Regular tasks
Appliances
Ensure use is in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Check filters quarterly.
Bath and shower sealant
Your bath and shower tray may settle over time: check the sealant, as leaks can cause damage. If the sealant fails within your warranty period, call our customer service team. After this, replace the sealant regularly.
Boilers
Boilers should be serviced annually. Do not attempt this yourself. We recommend you take out a service agreement with a Corgi-registered company.
Chimneys
Chimneys should be swept each year to prevent chimney fires.
Cisterns and tanks
Check the water levels every few months and ensure that any floats can move freely. With WC cisterns ensure that the parts are kept free from grit or scale.
Dry heating systems
In dry heating systems such as warm air, electric under floor and electric storage heating, clean the air filters regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Electrical
Every year or so, check that wiring has not become frayed or worn and that all electrical fittings are secure and in good working order. If electrics fail please check all electrical goods for faults.
External paintwork
The exterior of your home will dry out, particularly in south-facing areas. Check all paintwork annually for damage.
Fences
To ensure these are protected all year round, treat annually with a micro-porous wood stain designed for exterior woodwork.
Garden
In your first year or so after moving in, fork your lawn and turn the soil in the flowerbeds regularly to improve the soil drainage.
Gutters and drains
Gutters can become clogged, especially in autumn. Check gutters, drains and downpipes regularly and clean twice a year to keep them free from debris - spring and autumn are the best times.
Some homes have a drainage channel with a grating across it. This is known as an Aco drain and is normally found in front of the garage if the drive slopes down towards it. Clean out regularly to prevent the build-up of debris and silt, which may cause flooding. To clean the drain, release any bolts or screws that are fitted, lift the grate and use a garden trowel or similar to clear the channel. Then replace the grate and refasten the bolts or screws.
Plumbing
Check regularly for leaks, loose connections under sinks and appliances, and shrinkage and settlement of bath and shower sealants. In cold weather, leave the heating on a low setting if you’re away and turn off the supply to external taps. Ensure traps on showers and baths are kept clear and run them through with water regularly to avoid blockages and smells.
Radiators
Radiators may need to be bled regularly during winter. In later years check regularly for signs of corrosion that may signal that the system or parts of it need replacement.
Roof
Check roof tiling in the autumn and in the spring and after extreme weather conditions which may cause damage.