Summer Plumbing & Heating Checklist – Avoid Winter Disasters!

Summer is the perfect time to check your plumbing and heating systems before the cold weather hits. A little maintenance now can save you from costly emergencies later. Here’s your essential summer checklist to keep everything running smoothly through winter.

1. Check Your Boiler & Heating System Why? A boiler breakdown in winter is much harder (and more expensive) to fix.

Action Steps: Book a boiler service – Summer is the best time, as engineers are less busy.

Test your heating – Turn it on briefly to ensure it’s working.

Bleed radiators – Remove trapped air to improve efficiency.

Check for leaks or corrosion – Look around pipes and valves.

2. Inspect Pipes for Damage Why? Small leaks or weak pipes can burst in freezing temperatures.

Action Steps: Check under sinks, in the loft, and basement for dampness or corrosion.

Insulate exposed pipes – Especially in garages or outside walls.

Fix dripping taps – A small leak now can freeze and cause a burst pipe later.

3. Clear Gutters & Downpipes Why? Blocked gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams in winter.

Action Steps: Remove leaves and debris.

Check for leaks or misaligned pipes.

Ensure water drains away from the house to prevent foundation issues.

4. Drain & Maintain Outdoor Taps Why? Frozen garden taps can burst and cause indoor flooding.

Action Steps: Turn off outdoor water supply if possible.

Drain hoses and store them away.

Fit an insulated tap cover before winter.

5. Service Your Hot Water System Why? Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and can cause breakdowns.

Action Steps: Drain and flush the hot water tank (if applicable).

Check the pressure relief valve.

Consider a water softener if you live in a hard water area.

6. Test Your Sump Pump (If You Have One) Why? Heavy winter rain or melting snow can cause flooding.

Action Steps: Pour water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates.

Clear any debris from the discharge pipe.

7. Look for Hidden Leaks Why? Undetected leaks lead to mould, structural damage, and high bills.

Action Steps: Check your water meter (turn off all taps – if it’s still moving, you may have a leak).

Inspect walls and ceilings for damp patches.

8. Consider Upgrading Before Winter Why? Summer is the best time for installations (no rush, better availability).

Action Steps: Replace an old boiler before it fails in winter. Install smart thermostats for better efficiency.

Upgrade to low-flow fixtures to save water.

Conclusion: "A few simple checks this summer can prevent nasty surprises when winter arrives.

If you’re unsure about any of these tasks, it’s always best to call a professional plumber or heating engineer.

Need help getting your home winter-ready? Contact us today on 02083679969 for a summer health check!"