Plumbing and heating Check your plumbing

Checking that your plumbing and heating is working well is essential, particularly if you are planning home improvements. Many people underestimate the importance of these tasks, or leave all the decisions to tradespeople. 

Gas hob

It is essential to keep your heating and plumbing system in working order

But doing a bit of research can save money and give you the best solution to your needs.

Need to know

Unfortunately, most people only worry about making sure their plumbing is in good working order on two occasions - when the heating packs up during , or when it leaks. Calling out an emergency plumber or gas fitter is an expensive business, so make sure your system is up to date and in good working order. It’s also important from an energy efficiency point of view. If you are renting a property or planning to rent one out, you are legally obliged to carry out annual landlord’s gas safety checks.

Annual checks

Gas Safe Register logo

Gas Safe Register took over the gas registration scheme from Corgi on 1 April 2009

You need to use a properly-qualified professional to service your boiler, but you can carry out all the other checks yourself.

  • An annual service of plumbing and heating appliances such as the boiler.
  • Checking visible pipe work – look at ceilings for any signs of water leaks.
  • Checking radiators are hot both at the top and bottom.
  • If necessary, bleeding the radiators to eliminate any air in the system.
  • Turning on the hot taps to check water is still coming through quickly.
  • Making sure the taps aren’t dripping and that they turn on and off easily.

One of the most important ongoing checks to make is for carbon monoxide (CO) escaping from gas appliances. CO leaks can kill. Corgi, the gas safety watchdog, advises that you should install a CO detector with an audible alarm. They cost £20 to £30 and are available online and at DIY stores.

Please note the gas registration scheme, which was previously run by Corgi was taken over by Capita on 1 April 2009. The new scheme is called the Gas Safe Register.

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