There is nobody who wants to wake up at 2am in the middle of a plumbing disaster, but many emergencies can be avoided with just some maintenance that should become part of your regular routine. Avoid these common crises:
- Burst Pipes in Winter
One of the major winter emergencies that can happen is frozen pipes. Lag pipes to the loft, garage and outside walls. Without lagging these can freeze solid. It is a minor expense to avoid the cost of thousands in water damage.
- Boiler Breakdowns
Annual boiler servicing isn’t just about efficiency – it catches small problems before they become expensive emergencies. During a standard service routine, an experienced engineer can also identify worn parts and potential failures, which is particularly useful if your heating breaks down in the dead of winter. For an Emergency Plumber Gloucester, contact www.hprservicesltd.com/emergency-plumber-gloucester
- Blocked Drains and Toilets
Most blockages build up gradually. Don’t allow fat down the drain. Use a drain protector in the shower to keep things flowing. Just flush with hot water once a month and use a drain-cleaning product.
- Water Heater Failures
Your water heater works hard, so take extra care of it. Risks of failure can be avoided by yearly servicing and regular maintenance to check the pressure release valve.
- Leaking Taps and Pipes
A leaking tap is not just irritating – it’s a sign. Those little leaks can get bigger over time, and become big trouble. Take care of small leaks as they happen, and check under the sink and behind appliances for any telltale signs in advance.
Water Mistakes: How to turn off your water supply and save thousands Here is what you need to know now:
Find Your Stopcock Today
Don’t wait for an emergency. Find your internal stopcock – usually under the kitchen sink, in a downstairs cupboard or where the water pipe enters your property. If you just bought an old home, look in the garage or down into the cellar.
How to Turn It Off
When using a rotary type stopcock, turn the handle clockwise (right). It may be seized if it has been sitting unused for years, so check it out now while there’s no rush. Turn it all the way off, and then out again so that everything works properly.
The External Stop Valve
There is also a stopcock outside your property in the pavement, usually under a small metal cover with “water” written on it. It must be turned with a special key (you can get one from hardware stores). This water shutoff is for the whole property.
What to Do in an Emergency
Immediately cut the circulation of water off at the stopcock or call a plumber if you have burst pipe leaking out your home. If the water is near electrics, switch your electricity off at the mains.
Preventive maintenance is less expensive, far less stressful and much cheaper than emergency call outs. You will thank yourself in the future.