Moving into your new home is an exciting prospect but there are a number of things you should check when moving into a new property and the plumbing is one of them. We have compiled seven top tips for checking the health of the plumbing in your new home, ensuring everything is working properly and is up to standard.
1. Locating the stop cock.
It’s important to know exactly where the stop cock is in your home in case any of the pipes or burst during your time living there. The stop cock disconnects the water from the house so in case of a emergency it can be shut off. The stop cock can usually be found in the garage, under the kitchen sink, in a utility room or even in downstairs bathroom. Knowing where it is is essential so you are readily prepared in case of an emergency.
2. Does your boiler have service history documentation?
Knowing how old the boiler in your new home is and when it was last serviced is another must. Boiler breakdowns can be costly so it’s always a good idea to make sure that you have a good service history. If you have an old an inefficient boiler (ten years old or older) then you should consider replacing it.
3. Checking the cold water tank
The cold water tank can sometimes be found in the loft or in an airing cupboard above the cylinder. Your cold water tank needs to have a lid on it to keep out any contamination. If you find that your cold water tank does not have a lid on it you will have to get one fitted and ensure that the tanks cleaned out and replaced. Make sure that the tank is insulated as well.
4. Checking the water pressure
You can check the water pressure in your home house by locating the tap that is furthest away from the source of water and turning it on. If you have low pressure you may be a able to fix it problem by installing new taps or a new shower head.
5. Check your water meter
Do you have a water meter? It’s worth checking as if so you will want to know what the reading on the water meter is before you use any water. This way you can give an accurate reading to the water company when you move in and receive an accurate bill. The water meter is probably outside your property at the front of a house usually under a small plastic or metal grid, or if it’s inside your property it is likely near the stop cock.
6. Do you have lead pipes?
Knowing whether or not you have lead pipes in your property is essential as drinking water that is fed through lead pipes is unsafe for children and pregnant women. It is now illegal to use lead piping for any sort of plumbing but some properties that were built before 1970 may still have them in place. Lead pipes are grey in colour and are quite soft so if you scratch one of them with a coin you should be able to easily scrape some of the lead away. If you do find you have lead pipes in your property then it is certainly worth getting Vortex Gas to replace them.
7. Perform a general health check on your plumbing and heating
When you move into your new property it’s always good to give the plumbing and heating a once over. For example you can check things like toilets, taps, radiators, for leaks and make sure they are patched up by professional. This will save you money in the future.
If you have any questions about any of the points we’ve mentioned here in our blog post then please do not hesitate to contact Vortex Gas on 0151 523 7243 or 07713 481 112
