A Homeowner's Checklist for Preventing Plumbing Disasters
When it comes to your home’s plumbing, the old saying “prevention is better than cure” couldn’t be more accurate. A small, undetected leak or a poorly maintained pipe can quickly escalate into a full-blown, expensive disaster.
The good news is that a little bit of regular maintenance can go a long way. Use this simple homeowner’s checklist to stay ahead of potential problems and keep your Manchester home’s plumbing system in top condition.
Anually: The Big Two
Book Your Boiler Service: This is the single most important piece of annual maintenance. A service by a Gas Safe registered engineer not only ensures your boiler is running safely and efficiently (saving you money on bills) but also allows a professional to spot potential issues before they cause a breakdown.
Know Where Your Stopcock Is: In an emergency, you need to be able to shut off your water supply fast. Take five minutes to locate your mains stopcock and check that it isn’t seized up. If you can’t turn it, call a plumber to have it serviced.
Autumn Checklist: Prepare for the Cold
Insulate Your Pipes: As temperatures drop, exposed pipes in unheated areas (like your loft, garage, or outside walls) are at risk of freezing and bursting. Use inexpensive foam pipe lagging from a DIY store to protect them before the first frost hits.
Clear Gutters and Drains: Remove leaves and debris from your gutters and external drains. Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your home’s foundations, leading to damp and damage.
Spring/Summer Checklist: The Annual Inspection
Check for Leaks: Go on a leak-finding mission. Check under kitchen and bathroom sinks, around the base of your toilets, and behind appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. Look for drips, puddles, or signs of water damage like discolouration or mould.
Inspect Appliance Hoses: The water hoses connected to your washing machine and dishwasher are under constant pressure. Check them for any bulges, cracks, or signs of brittleness. These are a common cause of household floods.
Check Tap and Shower Performance: Are your taps dripping? Is your shower pressure weaker than it used to be? These small issues can often be early warning signs of bigger problems with your plumbing or water heater.
All Year Round: Good Habits
Don’t Pour Grease Down the Sink: Kitchen grease and oil solidify in your pipes, creating stubborn clogs. Pour cooled grease into a container and throw it in the bin instead.
Mind What You Flush: The only things that should be flushed down a toilet are human waste and toilet paper. “Flushable” wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary products are a leading cause of blocked drains.
When In Doubt, Call The Experts
This checklist will help you catch many common issues, but if you spot a problem you’re not sure how to handle, it’s always best to get professional advice.