Tips & Trouble Shooting

Heating issues (back to top)|

Make sure you know how to set the programmer for your heating. If you need help for gas heating, phone IDM on 01274 603 333. For electrical heating, contact the repairs hotline.

Before reporting a fault, check the boiler is on. If not, follow the instructions on the boiler to re-ignite it.

What happens if all my electrics go off? (back to top)|

DO NOT TAKE ANY ACTION UNLESS YOU ARE COMPLETELY CONFIDENT TO DO SO. IF YOU ARE AT ALL UNSURE PLEASE CALL THE REPAIRS HOTLINE ON 0113 285 0404.

Go to your consumer unit and check to see if any trip switches have tripped out. A single trip switch may have been tripped because a faulty electrical appliance was switched on or a light bulb ‘blew’ - the trip switch may be switched back on if the original fault is known to have ‘cleared’.

If the main trip switch has turned itself off you should do the following:

• Turn off all the individual switches. Fuses should not be removed.
• Reset the main switch to the ‘on’ position.
• Reset each individual switch to ‘on’.
• A faulty switch may not stay switched on but you will have restored power to all the other circuits.

What if the consumer unit switches are all in the ‘on’ position, yet there is no electrical power?
If no switches have tripped out, this would suggest an external power failure. Check with your neighbours to see if they still have electricity. Ring YDL on 0800 375 675 to find out if there is a fault in your area.

DON’T DO D.I.Y. ELECTRICAL WORK!  

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The Government is trying to deter people from doing “DIY” electrical work in order to prevent accidents. If you want to change a light fitting (not a light-bulb) or an electric shower get a professional to do it.

Using Electricity Safely   

Never put wires straight into a socket—always use a plug.

Don’t overload sockets.

Each plug has a fuse. The fuse should be the right one for the appliance.  Get a supply of fuses from a DIY shop and keep them in a handy place.

Cookers and electrical shower units have special sockets. They will be built into the wall. Never plug a cooker into an ordinary wall socket.

TACKLING FIRE IS A JOB BEST LEFT TO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS.

Make a ‘fire action plan’ with everyone in your home, especially children, the elderly and disabled.

• This involves making sure everyone knows what to do if there is a fire.
• MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS WHERE TO FIND DOOR AND WINDOW KEYS!
• The best escape route is your normal way in and out of your home so keep it clear! 
• If you can’t escape, you will need to find a room to wait in until the Fire and Rescue Service arrive. Choose a safe room, ideally one with a phone. Put cushions and bedding round the bottom of the door to block smoke.

In a Fire …

• Immediately tell everyone.
• ‘Get out’ - don’t waste time investigating or rescuing valuables
• Remember—use the stairs! Never use lifts in a fire.
• ‘Keep low’ where the air is clearer.
• Call 999
• Don’t go back in—wait outside for the Fire and Rescue Service

GET OUT ... ... STAY OUT ... ... AND CALL 999

Fit a Smoke Alarm

• The best way for you to protect yourself and your home is to buy a smoke alarm. They cost as little as £5 and you can get them from supermarkets and in high-street stores.
• Make sure that you test the battery every week. If you need help or advice about which is the most suitable smoke alarm for you or where to install it, contact your local Fire and Rescue Service (fire station). They will be happy to give you advice.
• Make sure that everyone knows what the smoke alarms sound like and that you test their operation regularly.

1. Don't leave children alone and keep matches and lighters out of reach.
2. Check your home at bedtime. Make sure that you have switched off electrical appliances where appropriate. Check ashtrays for burning cigarettes. Close all internal doors and windows.
3. Watch chip pans. Do not fill them more than one-third full. If a chip pan catches fire, turn off the heat and smother any flames with a damp cloth or lid and leave for half an hour—do not try to move it and never throw water over the fire.
4. Keep electrical appliances in good condition. Do not overload electrical circuits.
5. Do not smoke in bed. This is a major cause of fires. .
6. Take care when using candles. Carefully position candles away from things that catch fire easily (e.g. curtains) and make sure they are out before you go to bed.
7. Do not store items that easily catch fire near a heat source or in halls, landings or other communal areas.
8. Do not use portable heaters in the home i.e. paraffin or those that use bottled gas.

What do I do if a pipe bursts? (back to top)|

Burst pipes can happen in the colder months. What to do:

Switch off your electricity source in case water has seeped through into electric switches or lighting.

• Turn off your water stopcock—this is normally under the sink.
• Turn on all taps so the water drains through the sinks.
• If you have an immersion heater or central heating system, turn it off.
• Notify the Repairs Hotline on 0113 285 0404.

If you are going away during winter, keep your central heating on at a low setting to avoid bursts.

What do I do if I find syringes and discarded needles? (back to top)|

If you live in Leeds and find discarded needles, syringes, contaminated sharp objects etc you are advised not to touch them yourself. Please ring 0800 1386 227 and they will arrange for removal of these objects.

If you live in Kirklees ring 01484 414 700.

If you live in Calderdale ring 0845 2457 000 or email them on environmental.health@calderdale.gov.uk|.

Please be as precise as you can with location and post code if possible. The Council aims to remove the syringes within 24 hours. 

What if I have problems with rats, mice or other pests (such as wasps and bees)?  (back to top)|

Please click on this link and move to our "How Do I" page.|