Get ready for winter

If the power goes off or some of your electricity supply fails, check your consumer unit.

This panel controls the electricity supply in your home.

Please make sure you know where your consumer unit is located in your home and check out this short video, which tells you to how to reset it.

It is important that your drain gulley is kept clear.

A drain gulley is where the waste water from your kitchen and bathroom goes before it flows into the sewers.

Keeping it clear of fallen leaves and other debris prevents the water from backing up and overflowing into your home.

If you spot any problems, check our Repairs handbook, which offers helpful advice and summarises everyone’s responsibilities.

Follow these simple instructions on how to clean your drain gulley:

Protect your hands

Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands. You could also wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any splashes that might occur.

Remove debris

Clean off any debris, such as leaves, from the drain gulley.

If necessary, use a screwdriver to remove the gulley grid.

Clean out the gulley

You should remove any debris or obstructions by hand. If there is a blockage, use a plunger to help shift the blockage.  

If your drain cover is broken, replace it with a new one. You can get these from many DIY stores.

Keep your home well-ventilated and heated, where you can. 

Clean small mould patches and keep your home well-ventilated and heated where you can.

Watch our video for more tips on how to minimise the risk of your home developing serious damp and mould. 

Spotted a serious issue? Please let us know. We’re here to listen and act.