the orange light will go out, and the audible sound of the pump and water circulation and the gas igniting confirms the heating / water system is operating properly.

If you are at all unsure of these steps, please call us and we will help.
 

Gas/Power Cut

Check with your neighbours as to whether they are experiencing a similar problem, just in case there is a power or gas cut in your area.
 

Heating Controls

Ensure the hot water/heating control box is switched on either for water, heating or both – an illuminated orange light (where provided) normally indicates on.

The hot water/heating control box is probably located in your upstairs hallway, kitchen, utility cupboard, airing cupboard or landing. For location of heating control box see Leydon Lettings’ webpages for your house on this link; each house has its own separate website enabling you to find all controls.
 

Power Boiler Switch

Ensure the boiler power switch is turned on. This is likely to be located in the hall, landing or kitchen close to the control box. Surprisingly this is not usually on the boiler but on a nearby wall and often looks very similar to a light switch.
 

The dishwasher does not clean the dishes

Dishwashers do need to be kept clean as food debris can become trapped in filters, preventing your dishes from getting as clean as they can.

Add granular salt to the reservoir in your dishwasher once a month. This needs to be salt specifically designed for use in a dishwasher – do NOT use table salt.

Ensure you use dishwasher tablets/powder only. Do NOT use washing up liquid.
 

Thermostat

The thermostat is usually found in the downstairs or upstairs hallways or in the lounge.

Turn the thermostat up or on (usually clockwise if a round dial or if digital via an arrow).

When increasing or decreasing the temperature you may detect a barely audible click. This  means you have just passed the ambient room temperature.

Ensure the thermostat is set above room temperate to ensure the heating comes on.

Below the set room temperature, the heating automatically cuts out.
 

Phone/Broadband not working

Fault in the area

There may be a fault in your area.

To find out go to BT Business, type in your phone number and you should be able to find out whether there is a problem in your area.

If this is the case, you can report it from this page.