Plumbing emergencies may require quick thinking. Make sure you know where the 'stopcock' for your water is located in case of emergency!
To prevent stopcocks from seizing up, grease them and turn them off and back on twice a year. The may seize to operate due to lack of use.
Guard against freezing. Make sure any pipe work which may be exposed to freezing conditions is properly lagged. Check pipes in the loft and basement if you have one.
Do not pour fats or cooking oils down the drain - they will harden in the pipes and create clogs - it is the number one cause of blockages.
Many expensive plumbing jobs can be avoided if you call a plumber at the first sign of any problem. For example a sink or toilet that blocks occasionally is only likely to get worse and worse over time and cost you more to repair if you choose to ignore it.
Consider replacing a boiler or water heater more than 15 years old. Newer water heaters are more energy efficient and will save significant money on heating bills.
Look after your boiler. Regular servicing of your boiler and heating system each year is vita. This will ensure that it is working at its best and safety check are carried out at all the correct intervals so that Co2 levels are safe.
If you can see the flame in the boiler it should be a clear, strong, blue flame - a yellow flame would indicate a problem and should be checked by one of our engineers.