Looking after your new home

Your windows & doors

Windows

Frequency: clean monthly
Your windows have uPVC frames that should be cleaned with soapy water, then dried thoroughly. Ammonia or abrasive cleaning agents should be avoided.

When cleaning your windows, inspect the frames and fastenings, and ensure drainage channels are clear of blockages. Gaskets should be cleaned at the same time, using a mild, non -aggressive, pH-neutral cleaner, mixed with tepid water.

Doors

Frequency: clean monthly
Your GRP external doors will only need an occasional wipe down with a soft cloth and some soapy water to remove any dirt.

Your internal doors should be cleaned with a solution of warm water and a small amount of detergent. Apply the solution to a sponge, squeeze out any excess water and work in the same direction as the grain. Use a clean cloth to dry the door.

Door and window mechanisms

Frequency:  clean biannually

You should supply a suitable lubricating product to your door and window mechanisms to keep them in good working condition. This is especially important during periods of cold weather, as it can help prevent mechanisms from freezing.
 

Roof Space

Your roof space is insulated and ventilated. You should therefore ensure the loft hatch remains closed, to avoid warm, moist air entering the loft and causing condensation. Similarly, the ventilation in the roof space should remain unobstructed.

The loft isn't designed for storage; however, if you place any items in the roof space, they should only be light objects that won't be damaged by cold or damp.
 

Appliances


Your appliances are covered by manufacturers' warranties. To validate these warranties, you will need to register your ownership of the appliances by completing and returning the accompanying warranty forms, phoning the manufacturer or by visiting their website.

If an appliance has a fault, please report the issue directly to the manufacturer.

 

Your Bathroom

Wall tiles and screens

Frequency: clean after use.
Excess water on wall tiles and bath or shower screens should be removed using a squeegee.


Shower heads

Frequency: clean monthly
To remove limescale from the spray holes, fill a plastic bag with a limescale removal product and tie around the shower head. Leave over night and rinse with clean water in the morning.

Toilets

Frequency: clean weekly
Bleach blocks should not be put into the toilets' cistern, as they can damage the flushing mechanism. Do not flush wipes down the toilet as this can cause blockages

Drainage system


Many new developments now use a drainage system via a pumping station connected to the main drainage system with the local water authority, Yorkshire Water.

The pumping station is monitored constantly by a telemetry system which alerts the nominated maintenance company to any changes in the pumping station levels causing maintenance issues.

Please ensure no products other than toilet paper are disposed by flushing in the toilet. Any wipes, including those that state flushable on the packaging, should not be flushed; baby wipes, cleaning wipes and other non-flushable materials will block the pipes and sewers

Other items that should not, under any circumstances, be disposed of through the drainage system:

  • Cloth rags or towels
  • Baby wipes, Toilet wipes, Towelettes, Disinfecting wipes, or cloth wipes of any kind (even if the container indicates that they are “flushable”) Paper (other than toilet paper/tissue)
  • Medications (Prescription, or over-the-counter. Medication and Sharps disposal container available at the Public Safety Buildings)
  • Feminine hygiene products of any kind
  • Beauty products (Ear buds, dental floss)
  • Plastics of any kind
  • Grease of any kind – especially cooking grease
  • Garden supplies (such as pesticides, fertilizers)
  • Paint, varnish, paint remover
  • Motor oil, gasoline, or any explosive material

Further information on protecting the drainage infrastructure can be found on the Yorkshire Water website:

Yorkshire Water Help & Advice   Advice for Customers

Please note, where there is evidence that non-flushable products have caused the blockage and a clear link back to a specific property, costs for attending the drain and clearing any blockage will be chargeable to the property owner.