Every homeowner relies on their boilers and hot water when the cold of winter bites, but this is also the time of the year when professional heating and plumbing experts receive huge influxes of enquiries – and when boilers are most prone to outages and faults, some of which could have been prevented.
The specialists advise that maintenance is key because some simple tasks, like keeping a boiler free of dust, booking a service before it becomes overdue, and clearing outdoor drains, can make a marked difference to the risks of a boiler breaking down or a plumbing disaster when you need it least.
In a bid to help prevent so many homeowners experiencing the stress of a loss of heating or water this winter, the experienced team at GCL Hopkins in Loughborough has shared some advice, broken down into each season.
Benefits of Periodic and Seasonal Heating and Plumbing Upkeep
Let’s start by saying that anything technical or associated with the gas or fuel supply to your boiler should, of course, be carried out by a qualified, certified professional. We’d never suggest a homeowner or landlord should take a DIY approach to boiler servicing or repairs, as this can be very dangerous indeed without the right skills and equipment!
However, it’s also possible to reduce the chance of your boiler failing, especially if you have a relatively modern home heating system that should, theoretically, last for many more years.
As a quick summary, the biggest advantages to spending just a few minutes a month or every few weeks checking that your plumbing and boiler are working as they should include:
Finding minor faults before they become major. Smaller errors can often be fixed quickly and cheaply, but can escalate into whole system malfunctions that are costly to correct.
Preventing avoidable issues. A surprising proportion of problems relate to things that could have been prevented, from drains being clogged with leaves to build-ups of dust inside your boiler.
Lower utility bills – something we know is a big priority for many of our customers. Efficient, well-maintained appliances and systems reduce wastage and heat loss, ultimately saving you money by not paying for unused water or gas.
If you’re a landlord, you’ll know that keeping your boiler in good condition and scheduling regular servicing and maintenance checks is mandatory – but you could still extend the lifespan of the heating systems in your rental properties by performing preventative cleaning and inspections.
Tasks to Protect the Performance of Your Boiler in Every Season
One common reason homeowners may not realise they have a problem with their boiler or a leak in their water supply is that they don't use their heating as much in the summer, or they assume that having the boiler turned off or on standby mode will prevent problems.
As we head towards autumn, we’d recommend you start by following the checklists outlined below, preparing for the cold well before it hits.
Autumn Maintenance
Now is the right time to check that everything is working as it should, and it’s far easier to replace clogged or dirty boiler filters earlier in the year when there are fewer emergency callouts for frozen and burst pipes.
Take a look at your heating system. Any signs of leaks, rust, or damage may need investigation. Testing the thermostat to ensure it responds correctly when you adjust the temperature will give you plenty of time to have any issues repaired or serviced.
We'd suggest you think about insulating any pipework in parts of your property that aren't insulated, such as garages and lofts. You can also schedule a boiler service, keep your drains free of leaves, especially if rain is forecast, and disconnect garden hoses, which can freeze fairly fast during frosty and icy weather.
Winter Maintenance
Colder temperatures, unfortunately, can be responsible for no end of headaches. Here are some of the ways to prevent that:
Keep an eye and an ear on your boiler. Strange noises or rumbling sounds could be an early sign of a problem that can be fixed before it becomes serious. Likewise, condensation can be indicative of an issue that needs addressing.
Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if you’ve not had the boiler on throughout the summer.
Consider sealing drafts around doors and windows, as they contribute to heat loss.
Clear or have someone with a ladder check that your gutters are free of blockages – these can lead to water accumulating, which can cause flooding or damage to the guttering when frozen rainwater expands.
There are always some boiler breakdowns or plumbing emergencies that will happen regardless of how prepared you are, and we’d recommend calling us immediately if you’re worried about your boiler or have noticed something like the heating not reaching the right temperature.
Spring Maintenance
Once the spring arrives and the weather starts to warm up, it is a good time to inspect your boiler and plumbing, as they’ve worked hard all winter. Any rusting or damage may need fixing now to prevent it from getting worse.
A great tip if you think you've been billed for more water than you use is to turn off your water supply at a convenient time – and only for a short period – and to watch the water meter to see if the usage changes. This is a fast, free way to discover hidden leaks that can become very expensive to fix later on.
Dust is a common culprit behind boiler breakdowns. To prevent this, you can vacuum around the boiler area regularly to keep the filters clear, and wipe down only the outer casing with a damp cloth.
Booking in your service or maintenance check is also advisable in the spring, and we’ll complete a full health check to deal with any blocked filters or other issues.
Summer Maintenance
Finally, once we get to the summer, it’s well worth considering any parts of your plumbing that are showing their age, with taps, toilets and showerheads that are worn or corroded.
These components tend to be widely available in the low-demand summer period, and replacing old parts can make a big difference to your water bills.
Our engineers also have greater flexibility within our schedules, so we can book a good day and time to visit your property, check that your boiler and pipework are maintained and serviced, and provide independent advice if you've decided to upgrade or replace any aspects of your heating and plumbing.
About GCL Hopkins Ltd
GCL Hopkins Ltd is a trusted provider of plumbing and heating services across Leicester and Loughborough. Offering expert solutions to keep your home or business running smoothly. With over a century of experience, we’re here for all your plumbing, heating, and maintenance needs.
