The plumbing in your home is something you use every day.
This means it’s essential to look after it so you can enjoy its full benefits.
However, it also means that, because you use it so often, you probably don’t
pause to think about it until something goes wrong!
Here at Bog Standard Plumbing and Heating, we’ve solved countless plumbing problems, carrying out repairs, servicing and maintenance in homes across Wolverhampton. While we’re very happy to do this, there are a few things that you as a homeowner can do yourself, which may mean you don’t need to call us out so often! This can save you both time and money, so while life may be busy and it’s easier to not think about your home’s plumbing, doing the following basic tasks are well worth the few minutes they take to complete.
And if you do need us for anything connected to the water, pipes or heating in your home, we’re just a phone call or email away. You can call us on 0330 113 2248 or send an email to info@bogstandardplumbing.co.uk
Help prevent blocked drains
Even when you clean your bath and shower regularly, it’s common for debris such as hair to get caught in and under the where the water drains away. If you notice your shower tray holding some water as you use it or your bath being slow to drain, it means it needs unclogging.
It’s good to get into the habit of doing this every two or three months to prevent a bigger drain block that won’t be so easy to sort. Just prepare a mix of vinegar and hot water and pour this down your plugholes, also cleaning all around the area as well. It’s so quick and simple to do, there’s really no excuse not to!
Keep your showerhead clean
As well as the regular wipe you probably give your shower head when you clean your bathroom, it should be given a thorough going over every few months. By carefully screwing open your shower head, you can clear away any dust and debris that might be affecting its performance. After you do this, you’ll probably immediately notice it working more effectively.
Regularly check for leaks
When leaks are left untreated they can cause extensive damage to your property, going far beyond the area where the leak began. The trouble is, some leaks are hard to detect because they start under the floor or behind a wall. The best approach to take is trying to manage the leaks at their source, by regularly checking areas that are at risk.
Every couple of months, check around your boiler, hot water cylinder if you have one, toilet, washing machine and dishwasher to see if there is any water collecting around them. If there is, you can contact a plumber to deal with it straight away, thus minimising water wastage, damage and cost.
It’s also a good idea to check the hose of water-based appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. These can crack over time but you’re unlikely to see this unless you look, until they start to cause damage.
Look after your boiler, cylinder and tank
We strongly recommend all homeowners have their boiler serviced annually, as this is the best way to keep your central heating system healthy and reduce the chance of breakdown. In addition to this, however, it’s also a good idea to periodically check that everything looks ok with the main elements of your heating system.
Check underneath and around your boiler and hot water cylinder (if you have one) to see if there’s any water, sludge or debris escaping, which may be a sign of a problem or that your system is ready for a powerflush. If you do notice any small leaks, it’s important to contact a Gas Safe registered heating engineer who will be qualified to inspect your system and safely carry out any work that may be required.
It’s also a good idea to bleed your radiators if they aren’t heating up fully. You can do this yourself with a radiator key.
Contact us for plumbing help in Wolverhampton
If you’d like some further help or advice with plumbing maintenance or have a repair that needs carrying out, the friendly team at Bog Standard Plumbing and Heating can help. We work across Wolverhampton and can help with everything from burst pipes to leaking toilets.
You can contact us by:
- Telephone on 0330 113 2248
- Email at info@bogstandardplumbing.co.uk
- Online via our contact form