Preparing your plumbing for Summer

As summer approaches, homeowners should start thinking about their plumbing needs. Summer brings increased activity around the house, such as hosting guests, filling up paddling pools and watering the garden. This means more water usage and stress on your plumbing system. 

To avoid any potential problems, it’s essential to prepare your plumbing for summer by following these top tips:

Inspect Your Water Heater: Summer is the perfect time to have your water heater inspected and serviced by a professional plumber. Even though it won’t be working as hard as it did in the colder months, sediment deposits and debris can still build up, reducing its efficiency and causing potential breakdowns.

Check Your Toilet: If you plan on hosting guests this summer, it’s important to make sure your toilet is functioning properly. Check for any blockages or leaks. A leaky toilet can waste a significant amount of water and cause damage to your floors and walls.

Clear Your Gutters: While gutters may not seem like a part of your plumbing system, they are essential for diverting water away from your home. Clear any debris that may have accumulated during the winter, as clogged gutters can lead to foundation damage and structural issues.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning: Backyard BBQs and increased cooking can put a lot of pressure on your drains, so it’s essential to schedule professional drain cleaning before the summer starts. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can cause damage to your pipes.

Check Your Water Pressure: With more activity around the house, it’s important to make sure your water pressure is sufficient. Low water pressure can be a sign of a problem with your plumbing system and can cause inconvenience.

Check Your Sprinkler System: Before turning on your sprinkler system this summer, make sure to inspect it and your hose pipe for leaks and clean the sprinkler heads. This will prevent any flooding and increase in water bills.

Inspect Your Washing Machine: Contrary to popular belief, the summer months are when your washing machine is used the most. Inspect all moving parts, connections, and hoses for any signs of wear and tear. 

Service your boiler

Perhaps the most important part of sorting your plumbing in summer is the least obvious, but has huge benefit, servicing your boiler:

A boiler is an important appliance in many homes and businesses, providing warmth and hot water. However, like any mechanical device, boilers require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and reliably. One of the best times to service a boiler is during the summer months, when it’s not in high demand. In this tip, we will explore why servicing your boiler in the summer can make it more efficient and prevent problems in the winter.

Firstly, let’s consider why it’s important to service your boiler regularly. A boiler that isn’t properly maintained can become less efficient over time, resulting in higher energy bills and potential breakdowns. A poorly maintained boiler can also be a safety hazard, as it may emit dangerous gases like carbon monoxide. In addition, many boiler warranties require regular servicing in order to remain valid.

When you service your boiler in the summer, you can catch any potential problems before they become major issues. This is important because in the winter, when you’re relying on your boiler the most, a breakdown can be a major inconvenience. For example, if your boiler’s heat exchanger becomes clogged with debris, it can reduce the efficiency of your system and cause it to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. This can result in higher energy bills and more wear and tear on your boiler. By having your boiler serviced in the summer, you can catch these types of issues before they become major problems in the winter.

Another benefit of servicing your boiler in the summer is that it can improve its efficiency. A well-maintained boiler will operate more efficiently, which means it will use less energy to produce the same amount of heat. This can result in lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. A professional service can include a cleaning of the internal components, such as the burner and heat exchanger, to remove any debris or buildup that can impede its efficiency.

In addition, a service can identify any areas where your boiler may be losing heat, such as poorly insulated pipes or a damaged flue. Addressing these issues can improve your boiler’s efficiency and help to keep your home warmer in the winter. Furthermore, a professional service can check the accuracy of your thermostat, ensuring that it is working correctly and not causing your boiler to work harder than necessary.

One often overlooked aspect of boiler maintenance is the importance of maintaining water pressure. If the pressure in your boiler is too low, it can cause your system to stop working altogether. During a summer service, a technician can check the pressure and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it’s at the correct level. This can prevent winter breakdowns and ensure that you have hot water and heat when you need it most.

Another benefit of summer boiler servicing is that it can extend the lifespan of your boiler. A well-maintained boiler will last longer than one that is neglected. Regular servicing can help to prevent corrosion, which can damage your boiler’s internal components and lead to costly repairs or replacements. A service can also identify any worn or damaged parts, allowing them to be replaced before they cause further damage.

Finally, summer servicing can give you peace of mind. Knowing that your boiler has been professionally serviced and is in good working order can give you confidence that it will keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter. It can also help to prevent emergency breakdowns, which can be stressful and expensive to fix.

In conclusion, servicing your boiler in the summer is a smart decision that can save you money, improve efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of your boiler. By having your boiler serviced by a professional technician, you can catch any potential problems before they become major issues and ensure that your system is working at its best. So, don’t wait until the winter to think about your boiler. 

By following these tips, homeowners can ensure their plumbing system is ready for the summer and avoid any potential problems that could cause inconvenience and costly repairs.