1. Know Your Valves.
Find out where you main stopcock is so that it can be switched off in an emergency. Barbican Plumbers can advise. Take the time to find out what other valves you have in the house and label them. Valves can seize up over time if they’re not used so get into the habit of turning them off and on again a couple of times a year to keep them in working order.
2. Deal with Drips.
Don’t leave a dripping tap. A perished washer in your water cistern is only going to fail eventually. If you need to use a wrench on items like taps, cover with an old rag first to prevent scratches. Don’t forget to isolate.
3. Look After Your Boiler.
Regular servicing of your boiler will ensure that it’s working at its best and safety checks will be carried out to make sure there are no poisonous gases. If you can see the flame in the boiler it should be blue, a yellow flame would indicate a problem. Only have work on your boiler carried out by a registered Plumber. If you have a pressurised system, check the pressure regularly to ensure it is within the Manufacturers specified range.
4. Guard Against Freezing.
Make sure any pipe work exposed to freezing conditions is properly lagged. Check pipes in the attic and basement if relevant. If you have an outside tap, isolate it during the cold weather.
5. Machine Hoses.
The flexible hoses connecting appliances like washing machines should be checked annually for signs of wear. They carry lots of water. Check the connections at each end of the hoses as well to make sure there are no drips.
Waste Outlets and Drains.
Waste water pipes should be checked at regular intervals. Bath and shower drains can block with hair. Many drains have a removable filter which can be cleaned easily. If you need to clear a drain use a plunger rather than chemicals. Outside drains van easily block with leaves etc. Fit a leaf guard if possible and run a hose to check flow once a year.
Hard Water.
Hard water areas develop lime scale deposits around taps and showerheads. Vinegar is a great solution for cleaning a lime scale build up. There are plenty of other areas where lime scale can build up, pipes, washing machines, dishwashers, boilers and heating systems. If your budget allows consider fitting a water softener.
Emergency Plumbing.
Be prepared is an old saying but it certainly applies here. If you know how to deal with a plumbing emergency you could save a lot of stress and expense. There’s a product called LLFA tape that can seal a split pipe – it might be worth keeping some in your toolbox. Broadgate Plumbers have a full emergency call out service.