PEST CONTROL
You are responsible for dealing with pest problems in your home. You should contact your local Council’s pest control or Environmental Health Department and ask for their advice.
If you come across pests in shared areas, such as bin stores or closes, contact us as soon as possible to allow this to be investigated.
To discourage pests, always put food waste in the appropriate outdoor bins.
PEST CONTROL
PEST CONTROL
PEST CONTROL
KEEP YOUR HOUSE WARM
To prevent burst pipes, try to keep your property reasonably warm day and night.
Remember: Although our properties are well insulated, pipes can still freeze in low or sub-zero temperatures. Regular heating of your home is the most effective protection against cold weather.
AVOID BURST PIPES
Ensure you know where your stop valve is. This is normally located close to where the water supply enters your property.
In our flats, the emergency isolation valves are sometimes located in the common close. These valves enable the water supply to be turned off to a flat in the event of access not being available.
A special key is needed to operate some valves. In this case, contact us on 0800 068 1466.
WHAT TO DO IF A PIPE BURSTS
Open all taps to drain the system and switch off the electricity supply at the mains if water is likely to come into contact with electrical wiring or fittings. If the electricity supply has been affected, contact us on 0800 068 1466.
Turn off the water at the stop valve.
Turn off central heating systems or water heaters.
If the ceiling starts to bulge, pierce the plaster to allow the water through.
Collect water coming through the ceiling in buckets.
Warn neighbours who could be affected.
DRYING OUT
If your pipes have burst there are a number of measures that should be taken to help dry out your home. It is essential that thorough drying out takes place before redecorating, otherwise new finishes will be damaged.
Leave windows, doors and internal doors (including any cupboard doors) open to ventilate the affected area. Remember to ensure your home is secure.
Keep affected rooms heated, but do not over-heat as this could result in further damage.
Store damaged contents in a dry place – your insurer may wish to inspect them to validate a claim.
IF YOUR PROPERTY IN UNOCCUPIED
If you are going away overnight or longer it is best to leave your heating on to maintain a reasonable temperature. If you have a pre-payment gas or electric meter, make sure there is enough credit to heat your home while you are away.
If you are going away for a few days, it is a good idea to leave keys with a relative or a trusted friend / neighbour.
Make sure someone knows how to contact you or the person who has access to your home in the event of an emergency. Ask someone to visit every day you are away to allow burst pipes to be identified as soon as possible and minimise the extent of damage.
DAMPNESS, CONDENSATION AND MOULD
Generally, dampness can be reduced or avoided by:
- Not allowing your home to become excessively hot.
- Using the timer facility on the programmer to heat the property gradually.
- Not using bottled gas or paraffin heaters – they are not permitted by the Association.
- Leaving bedroom windows open slightly at night to reduce the build-up of condensation.
- Keeping trickle vents open at all times.
- Avoiding drying clothes in confined spaces or over radiators.
- Opening windows when using a clothes horse.
- Leaving space between walls and furniture and appliances to allow a free flow of air.
If black mould appears on walls and woodwork wash them with a mould cleaner available from hardware shops. If the dampness or mould comes back please contact us as soon as possible on 0800 068 1466.
USEFUL CONTACTS
In the event of an emergency involving the mains supply of electricity and gas, Scottish Water, BT, Roads, etc. use these emergency numbers:
0800 092 9290 – SP Energy Networks faults and emergency line
0800 111 999 – Gas emergency service
0800 0778 778 – Scottish Water emergency helpline
0800 023 2023 – British Telecom fault reporting
0345 724 0000 – East Ayrshire Road Alliance street lighting faults
01294 310 000 – North Ayrshire Council street lighting faults
0800 068 1466 – Dumfries & Galloway roads and street lighting (unadopted)
03033 333 000 – Dumfries and Galloway roads (adopted)
You will be updated on the existing gas and electric suppliers when you move in. Once you move into the property, you should contact the supplier to provide meter readings. You can choose to change your supplier.
0333 202 9802 – British Gas
0808 164 1088 – Octopus Energy
0345 270 0700 – Scottish Power
0808 501 5200 – E-on
0345 207 2000 – Utilita
0345 206 8999 – Utilita Emergency (off-supply)
0330 303 5063 – OVO
0330 102 7517 – Boost Energy
0345 070 7373 – SSE
0330 101 0300 – To find out electric supplier at property (MPAS)
0800 912 1700 – To find gas supplier at property (SGN)
When phoning electricity and/or gas suppliers, it may be useful to provide the meter reference numbers. These numbers are unique to your property and will help in dealing with any enquiries.
ENERGY CONSUMER UNIT
The electricity meter and main switches consumer unit, together with MCBs/RCDs, are located in a cupboard within your home. Please make sure that you know where they are located. When you move in, please take time to understand the operation of the consumer unit.
SWITCHING THE ELECTRICITY OFF
The electricity supply to your home can be switched off by using the large power switch to the side of the consumer unit. When this switch is set to the ‘OFF’ position, all lighting and power to your home will be disconnected.