(Newswire.net — October 27, 2013) Cirencester, Gloucestershire —
Lovatts Heating Ltd Cirencester give the following plumbing tips for preparing your home to be safe during winter, keeping the heat in and the cold out.
You should carry out these few plumbing checks which will make a big difference when winter arrives.
Firstly, find where your stop cock is (most likely in the cloakroom or under the sink) and test that you can turn it off. You will need to be able to shut it off in case you become victim of a burst pipe or any other plumbing emergency.
Have repaired any taps in and around the home that are dripping or leaking as this can cause the build up of ice resulting in burst pipes and blockages.
To keep the heat in, ensure you check your loft insulation as this is where the majority of your home heating is lost and your windows and doors need to seal properly when closed.
Have your boiler serviced each year, making sure it is safe and working at the top of its efficiency.
If these items are not dealt with, your utility bills will be a lot higher than they needs to be.
To keep the cold out, check that all venerable pipes especially the ones in the loft but also in the attic, cellar and basement are well insulated. Also be sure the water storage tanks in the loft are also well insulated and a good lid is fitted.
Cold will also find its way in through any holes that have been drilled in the external walls for television or telephone cables etc so make sure they are filled.
Keep your pipes safe during freezing temperatures by setting your central heating thermostat to a minimum of 12C each day especially when away.
In really persistent freezing weather open your loft hatch to enable warm air to circulate into the loft space which will help protect the pipe work and water storage tanks.
Lovatts Heating Ltd also say preparation of your plumbing is key, not only to avoid plumber call outs but to also avoid damage caused by burst pipes etc.