Our complex was built by one builder and hence a common approach was used in selecting materials, appliances, etc. Your committee invites owners to share their problems in respect of original equipment. In so doing it is hoped that we may save some time in seeking solutions. Here are a few examples of common problems:
If you have a suggestion or tip, please let the executive committee know.
Door Locks
If you find that your door locks are getting a bit stiff or the key is difficult to insert, WD40 has a Lock Lubricant. Spray into the barrel through the keyhole, and inside the latch to keep things working smoothly. This is a handy annual maintenance.
Evaporative Cooling System
During summer, when we are likely to be using the cooling system, there are particular setting needed for efficient operation. The tap that regulates the water supply to the system is usually located in the cupboard under the laundry tub. Alongside this tap is another which is used to bleed off water from the system.
It is particularly important to drain out all the water in winter as it could freeze causing considerable damage.Referring to the image above, the settings for the taps is: Summer – A is on, B is off. Winter – A is off, B is on. However it seems that not all homes are plumbed in this way, so make a careful note of your home’s setting for reference. Recommended to have an annual service from Brindabella Gas and Plumbing (Matt 0400 427 626)
Heating
It is recommended that you close the ceiling cooling vents during winter to minimise heat loss. Some owners have had a covering placed over the vents during the winter months. There are a few different options including smaller pieces of MDF that sit above each individual vent, and larger caps that are attached underneath the vents.
Doorbell Sticking
The cover may be removed by gently inserting a screwdriver into the join in the side of the outer casing and carefully levering it off. This will reveal a small plastic cover over a spring which should be sprayed with WD 40 (or similar). Check whether the casing is held in by screws at the bottom of the unit.
Garage Door
Garage doors should be serviced from time to time. However to reduce the noise when they are opened and closed you could spray the moving parts with a 3-in-one silicone spray lubricant which has a directional tube attached.
Gas Heaters and appliances
Heaters should be serviced annually. For the owners who replaced the original heater units with the Brivis 6 Star units, the unit should be serviced at two years for warranty purposes. This should supposedly be carried out by an “Authorised Brivis” service person. Many owners have been very satisfied with the service provided by Matt at Brindabella Gas and Plumbing .
Leaking Cistern
The seating that fits our cisterns can be obtained from Bunnings. It is in a Fix-a-loo pack marked “Suits Geberit seating”.
Letterbox Lock
If you are having the trouble opening your letterbox, give the lock a squirt with WD40 Spray Lubricant (or plain old WD40). Open the flap first and hold it horizontal before applying the lubricant. It should get into the moving parts better that way.
Return Air Filter
The return air filter (the large grill on a wall usually near your laundry) should be cleaned approximately every 4-6 weeks. This filter does an important job keeping your air clean and healthy. To clean the filter, remove the panel and take out the filter panel and immerse it in luke-warm water and rinse with clean water. When dry, replace back in unit. Try not to use the unit while the cleaning is being carried out. If the filter is damaged, replacements can be purchased at Canberra Filter Services at Fyshwick.
Towel Rails
The ends of the towel rails are quite sharp and can bruise or break the skin if bumped. Bunnings have some white plastic tips manufactured by EHI which cover the sharp ends of the towel racks quite neatly. They come in packs of four (13 mm or ½ inch diameter) and cost about $2 a pack.
Underfloor Heating in ensuite
Fluctuations in the level of heating may indicate that the batteries need replacing. The batteries are located behind the control panel. One owner has reported that the Honeywell thermostat unit burnt out and had to be replaced. The Honeywell unit is almost impossible to find, but an alternative is the Livella thermostat which can be obtained from Livella Heating in Robina, Qld. Phone 1800 133 134, or submit an enquiry on the online Contact page HERE. Product details are on the website livella.com
Washbasin Plugs
The spring loaded plugs in the bathroom and ensuite tend to stick in the basin. Bunnings was consulted and advise that the shafts should be sprayed with a product like WD40 or RP7. These products act as a degreasing agent, and so will clean the shafts for you. They also are an active water dispersant, and a lubricant. To clean the shaft, raise the chrome cap to the open position, spray the shaft, and then repeatedly shut and open the chrome cap. Another option would be to dismantle the unit and clean the shaft in hot dishwater, lightly silicone the shaft and refit it. The chrome cap can be unscrewed for cleaning, as gunk can accumulate underneath cap. If needed, replacement caps can be bought at Bunnings.