• Assess the Situation

  • Check the water level in the toilet bowl.
  • If it's very high, do not flush—it may overflow.
  • Wait for the water to go down if possible.

• Hygiene

  • Wear gloves.
  • Lay down old towels or newspaper around the toilet in case of spills.

• Choose Your Tool

  • You can use either:
    • A mop (effective in many cases).
    • A plunger (recommended for tougher blockages).

• Using a Mop 

  • Insert the mop into the toilet bowl.
  • Push and twist to create pressure and dislodge the blockage.
  • Flush to test if the water drains properly.

• Using a Plunger

  • Place the plunger firmly into the bowl, ensuring it covers the drain hole.
  • Push and pull vigorously to create suction.
  • Repeat several times until the blockage clears.

• Test the Flush

  • Flush the toilet to check if the water drains normally.
  • If it’s still slow, repeat the plunging process.

• Clean Up

  • Disinfect the toilet and surrounding area.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly.

How to Unblock a Sink – Step-by-Step Instructions

Method 1: Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner

1. Let Water Drain First

   • If water is still in the sink, wait for it to drain to avoid diluting the chemical.

2. Pour in the Chemical

   • Follow the product instructions carefully.
   • Some require an hour; others may need to sit overnight.

3. Safety First

   • Always wear gloves when handling chemicals.
   • Ensure good ventilation.

Method 2: Using a Plunger

1. Block the Overflow Hole

   • Wet a cloth and cover the overflow hole to improve suction.

2. Plunge the Sink

   • Use a sink plunger (red dome shape with a wooden handle).
   • Push down firmly and repeatedly until you hear a “gurgling” sound.
   • This usually indicates the blockage is clearing.

3. Check Water Flow

   • Run water to see if it drains freely.

Method 3: Cleaning the U-Bend (Under the Sink)

1. Clear the Area

   • Remove items from under the sink.
   • Take out any shelves if needed for better access.

2. Place a Bucket Under the U-Bend

   • This will catch any water or debris.

3. Loosen the Nuts

   • Hold the top of the pipe for support.
   • Loosen the nuts on both ends of the U-bend.

4. Remove and Clean the U-Bend

   • Let water and debris drain into the bucket.
   • Clean out any food or buildup inside the pipe.

5. Reassemble Carefully

   • Check seals are in place.
   • Reattach the U-bend and tighten the nuts securely (but not overly tight).

6. Test for Leaks

   • Run water while keeping the bucket in place.
   • Check for any drips or leaks.

7. Dispose of Waste

   • Pour the contents of the bucket down the toilet.

How to Change a Toilet Seat

1. Check the Seat Type

   • Identify the shape of your toilet (e.g., D-shaped, oval)
   • Choose a compatible seat

2. Remove the Old Seat

   • Reach behind the toilet to access the nuts
   • Use grips if nuts are tight
   • Unscrew and remove the old seat

3. Prepare the New Seat

   • Inspect the fixings and hinges
   • Adjust hinge positions to match your toilet
   • Tighten screws on the hinges to prevent movement

4. Install the New Seat

   • Place rubber seals and washers on the fixings
   • Position the seat on the toilet pan
   • Insert bolts through the holes
   • Secure with butterfly nuts underneath
   • Ensure the seat is aligned and tightened

5. Final Check

   • Confirm the seat is secure and doesn’t wobble
   • Adjust hinges if needed

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

• Safety first! Make sure the power to the light is turned off.
• You can switch it off at the light itself, but it's safer to turn it off at the fuse board.

Step 2: Remove the Light Cover

• Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the plastic cover in place.
• There are usually three screws.
• Tip: Don’t fully remove the screws right away—loosen them evenly so the cover comes off smoothly.

Step 3: Remove the Old Bulb

• Many fluorescent bulbs use a bayonet-style fitting.
• Gently push and twist the bulb to release it from the fitting.

Step 4: Install the New Bulb

• Align the new bulb with the shape of the fitting underneath.
• Push it into place and ensure it’s securely fitted.

Step 5: Reattach the Cover

• Line up the cover and tighten the screws back into their original positions.

Step 6: Restore Power

• Turn the power back on at the fuse board or light switch.

Step 7: Test the Light

• Switch the light on to make sure everything is working properly.

How to Adjust a Cupboard Door by Tightening a Hinge

1. Identify the Problem

   • Check which hinge is loose or has come off the bracket.

2. Reattach the Hinge (if needed)

   • Align the hinge with the bracket.
   • Hook it back into place.
   • Screw it in, but don’t fully tighten yet — leave room for adjustment.

3. Initial Tightening

   • Tighten the main screws halfway to allow for vertical adjustment.
   • Ensure the hinge is seated properly before proceeding.

4. Check Door Alignment

   • Close the door to see if it aligns with the cupboard frame.
   • If it closes but isn’t level, use the adjusting screw on the hinge.

5. Use the Adjusting Screw

   • This screw moves the door in and out horizontally.
   • Turn it slowly and check the alignment as you go.
   • Keep adjusting until the door sits flush and level.

6. Final Tightening

   • Once the door is aligned, fully tighten all screws.
   • Make sure there’s a small clearance between the door and the cupboard frame.

How to Diagnose a Faulty Circuit in Your Home

1. Check for a Tripped RCD
- If one of the RCD switches is down and won’t reset, there may be a fault on one of the circuits it protects (e.g., kitchen sockets, lighting, heaters).

2. Isolate the Fault
- Turn all the MCBs (individual circuit switches) off.
- Try resetting the RCD again. If it stays on, then the issue is likely with one of the circuits.

3. Identify the Problem Circuit
- Turn the MCBs back on one at a time.
- If the RCD trips again after switching one on an MCB (e.g., kitchen sockets), that’s the circuit with the fault.
- Leave that circuit off to restore power to the rest of the property.

4. Unplug Appliances
- Go to the affected area (e.g., kitchen) and unplug all appliances from the sockets.

5. Reset the Power
- Return to the fuse box and try resetting the RCD and the MCB for the faulty circuit.
- If the RCD stays on, the fault has been cleared.

6. Find the Faulty Appliance
- Plug appliances back in one at a time.
- If the RCD trips again after plugging in a specific item (e.g., an electric heater), that appliance is likely faulty.
- Leave it unplugged to keep the power on.

7. Still Having Issues?
- Contact Irwell Valley Homes on 0300 561 1111 for further support.

How to Check Your Fuse Box

1. Start with the Main Switch
- This controls all power to your home.
- If it’s off, everything will be off - flip it up to restore power.

2. Understand the RCDs (Residual Current Devices)
- An RCD protects a group of circuits (e.g., kitchen sockets, downstairs lighting).
- If an RCD is down, power is lost to all circuits in that group.
- Flip it back up to restore power.

3. Check the MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers)
- Each circuit (like your cooker, lighting etc.) has its own MCB.
- If one is down, that specific circuit has no power.
- Push it back up to turn the circuit back on.

4. Lost Power? Here’s What to Do
- Go to your fuse box and check:
- Is the main switch up?
- Are the RCDs up?
- Are all MCBs up?
- If anything is down, flip it back up to restore power.

5. Still No Power?
- Call Irwell Valley Homes on 0300 561 1111 for further help.

• Locate the Filling Loop

  • You’ll see two taps:
    • One for cold water
    • One for heating system

• Open the Taps

  • Fully open the first tap (cold water side)
  • Slowly open the second tap (heating side)
  • You’ll hear water flowing into the system

• Check the Pressure Gauge

  • Press any button to wake up the boiler screen
  • Look at the pressure gauge (usually on the right side)
  • Wait until the needle reaches midway between the two dotted lines (typically around 1.5 bar)

• Turn Off the Taps

  • Once pressure is correct, turn both taps off completely

• Boiler Should Reset Automatically

  • Heating and hot water should now work again

Steps to Fix F28 or F29 Boiler Error

1. Check the Boiler Display

   • Press any button to illuminate the screen.
   • If you see F28 or F29, it usually means no heating or hot water due to a gas supply issue.

2. Check Your Gas Supply

   • You might have run out of credit if you're on a prepayment meter.
   • Top up your gas credit if needed.

3. Check the Gas Meter Handle

   • Go to your gas meter (ECB).
   • Make sure the handle is in the vertical position.
     • If it’s horizontal, it’s cutting off the gas.
     • Turn it back to vertical to restore gas flow.

4. Check Boiler Status

   • Press any button again to light up the screen.
   • Look for the word “on”.
     • If it says “off”, it’s likely due to no credit.

Step 1: Check the switch on the side of the thermostat

• Make sure the switch is flicked up.
• If it’s set to off, it will be at the bottom position.
• Flick it up twice to turn it on.

Step 2: Set the desired temperature

• You’ll see a number in the bottom right corner of the display.
• Use the dial to increase the temperature.
• Make sure the set temperature is higher than the current room temperature.
  • For example, if the room is at 17.5°C, set it to 20°C.

Step 3: Check the receiver

• Look at the receiver unit.
• You should see an orange and a green light.
• If both lights are on, your heating is now active.

How to Bleed a Radiator

Step 1: Check the radiator

• If the top feels cold but the bottom is hot, it likely has trapped air and needs bleeding.

Step 2: Prepare your tools

• You’ll need a radiator bleed key and a cloth or container to catch any water (it may be dirty and could stain floors or walls).

Step 3: Locate the bleed valve

• This is usually at the top corner of the radiator.

Step 4: Bleed the radiator

• Place the cloth or container under the valve.
• Insert the bleed key into the valve and turn it slowly counter clockwise.
• You’ll hear a hissing sound as air escapes.
• Once water starts to come out, let a small amount flow to ensure all air is gone.

Step 5: Close the valve

• Turn the key clockwise to close the valve tightly.
• Wipe away any water and check for leaks.

Step 6: Check your boiler pressure

• Bleeding radiators can lower system pressure. If needed, top up the boiler pressure to the recommended level.

• Identify the Problem

  • Is your radiator cold while others in the house are warm?
  • If it’s the only one not working, the valve might be turned off.

• Locate the Valve

  • Look at the bottom of the radiator.
  • You’ll see a numbered dial or knob — this is the valve.

• Check the Setting

  • If the valve is set to #0, it’s turned off.

• Turn the Valve On

  • Rotate the valve anti-clockwise (to the left) all the way until it’s fully open.

• Wait and Check

  • Within a few minutes, the radiator should start to warm up.
  • In most cases (9 out of 10), this solves the issue.

• Done!

  • If it’s warm now, you’ve fixed it.
  • If not, there may be another issue. Get in touch with us