Our Top Posts of 2014

2014 is nearly over and we wanted to celebrate a great year by taking a look back at our most popular articles from the last 12 months.

Tackling limescale

Have you noticed chalky marks on your shower head, or a flaky gritty residue in your kettle? If you have then you have limescale. Unfortunately this is one of the downsides of living in a hard water area and left alone can build up in your dishwasher, washing machine, kettle and pipes. 

How to protect your pipes

The weather is getting colder and colder, so as the temperature drops it's important to make sure that your pipes are protected. Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to pipes freezing and bursting. There are some simple steps that you can take to ensure a warm and stress free winter.

How often should your electrical appliances be inspected?

All electrical appliances and installations deteriorate over time, so it’s wise to have them inspected to ensure that they are safe to avoid potentially fatal incidents. These checks are known as ‘periodic inspection and testing’.

Installing a new gas appliance

There will come a time when your gas appliances needs replacing, but knowing what to do and where to go can be confusing. Can you install it yourself? Where can you find an engineer? How do you know they are qualified?

Gas safety on holiday

It’s getting close to that time of year again when we start packing our bags and heading off for a well needed break. Whether you’re staying in a tent in the middle of a soaking wet field or a five star villa in the Caribbean, it’s important to be aware of the risks when it comes to gas safety.

Preventing damp and mould in your home

Damp and mould caused by condensation occurs when moist air hits a cold surface such as a window, mirror, tile or wall. It is not only an eyesore, it can cause damage to your home and health. The best way to combat damp and mould is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Is your landlord gas safe?

Many tenants are unaware that their property should have a gas safety check once a year, and that it is their landlord's responsibility to arrange it, but what is a gas safety check? And what should you expect when you move in to a new property? 

Signs of faulty wiring

It's important to know the signs of faulty wiring, especially when you can't see the majority of wiring in your home. Faulty wiring can lead to shocks and fires so learn the signs and be one step ahead.

We hope that you've had a wonderful 2014 and wish you all the best for 2015. Maintracts will be open on New Years day, so if you come across any plumbing, gas or electrical emergencies then give us a call on 020 8682 2244.

Merry Christmas from Maintracts

We'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, and don't forget, we will be open tomorrow should you have a gas or plumbing emergency. Call 020 8682 2244 if you come across any problems.

Eco Friendly Christmas - Christmas Day

It’s the final week of our eco friendly Christmas special and there’s only one thing left to cover – the big day itself! No matter how big or small, making an environmentally friendly choice on Christmas day will make a difference.

Buy local

Buy your meat and vegetables as local as you can. Not only will you be supporting your local producers, you’ll be helping to save the environment by buying food that hasn't travelled far in petrol guzzling trucks.

Cool down

Fridges suck up your electricity, especially when they're trying to cool food and drinks down. Don’t use your fridge to chill your drinks, put them in your garden, and if it’s snowing, collect the snow in a bucket and place your bottles in it! When you’re cooling your food make sure that it has cooled to room temperature before putting it in the fridge (your fridge will have to work harder to cool the food if it is still warm). And try not to overfill your fridge; air needs to flow freely otherwise it will use more energy to keep your food cool.

Table Wear

You can now have an eco friendly Christmas table! From recycled plates to placemats, you can get everything you need to have an ethical Christmas lunch.

Recycle

The easiest way to be eco friendly at Christmas is to recycle. From wrapping paper to leftover food, crackers to drink bottles, you can be sure that there will be a lot of waste. If you have a regular collection then all you need to do is make sure you separate your waste, but if you don’t have a regular collection then why not take it to your local recycling centre? Recycle Now  lists all centres around the UK and many of them also recycle electricals and garden waste.

Christmas tree

If you haven’t bought your Christmas tree yet buy a potted one. Once Christmas is over you can place it in the garden and use it year after year.

We hope you've enjoyed reading our top tips on how to have an energy efficient Christmas. Let us know if you have any top tips that you would like to share!

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Eco Friendly Christmas - Decorations

The festive season is well underway and we’re continuing our rundown of the best ways to have an eco friendly Christmas. Last week we looked at some of the great gifts you can get for the eco warrior in your life. This week we take a look at decorations, gift wrap and crackers!

Gift wrap

The most eco friendly way to wrap a present is to re-use old wrapping and gift bags, or even old magazines and newspapers, but there are lots of options available on the high street and online that will make you feel a little more saintly when giving your presents.

Paperchase offer recycled plain paper wrapping (which you could customise!), while Re-wrapped offer a great range of printed, recycled designs. You can also find lots of amazing designs on sites such as Not on the HighStreet.

Decorations

Most people use the same decorations every year, but if you want to add something new to your collection then there are some great ways to be a bit more environmentally friendly. The cheapest option can be found in your local park! Pinecones make a wonderful, and festive, decoration. Place them in a jar with LED fairy lights for a festive centre piece, or use some ribbon to tie them to your tree. If, however, you don't have a park near you then head to Nigel’s ECO store who offer a great range of recycled decorations. From old CDs to glass, every decoration is recycled.

Crackers

Crackers are a vital part of the Christmas meal, but can create a lot of waste. These crackers are not only recycled, but the gifts are also eco friendly too! 

Next week is the final instalment in our eco friendly Christmas special where we’ll be looking at the big day!

Image source.

Eco Friendly Christmas - Gifts

It’s December and countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun! Last week we shared some great ways that you can have an eco friendly Christmas. This week we look at the perfect gifts for the eco warrior in your life.

Solar powered electric shaver

This neat little shaver is perfect for travelling. Not only is it compact in size, its solar powered which means you won’t have to buy international adapters to charge it.  

Grow your own bonsai

This is the perfect gift for the green fingered eco warrior in your family. The kit comes with enough seeds and pots to grow several trees.

Wind up racing cars with track

Two light up racing cars, 3.8 metre race track and no need for batteries or plugs! These wind up cars are a perfect gift for the small or big kid in the house!

Recycled wine glasses

Perfect for the wine lover in your family, these fair trade, recycled wine glasses are produced by a family owned company in central Bolivia.

Bamboo iPhone amplifier

Made from organic, fair trade bamboo, this natural amplifier is perfect for anyone who has an iPhone. It requires no batteries or plugs to operate and great for travel.

Image by Vanessa Fitzgerald

Eco Friendly Christmas - The Home

Christmas is round the corner and we're getting into the festive spirit.  The season for spoiling ourselves and each other can often create a lot of waste, but there are things that you can do to save the environment and money.

Each week we will be counting down to the big day, sharing with you our top tips on how to have an eco friendly Christmas. We'll be showing you how to prepare your home, buy the perfect present for the eco warrior in your family and even have an eco friendly Christmas day.

This week we're looking at how to prepare your home. Winter is the worst time of year for wasting energy, especially around Christmas, so we've pulled together some great tips on how to keep your home feeling festive while saving the environment.


Electricity

With the darker nights you’ll be switching on your lamps on earlier and also turning on your Christmas lights. If you find that you have a habit of leaving them on then it would be a good idea to invest in plug timers. By setting an on and off time, you no longer have to worry about leaving your lights on or devices on standby.

Batteries

Christmas is a time when you know you’ll need more batteries than you can store. Rather than buying lots of batteries, invest in a rechargeable battery pack. They charge quickly and are the perfect solution when your child’s toy runs out of juice, especially when its 6am and there aren't any shops open!

Heating

If you have central heating why not use a radiator booster? Hot air rises, which means it only heats your room on its way down from the ceiling. By placing a booster on top of your radiator you can distribute the warm air into your room quicker, meaning you can turn the temperature down, save energy and money. It costs approximately 50p a year to run and could save you around £140 a year (Energy Saving Trust).

Christmas Lighting

Being eco friendly doesn't mean you can’t have your Christmas lights! If you want to light up the outside of your house, why not buy solar fairy lights? And if you are looking for lights for your tree, make sure they are plugged in to a plug timer. If they are battery powered then make sure you are using rechargeable batteries!

There are lots of other things that you can do to ensure that your home is being as efficient as possible during the festive period. Why not invest in some draft excluders, insulate your home, arrange a boiler service, buy some energy efficient light bulbs, insulate your widows or buy energy efficient appliances? No matter how big or small, any change you make WILL make a difference.

Lights image by Philip Pena

Video: Gas Safe Tips for your Home

If you are a regular reader of our blog then you will know how passionate we are about gas safety. Over 200 people are admitted to hospital every year with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, which leads to around 40 deaths*, so it's vital that we all know how to be gas safe.

Over the past year we have written about many aspects of gas safety, with topics including how to know when your boiler needs a service, knowing if your landlord is gas safe  and how to be gas safe on holiday. Gas Safe Register have been campaigning for gas safety for a number of years and we are great supporters of their work. This recent video by Gas Safe Register is a great visual guide on what to look out for in your home when it come to gas safety.

If you recognise any of these warning signs then contact Maintracts on 020 8682 2244. 

* Statistic - NHS

Keeping your Pets Warm in the Winter

Winter is in the air, the heating is on and your jumpers are out of storage, but while you’ve taken all the necessary steps to keep yourself warm in coldest of months have you thought about your pets? 

Some dogs and cats, as well as other animals, can suffer from ailments such as arthritis, and older animals can really feel the cold, so it’s important that you make sure they are kept warm in the winter months.

The most obvious thing is to put your heating on, but you don’t have to keep it on all day. Put your central heating on timer and have it come on and off at different times throughout the day. This should be enough to keep your home warm and your pets cosy.

Keep them inside during the coldest periods. The temperature and wind chill combined can make it feel a lot colder than it really is.

Don’t leave your pets alone in cold or damp areas such as basements or garages for prolonged periods of time.

If it is very cold when you take your dog for a walk you can put them in waterproof jackets and even booties. It may seem extreme, but a dog regulates their temperature through the soles of their feet (and their tongue), if it is snowy or icy boots will help keep them warm (and protect their paws from ice). Smaller dogs can really feel the cold, so make sure they are protected.

For pets that like to spend a lot of time outside, you can invest in outdoor housing. Cat and dog houses are a great way to protect your pets from the wind and rain and also keep them warm. When purchasing a dog or cat house make sure that the roof is sloped and the house is insulated.

Pet beds should be raised from the ground to avoid contact with a cold floor and drafts. You can elevate your pets bed by placing them on platforms, deep carpets and rugs. You can also buy deep pet beds to avoid contact with the floor. Keep your pets bed warm by placing a hot water bottle underneath and lining it with a blanket or old jumper.

For small dogs and cats, why not buy a radiator bed? They are inexpensive, hang neatly off your radiator and a perfect way to keep your pets warm.

Use draft excluders to block out any drafts coming through your doors.

Make sure you keep an eye on your pets this winter. If they are happy, sleeping and eating well then they are probably OK, but if you see any change in them, especially with their eating or toilet habits, then speak to a vet.

Photo: Menno Groenmen

Haunted House or Problem Pipes?

Have you recently been worrying if your house is haunted? Have you heard banging in the walls? Don't track down your local exorcist just yet - chances are a plumber might get rid of your problem quicker!

Banging in the walls

You'd be forgiven for being spooked by strange banging or knocking sounds coming from your walls, but fear not, it's probably just your water pipes.

Loose pipes - You may find that the banging noise is coming from a loose pipe dangling from the ceiling or wall. This should be easy to fix; get some insulated pipe clips and attach them to a solid wall or joist. Always contact a plumber if the problem is bigger than you can handle.

High water pressure - Known as the 'water hammer' (due to the noise it makes), this loud banging is caused by a buildup of water pressure. To rectify the issue you can try to remove the build up by turning off your main water valve and then turning on all of your taps to release the pressure. Turn the water valve back on; if the water runs normally then you have fixed the problem. If this doesn't work then contact a plumber.

We wish you a spooky and fun Halloween! And remember, if there's something strange, banging in your walls, who you gonna call? Maintracts! (sorry, we couldn't help it...!).

Photograph:  Diane Miller

Big Energy Saving Week - How to Save Money and Energy in the Home

It's the Big Energy Saving Week 2014 and we wanted to share with you our most popular energy and money saving tips for the home. 

Download this guide and keep it in your home to remind you of the savings you can make. Get involved online and tell us your top tips for saving energy in the home - Tweet us at @plumberlondon and use the hashtag #BESW14

Maintracts Money and Energy Saving Tips


If you would like to find out how we can help you save energy and money in the home call Maintracts on 020 8682 2244.

Signs of Faulty Wiring

It's important to know the signs of faulty wiring, especially when you can't see the majority of wiring in your home. Faulty wiring can lead to shocks and fires so learn the signs and be one step ahead.

If you notice any of the following signs contact your electrician ASAP!

• If your circuit breaker trips frequently it could mean that it's overloaded or there is a fault in the wiring.
• If you feel a shock from touching an appliance there could be a fault with the appliance or wiring.
• Is there a buzzing noise coming from any switch or outlets? If so it could mean there is a problem with the device. It can also mean that there is lose wiring in the box.
• If your lights keep on dimming it might be a sign that the circuits are overloaded or the wiring is faulty. Flickering lights are also a sign of wire damage.
• Sparks are also a sign; if sparks appear frequently when you plug an appliance indicate a fault with the circuit or outlet.
• Can you smell burnt plastic? If so it means that your wiring could be damaged. Contact an electrician immediately as burning could lead to a fire.

If you notice any of the above problems contact Maintracts who will be able to advise on the next best steps.

Photo by Mike Gieson

Five Signs that your Boiler Needs a Service

We use our gas boilers all year round, but as the temperature drops and the heating comes on we often find that's when a problem can occur. Having no heating or hot water is inconvenient and annoying, but more importantly, if your boiler isn't performing properly it can pose a health risk.

If you are a regular reader of our blog then you will know that your gas boiler, along with all of your other gas appliances, should be serviced once a year. These yearly checks will make sure that your appliances are working properly, inspect parts (such as pilot light and burners) and repair any gas leaks. These checks are vital as they not only ensure your boiler is working efficiently, they will work towards protecting you and those who live with you from carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's important to not just rely on your annual visit to protect you and your home. Be aware of the warning signs of a faulty boiler - if you recognise any of these signs call your local gas engineer as soon as possible.

1. Smoke or soot stains appear on or near the appliance
2. A yellow or irregular flame
3. The pilot light frequently goes out
4. You have very little hot water or the temperature isn't as hot as it should be
5. The boiler is making noises it shouldn't

It's better to be safe than sorry; if you recognise any of these signs then contact Maintracts who will be able to give you the best advice possible.

Smart Meters - the Future of Energy Saving?

Smart meters are the future of gas and electricity meters. Placed in homes and in businesses, they help keep track of your gas and electricity useage, eliminating the need for meter readings. 

The government plans for all homes and business in the UK to have a smart meter by the end of 2020, giving you the opportunity to make more informed decisions about your energy costs, but how do they work and is there a cost?

How they work

Like a traditional meter they measure the total energy used -the benefit of a smart meter is that they can also tell you when you used the energy and how much it cost. It can then transmit that information directly to your energy supplier, eliminating the need for meter readings. That means no more estimated bills!

By installing a smart meter you will be able to see real-time information on your energy consumption, that means seeing how much you're using and how much it costs as it happens. Over time you'll be able to manage your energy usage and hopefully save money.

The cost

The cost of installation, which begins next year, is £215 per household. Customers will be charged an annual amount on their bills to cover the cost, which has been estimated to peak at £11 in 2017. This cost has caused concern with some MPs who have warned that smart meters will only save consumers 2% on their annual bills. With the average annual household energy bill coming in at £1,328* that would mean a saving of £26 after installation costs. However, this £26 saving is based on consumers actively changing their energy use once they have the smart meters.

Do you have a choice?

If you are approached before the roll-out (2015) then yes, you definitely have  a choice. Once roll-out starts you should still have a choice, however, if you have been contacted to changed because your current one needs replacing then you should as it could be a safety hazard.

It's still very early days in the rollout and there are some things to consider such if you get a smart meter before the official roll-out will you have to get your smart meter changed or upgraded?**.

Time to make a decision?

You don't have to decide whether you want one now, but it's definitely worth considering. To make it worthwhile you and those that live with you need to work together to make it effective - monitor the meter, be aware of the spikes in energy and make proactive changes to save money. While there is an annual cost for the smart meter, it is small in comparison to the potential savings you could make. The roll-out will take five years, so you have time think about it. In the mean time, why not check out some of our energy saving articles.

* Public Accounts Committee
** Which?

Image by Claudio Jule

Save Money this Winter

The nights are getting darker, days are getting colder and it's time to switch the heating on. With fears of further increases in energy prices it might be time to review your energy provider and to also look at ways on how to save energy in your home.

Here are a few of our top Maintracts articles on how to save money this winter:

• Winter Money Saving Tips
• Prepare your Home for the Winter Months
• Are you Wasting Energy?
• Which? Energy Satisfaction Survey 2014

If you would like to compare energy providers visit the Which? energy comparison site.

And don't forget - a faulty boiler can be a great waste of energy and money. If you would like to arrange a boiler service please get in touch.

Is your Landlord Gas Safe?

Many tenants are unaware that their property should have a gas safety check once a year, and that it is their landlord's responsibility to arrange it, but what is a gas safety check? And what should you expect when you move in to a new property? 

It is a landlords responsibility, by law, to ensure that your property is gas safe. No matter how long the tenancy is (including holiday lets), your landlord is required to:

• Maintain pipework, appliances and flues provided for your use in a safe condition.
• Carry out a 12 monthly gas safety check on each gas appliance/flue.  A gas safety check will make sure gas fittings and appliances are safe to use.
• Provide you with a record of the annual gas safety check within 28 days of the check being completed or if you’re a new tenant before you move in. If a property or room is hired out for less than 28 days at a time, it is also permissible for your landlord to display a copy of the current Landlords Gas Safety Record in a prominent position within the property.
  (information courtesy of Gas Safe Register)

What will they check?

An annual gas safety check is required because a faulty gas appliance, blocked flues or dodgy fittings can lead to leaks, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. All of which are terrifying and life threatening. Appliances and gas fittings will be inspected and tested ensuring that they are safe to use.

How do you know if your engineer is registered?

A gas safety check should only be performed by a gas safe registered engineer. You can make sure that your engineer is registered by asking him or her for their registered ID card. All Maintracts engineers are Gas Safe Registered.

Sample Gas Safe Registered ID Card

When the engineer performs the gas safety check, they will record the details of the inspection carried out. This is the gas safety record and will list all of the appliances and gas fittings checked - please note that any gas appliances that you own are your responsibility and not of the landlord. You should receive a copy of the previous inspection within 28 days of moving in to your new home. If your landlord refuses to provide you with this information you can complain to the Health and Safety Executive.

If you are a landlord and would like to arrange a gas safety check, or would like to find out more about our services please get in touch.

If you would like to find out more about landlord responsibilities please visit the Gas Safe Register website.

Other gas safe articles:

How to be gas safe on holiday

A guide to installing a new gas appliance

Image courtesy of the Gas Safe Register

How to Remove Damp and Mould

If you've done everything you can to prevent the buildup of damp and mould in your home, but still manage to find an infuriating dark patch and musty smell in your home, then follow our top tips on how to remove this ugly and hazardous nuisance. 

Before you attempt to remove the mould check if it is caused by sewage or contaminated water. If it is please seek professional help (contact your local council for advice).

The spores from mould can be damaging to your health, so it is advisable, especially with large areas of damp and mould, that you wear gloves, goggles and a mask that cover your nose and mouth. Close your doors and open the windows. 

The spread of damp and mould can vary - from the corner of a window all the way through to walls, mattresses and even toys in a childs bedroom. Have bin bags at the ready to place clothes and furnishings in. It can be hard to remove mould from furnishings; shampoo your soft furnishings and take your clothes to the dry cleaners. If you can't completely remove the mould, especially from childrens toys, bedding etc, the best thing you can do is dispose of them to avoid causing a health risk.

To remove mould from walls, use a simple solution of washing up liquid or soap used for washing clothes mixed with water. Dip a cloth in the water and wipe the mould off. Try not to rub too hard as you don't want to disturb the mould spores. When you have finished, use a clean, dry cloth to remove any moisture from the wall. Open windows and turn on extractor fans to ventilate the room and help dry the wall. Once finished, make sure you throw away all of the cloths, vacuum the floor and wipe down all of the surfaces to remove any spores.

In the bathroom, dip a toothbrush in bleach and run it along grouting for removal of mould. You can also try more natural solutions such as diluted vinegar, or a paste made from baking soda. Bleach can also remove mould from bath sealant, although this can be tricky to tackle and often result in the removal and reapplication of new sealant.

If none of the above suggestions work then you can buy a number of off the shelf damp and mould products from your DIY store or supermarket. Once you have removed the mould, make sure that you refer back to our damp and mould prevention guide to ensure that you don't have to deal with it again!

Image by Sanja Gjenero

News: Registered Competent Person Electrical Mark Launches

This week Phil Buckle, Director General of Electrical Safety First, wrote a blog post in the Huffington Post announcing the launch of the Registered Competent Person Electrical Mark.

He opened his post with the startling fact that someone in the UK dies from an electrical accident every week, and that dodgy electrics cause half of all house fires and result in 350,000 serious injuries a year.

Those are some serious numbers, however, according to research carried out by Electrical Safety First, the use of non-registered electricians has trebled in the last year. Figures currently estimate that there are around 20,000 non-registered electricians in the UK alone.

Using an electrician who is registered with a government-approved scheme operator is the only way to guarantee they have the skills and qualifications to the job properly.

Many consumers often use unregistered electricians because they don't know what qualifications to look for or how to check them, which is why Electrical Safety First have helped launch the official consumer mark for registered electricians in England and Wales: the Registered Competent Person Electrical Mark. The mark will provide an instant visible safety assurance and the accompanying website lists in one place all electricians registered with one of the government approved scheme operators.

You can find out more by visiting www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk - you'll find Maintracts listed in the directory!

You can read Phil's full post in the Huffington Post here.

Preventing Damp and Mould in your Home

Damp and mould caused by condensation occurs when moist air hits a cold surface such as a window, mirror, tile or wall. It is not only an eyesore, it can cause damage to your home and health. The best way to combat damp and mould is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Condensation is most common in winter months, but can occur any time of the year. Steam is a prime cause of condensation and can occur when you shower or bathe, cook food, boil a kettle or dry clothes without proper ventilation.

There are various ways to create less moisture in your home, such as covering pots when cooking and drying your washing outside. If you have a tumble dryer and it’s connected to a vent, make sure the vent is placed outside of the home, and if you do have to dry your clothes on an airer, place it in a room such as the bathroom, open the window and close the door.

Open your windows or use an extractor fan to release steam when cooking or bathing and use a cloth to wipe away condensation from corners, windowsills, around shower frames, tiles and grouting. It’s also important to make sure that your home is well ventilated and allow the air to circulate.

Condensation can also appear overnight when the temperature drops and form on windows, so make sure that you wipe away the condensation each morning, otherwise it can lead to damp, which can rot wooden window frames.

But condensation isn't the only cause of damp; leaking pipes, rain leaking through the roof and water overflowing from gutters can lead to damp. When these are the cause you should always seek professional advice.

If your pipes are leaking contact Maintracts.

Photo credit

Photoshoot with the Maintracts Team

This week we asked some of the Maintracts team to step in front of the camera and give us their best smiles! The photos will be featuring in various campaigns, as well as our website, social media channels and other sites such as Check a Trade.

We think they look great, maybe we should think about putting together a 2015 calendar....?!

Say cheese! Scott, Paul, Peter and Toby striking their best Maintracts pose

Prepare your Home for the Winter Months

We’re currently going through one of the hottest summers on record, so the last thing we want to be thinking about is preparing our homes for the winter, but now is the perfect time to act! A little bit of forward planning and preparation will help minimise the risk of any nasty surprises on a cold winters morning.

Get your boiler serviced

If you are a homeowner then all of your gas appliances should be checked once a year by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer, if you are renting then your landlord should be arranging this for you. These checks are important for a number of reasons, most importantly to avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. A poorly performing boiler will also waste energy and cost you more money in bills.

Check the guttering

Blocked guttering is a problem that often goes missed. As leaves start to fall, gutters and drains become blocked. When it starts to rain the leaves get washed down the guttering and into the pipes. When pipes are blocked, water can overspill causing water damage to brickwork and other surfaces, so it is advisable to check your guttering before and during winter.

Check your energy supplier

Did you have high energy bills last winter? Have you found that even though you've tried to make improvements through spring and summer you still haven’t seen a major improvement? Then maybe you should switch before the winter months hit. Visit the Which?Energy Comparison Service to see which energy provider is best for you.

Protect your pipes

It’s very common for pipes to freeze and burst in the winter, which can cause a lot of damage to your home. To prevent this from happening, protect your pipes with lagging, this will reduce the amount of heat that is lost.

Insulation

Around a quarter of the heat in your home is lost through the roof, so it’s important that your home is well insulated. Gas and electricity suppliers now have to help consumers reduce carbon emissions. This has been backed by the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which has been launched with the Green Deal. Under ECO and the Green Deal, grants and loans have been made available to cover all or part of the cost of insulation in your home. Visit Which? to find out more about the scheme and how you can benefit.

By preparing your home now you can sit comfortably knowing that you've done everything you can to ensure a safe, warm and cosy winter.

Image by Mateusz Stachowski

Scrub up on your Gas Safety Knowledge

Gas Safety Week is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to start preparing. This year we published a variety of articles on the topic of gas safety and how to protect you, your family and home.

Take a look back at some of our articles and get gas safe ready!

How to be gas safe on holiday
A guide to installing a new gas appliance
Is your engineer gas safety registered?


Visit gassafetyweek.co.uk to find out how you can take part in this year's campaign.

Maintracts Recommend Viakal

Our video with Viakal featuring Maintracts superstar, Toby, is finally here! We are hope you like it as much as we do.

 

 You can also check out the video on Viakal's SuperSavvyMe page.

Maintracts on Set with Viakal

Last week Maintracts superstar Toby stepped in front of the camera and joined the Viakal team to help create a video, which will feature on their SuperSavvyMe webpage later this month.

We can't reveal anything about the video yet, but we can share this great behind the scenes photo of Toby getting ready for his big moment. We'll share the video as soon as it is live!

Maintracts Win with Tradingdepot.co.uk

We love a nice surprise at Maintracts so imagine how happy we were when we discovered that we had won a Narva shower with Trading Depot! We received our prize over the weekend and we've already installed it!

The Trading Depot are running another competition, which closes on the 31st July, for more information see here. You can also read about our competition win here. Thank you Trading Depot!

News: Maintracts Partner with Viakal

Check out Viakal's latest advert which features Maintracts!

We have chosen to partner with Viakal as it is a leading limescale remover and proves extremely effective in removing limescale from taps, shower heads and surfaces; preventing it from returning for longer and leaving a brilliant shine.

To find out more about Viakal visit our partner page.

Gas Safety on Holiday

It’s getting close to that time of year again when we start packing our bags and heading off for a well needed break. Whether you’re staying in a tent in the middle of a soaking wet field or a five star villa in the Caribbean, it’s important to be aware of the risks when it comes to gas safety.

If you are staying in rented accommodation, such as a B&B, caravan, chalet or caravan, you won’t always know how often the gas appliances have been safety checked, if at all. As we've mentioned previously, it is a landlord’s responsibility to check all gas appliances in a rented accommodation – that includes holiday accommodation.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of gas, liquid gas, oil, coal and wood. If you are exposed, it can seriously damage your health and be potentially fatal.
To ensure that you are safe on your holiday, make sure you follow the Gas Safe Register’s top tips on holiday gas safety:

• Ask if the gas appliances in your accommodation have been safety checked and serviced. If you’re holidaying in the UK in cottages or caravans the landlords must do this by law – so ask the landlord for an up-to-date gas safety record
• Carbon monoxide alarms are rare overseas. If you take one away with you make sure that it’s suitable for travel
• Appliances in holiday accommodation will be different to those you’re used to at home. If you’re not sure how they work, read the instructions, or ask your holiday rep for help
• Gas cookers and gas BBQ’s should not be used for heating and require adequate ventilation when in use
• Recognise the signs of dodgy gas appliances. Black marks or stains around the appliance, lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue flames and too much condensation are all signs that gas appliances aren't working properly
• Don’t mistake carbon monoxide poisoning with other holiday sicknesses, such as food poisoning, dehydration or hangover. The main six symptoms are: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness

If you smell gas or think there might be a leak:

• TURN OFF THE GAS AT THE METER
• EXTINGUISH NAKED FLAMES
• OPEN THE WINDOWS
• LEAVE THE AREA
• INFORM THE OWNER OR HOLIDAY REP IMMEDIATELY
• SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IF YOU FEEL UNWELL

Maintracts are proud to be members of the Gas Safe Register. If you would like to find out more about their work visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk 

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NEWS: APHC Poll Reveals Consumers are at Risk of Rogue Traders

Recent findings from a poll by the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) has shown how much consumers are putting themselves, and their homes, at risk.

The survey of 1,000 homeowners across England and Wales found that consumers are taking risks when hiring plumbing and heating engineers, with 1 in 5 not checking any credentials. Surprisingly, 83% stated that while professional qualifications were an important factor when choosing a plumbing professional, nearly half noted that they did not request this information when the tradesperson was present.

Most worryingly, 30% of homeowners did not check any identification prior to work commencing, with trust being cited as the main reason for not making any checks. Other reasons for not checking identification included embarrassment and credentials displayed on websites and vans.

The APHC are encouraging consumers to have the confidence to request basic evidence of identification before proceeding with work - it could mean the difference between a job well done and an expensive, if not dangerous, disaster.

If you would like to source a qualified plumber or heating engineer call Maintracts on 020 8682 2244.

One in Five Homes Struggle to Pay Water Bills

The cost of utility bills have hit the press again as a recent survey by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) reveals that one in five households struggled to pay their water bills in 2013.

The results, which show an increase from 2012, have caused water companies to review their current charges. Ofwat (the Water Services Regulation Authority) have accepted proposals to reduce bills from South West Water and Affinity, with Welsh Water submitting proposals for reductions today.

To combat overpriced water bills, Ofwat will make a final decision on what water companies can charge for the next five years later this year.

Related articles:
How to save money when using your toilet
Winter money saving tips
Is it time to upgrade your plumbing?

Image by Laura Morariu

How to Save Water when Using your Toilet

There are a lot of toilets in the UK, approximately 45 million – that’s around 2 billion litres of water being flushed away every day! What can you do to ensure you use the least amount of water possible when using the toilet?

• Get a cistern displacement device (CDD). A CDD displaces around 1 litre of water when you flush and are free from most water companies
• Don’t throw rubbish down the toilet; the more you throw away the more times you will need to flush!
• You can purchase a water efficient toilet. Purchasing a dual flush toilet will enable you to choose how much water you want to use every time you flush. Standard toilets use up to 13 litres of water every time you flush, a dual flush uses between 4 – 6 litres of water per flush

If you would like to find out more about water efficient toilets contact the Maintracts bathroom installations team.

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Image by Dominic Morel

Tackling Limescale

Have you noticed chalky marks on your shower head, or a flaky gritty residue in your kettle? If you have then you have limescale. Unfortunately this is one of the downsides of living in a hard water area and left alone can build up in your dishwasher, washing machine, kettle and pipes. 

Over time this can potentially damage your appliances, which will cause them to run less effectively. The build up on your shower head can lead to the holes in the head closing up, and will give your taps an unsightly chalky residue that's hard to remove.

So how can you prevent and remove limescale?

You can buy products to prevent limescale, such as Magnoballs for your washing machine and dishwasher, and Magnoloo for your toilet. These are cost effective, environmentally friendly solutions that last 5 – 10 years and can prevent the build up of limescale. You can also buy shower heads that have a built in system to prevent the build up of limescale.

But what if you already have a limescale problem? There are various chemical based products on the market that can help with the removal of limescale, but there are also home made solutions that can also tackle the problem.

Lemon and vinegar are both great for removing limescale. In a kettle, fill a quarter of the way with lemon or vinegar and leave for an hour or so. Top up the kettle with water and boil the water. Once boiled, pour the water away (while hot). Make sure you rinse the kettle before using it, you don't want your tea to taste of vinegar!

Lemon and vinegar are just as effective for removing limescale in your washing machine and dishwasher. Simply pour in a cup of either vinegar or lemon where you would put detergent in the washing machine, or pour a cup in the bottom of your dishwasher. Run both on a normal cycle – the limesale should dissolve. If you find that it hasn't removed all of the scale simply run another cycle with another cup of your chosen liquid.


If you have limescale buildup in your toilet then grab a bottle of Coke! Pour the Coke over the limescale in the toilet – half a bottle should do the trick. The coke will dissolve the limescale over night. Simply flush the following morning and use a toilet brush to scrub away any stubborn marks.

Pipes blocked with limescale is a much bigger problem and harder to remove with home made remedies. If you think your pipes are blocked with limescale contact Maintracts for advice and a free quote.

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Kettle image by Michal Zacharzewski
Lemon image by Aureliy Movila

Maintracts are Going Social

You can now follow Maintracts on your favourite social networks! We are live on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Follow us to get the latest news, insights and exclusive offers. Click on the icons to find us:

          

How to Unblock a Sink

Are you getting an eggy smell from your sink, finding that it's not draining quick enough, or even at all? These can be signs of a serious plumbing problem, but it can also be a small issue which can quickly be resolved with one of these DIY solutions.

A plunger:

• Run some warm water in the sink
• Place the plunger over the sink hole – make sure nothing is preventing it from sitting flush against the sink
• If you have any exposed holes in the sink make sure they are covered with a wet cloth
• Using an up and down motion, move the plunger to suck out what's stuck inside the pipe
• Force from the plunger should dislodge any small blockage. If it is clear the warm water will drain away

Baking soda and salt:

• Remove any water that's in the sink
• Mix 1 cup of baking soda and ½ cup of salt
• Pour the mixture down the drain. You can use a spatula or knife to force the mixture down the drain
• Let the mixture sit for a minimum of 2 – 3 hours, ideally overnight
• Once it has been left to do it's magic, pour boiling water down the sink

Baking soda and vinegar:

• Pour ½ a cup of baking soda down the drain
• Pour ½ cup of white vinegar down the drain – do not mix the two beforehand, they react very quickly and you won't have a chance to get it to the sink quick enough!
• The mixture should take effect quite quickly; make sure that you follow with boiling water to flush out the blockage
• You may need to repeat this process a few times until the blockage is clear

If you have tried all the above suggestions and your sink is still blocked then call a plumber. Maintracts are available 24/7 – if you have a blocked drain get in touch.

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Electrical Safety First Launches

Electrical Safety Council has relaunched as Electrical Safety First.  

Launched in late March, Electrical Safety First aims to educate consumers in electrical safety and campaign for better awareness.

The charity offers a variety of services, including an electrical appliance recall service. It's always worth checking on a regular basis to see if any of your appliances have been recalled to avoid expensive or fatal incidents. Watch this video to learn about  the dangers of owning a faulty appliance.



If you would like to find out more about Electrical Safety First then please visit their website.
If you  are in need to a periodic electrical check then please contact Maintracts.

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Gas Safety Week 2014 - We've Made our Pledge

Twenty three million households in the UK, Isle of Man and Guernsey use gas to heat their homes and cook their food*. But while millions use gas to power their homes, how many are aware of the dangers that could put them risk?

Gas Safety Week 2014 will raise awareness of gas safety and we've made a pledge to be part of this years vital campaign. We'll be joining the industries top retailers, manufacturers and consumer bodies to raise awareness of the dangers of gas in the home.

Gas Safe Register estimate that there are around 7,500 illegal gas fitters operating across the UK and up to 250,00 illegal gas jobs may be carried out each year** putting you and your family at great risk from poisonous gasses and potentially fatal incidents. We want to combat the illegal fitters and ensure that no home is at risk.

This years Gas Safety Week will take place 15th - 21st September and we'll be releasing a series of guides on gas safety awareness, as well as teaching our customers how to be gas aware.

If you would like to find out more about Gas Safety Week visit www.gassafetyweek.co.uk.

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* Source - Gas Safety Register

** Source - Gas Safe Register Research 2009

How often Should your Electrical Appliances be Inspected?

All electrical appliances and installations deteriorate over time, so it’s wise to have them inspected to ensure that they are safe to avoid potentially fatal incidents. These checks are known as ‘periodic inspection and testing’.

An inspection will:

• Show if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded
• Look for potential fire hazards
• Look for potential electric shocks
• Identify faulty electrical work
• Point out lack of earthing or bonding
• Test wiring and fixed electrical equipment

How often you should have a periodic inspection varies depending on the property:

• 10 years for an owner-occupied home.
• 5 years for a rented home.
• 3 years for a caravan

Landlords should carry our an inspection every time new tenants are move in. They should also be carried out if you are selling or buying a property.

Who should carry out the periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out by a registered electrician. They will check against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 - Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).

When your inspection is complete, you will be issued with an Electrical Installation Condition Report, which will detail and observe any damage, defects, dangerous conditions, deterioration and any non-compliances with present day safety standard.

If anything is deemed dangerous the installation will be declared ‘unsatisfactory’, which means immediate action needs to be taken to remove any risks.

For more advice on electrical safety visit The Electrical Safety Council

Get in touch if  your are you in need of periodic inspection and testing.

Installing a New Gas Appliance

There will come a time when your gas appliances needs replacing, but knowing what to do and where to go can be confusing. Can you install it yourself? Where can you find an engineer? How do you know they are qualified?

Follow these simple steps to ensure safe installation and peace of mind.

• Do not try to install a gas appliance yourself - always hire a gas safe registered engineer to install it for you. All Maintracts engineers are Gas Safe Registered
• For further peace of mind, ask for a customer reference
• Always ask for a quotation. This should include a description of the work, materials used, the appliance (make and model) and the location of the appliance. Make sure your quotation is in writing
• Before your engineer carries out the work, make sure they are carrying their Gas Safe Register ID Card
• Once work has been completed make sure that any forms that need to be completed or signed off have been returned to you (if you are a landlord you will need to prove to your tenants that the appliance has been installed/serviced). This also goes for any warranty registrations
• Once the appliance has been installed (excluding flueless cookers) your engineer must notify your Local Authority
• Remember that all gas appliances must be serviced once a year

If you would like to obtain a quote from a Gas Safe Registered engineer then please get in touch.

Image by Julian Spencer

Which? Energy Satisfaction Survey 2014 - the results

Just received your winter fuel bill and decided it’s time to switch? Well you’re in luck, the Which? 2014 energy satisfaction survey is out and you might be surprised by the results.

The survey rated 20 UK gas and electricity suppliers and gathered opinions from over 8,500 energy customers. Good Energy and Ecotricity came in joint first, followed by Utility Warehouse, Ebico and Ovo Energy, while British Gas and Npower found themselves placed in the bottom two. The results show that small providers are leaps and bounds ahead of Britain’s six biggest energy suppliers.

If you've found that your winter bill has been higher than usual and you've followed all the energy saving tips you possibly can, then maybe it’s time you switched.  Check out the Which? energy comparison service to find out more.

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A guide to energy efficient light bulbs

We are constantly being reminded to use energy efficient light bulbs, yet millions of UK homes still use the standard bulb that we are all familiar with. The EU have started to phase out this traditional light bulb and are encouraging us to invest in more energy efficient options. However, with rumours of high cost, mercury leakage and migraine inducing bulbs, what should you buy, and is an energy efficient bulb the right bulb for you?

Halogen Bulbs

These bulbs are not too dissimilar to the standard bulb we are all familiar with. While they are still relatively cheap to buy, they are not cheap to run. Although the bulbs last twice as long as a standard bulb, they emit a serious amount of heat.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

CFL bulbs are a much cheaper, and efficient, option. The cost of these bulbs start at around £2 and will last you up to five years - that's between 6,000 and 15,000 hours of light!

If you've bought a CFL bulb in the past you may have found that some omit a more yellow light than others. This is due to the 'colour temperature' of the bulb. Each bulb should have a reference to Kelvins (K) on the packaging. The higher the temperature (K) the whiter the light.

CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, about 5 milligrams. Research has shown that a tiny fraction is released when bulbs break. For the mercury to reach hazardous levels it would need to be left exposed for several weeks. However, it is still recommended that you dispose of broken CFL bulbs in the right way (see the bottom of this article for advice on how to dispose of a CFL bulb).

CFLs are also deemed an enemy by some migraine sufferers. Fluorescent lights have what's known as a flicker rate, and although there have been rare cases, these flickers can trigger painful migraines. If you suffer from severe migraines it is advised that you invest in some LED lights.

Do not buy a CFL bulb if you have a light with a dimmer switch as they won't work!

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

The most energy efficient bulb is the LED, which uses 10% less energy than a CFL. LEDs contain no mercury, they reach their maximum light strength immediately, are migraine friendly and work with dimmer switches. One bulb will set you back around £15, however, it can last over 30 years. It seems the only downside is that LEDs are not as bright as other bulbs.

How to clean up and dispose of a broken CFL bulb

• Before you start removing the broken bulb, ensure all people and pets have left the room.
• Open all windows and air the room for up to half an hour.
• Do not vacuum the mess as you can spread mercury powder (and also damage your machine with broken glass).
• Scoop up all glass using card and sticky tape to pick up any remaining small pieces of glass.
• Place all pieces in a glass jar or in a plastic bag, including the tape you used to pick up glass.
• Dispose of all items used to clean up the mess (such as cardboard and cloths).
• Check with your local council if you can throw the bulb away with your normal rubbish collection. If so, double bag the bulb before throwing it away

Images by Chris Cummings

VIDEO: Have you had your yearly gas check?

Earlier this year we published a post about a landlord's responsibilities regarding gas, electric and plumbing. One of the most important things that a landlord should do is ensure that an annual gas check has been conducted. Aside from checking that all appliances are safe and installed properly, an annual check will help prevent any potential fatal problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions.

If you are a new tenant and haven't been given the most recent gas check documents, or an existing tenant who hasn't had a gas check in the last year then speak to your landlord.

Below is a video from the Gas Safety Register which explains what you should expect as a tenant. If you are due a gas check, or would like to find out more about what it entails, then call us on 020 8682 2244 or visit www.maintracts.co.uk.

Click here to  find our more about the Gas Safe Register.

Are you wasting energy?

We're constantly being told to conserve energy and we know that energy prices are on the up. Aside from making sure that we don't leave plugs switched on or computers and TVs on standby over night, what else can be done to avoid wasting energy?

Here are some tips that may seem obvious, but are easy to miss.

Don't charge your mobile phone or tablet over night. Most will charge within a matter of a few hours meaning that while you're asleep you could have charged your mobile devices three if not four times over!

The nights have been cold, so no one would blame you for using a heated blanket, but try not to leave it on hours before getting in bed and make sure that you turn it off as soon as you wake up.

Have you left your plugs switched on?

Most TVs have a sleep timer, if you like to watch TV when in bed make sure you have your timer on so that it's not on all night while you are asleep. Many radios, even podcast apps on your mobile device, will have that function too.

If you have a draft coming in to your home, check windows and doors. Heavier curtains and draft excluders will not only stop the draft coming in, they will stop the heat getting out.

Don't put hot food in your fridge. Wait for your food to cool completely or your fridge will work overtime to bring the temperature down.

This one will seem obvious: don't leave your windows open when you have the heating on. If you like to have fresh air in the home, turn your heating off first. The more heating that leaves your home, the more likely you are to turn up the temperature and waste money. Also, if you have a thermostat that automatically adjusts based on the temperature of the room, you may find your heat going up without realising it.

This last one is the most obvious of all: if you're not using an electrical device and it doesn't need to be on then turn it of! Here are a list of things you might not think of:

• Mobile chargers
• TV
• DVD recorder
• Digital TV box (there is no need to leave it on if you are not recording anything)
• Broadband hub (check that you don't have any devices that rely on the internet before turning it off!)
• Side/desk lamps
• Computers/laptops
• Chargers – if they are not in use why are they still switched on?
• Speakers for mobile devices
• Kitchen appliances such as blenders, slow cookers and coffee machines

There are many ways to save energy. If you're looking for more inspiration read our winter money saving tips article.

If you've followed all of our energy saving tips but still finding that your bills are still high then you may need a boiler or gas check. To find out more call 020 8682 2244 or visit www.maintracts.co.uk.

Image by Colin Brough