When you’re looking to buy a new home, the chances are that an in-depth analysis of the plumbing system is not high up on your list of things to do. However, the last thing you will want is unexpected – and costly – plumbing problems.
So here are six things you should check plumbing-wise when you first move in.
Know Where Your Stop-Cock Is
Make sure you locate where the stop-cock is. It is usually under a sink or staircase or in the garage. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use it, but in the event of a leak, you’ll want to be able to turn off your water supply quickly.
Find Out If You Have a Water Meter
These provide accurate information about how much water you use. Your supplier should be able to tell you if there is one fitted to your property.
Clear Signs of Water Damage or Leaks
Obviously, any home can suffer from the occasional leaky pipe. However, water stains or damp patches which spread indicate a problem you should deal with quickly.
Check Your Boiler Service History
As part of purchasing the property, you may already have some information about your new boiler, including details of its service history. You can look around the boiler yourself to check for any obvious signs of damage, but you should never attempt to tamper with it yourself. Boiler repairs and servicing are best left to gas safe registered engineers, who are qualified to carry out work safely.
If you do need a new boiler installation Cheltenham experts offer a variety of boilers to suit your needs. To see what services are available, look at http://www.hprservicesltd.com/Cheltenham-boilers/boiler-installation-Cheltenham/.
Check Your Cold-Water Tank
Some properties have water tanks in the loft. These should be insulated and have a lid to protect the water from contamination.
Inspect Your Toilet
Cleaning the toilet is one of the first jobs many people do when they move into a new home. Take the opportunity to look for signs of leaks or damage too. Cracks, damaged seals or loose fittings may seem insignificant, but they can quickly worsen if left unattended. Look at the floor around the base of your toilet too. If it’s warped or stained, call in a plumber to rectify the problem.
