Water pipes
- Regularly check your pipes to spot any potential weak spots.
- Ensure pipes are well insulated to prevent them from frost damage.
- Don't leave your central heating off for any length of time during winter. When going out on a holiday, use a timer switch to make sure the heating is on during colder periods of the day and fit thermostatic radiator valves to all radiators, when away turn the setting to the frost position, this setting ensures that when the temperature drops below freezing your boiler will automatically ignite and your heating will come on slightly, this would in turn stops the water trapped in your pipes from freezing and bursting the pipes which causes major floods when the temperature rises again. Water from burst pipes can cause major destruction when left on noticed for any length of time.
Taps and appliances
- Always ensure taps are turned off after use but avoid over tightening which can weaken washers and cause leaks.
- Regularly check parts of your appliances which are prone to leaking; in the case of a dishwasher, check the seals, water level control, drain, valves and make sure everything is in working order.
Plumbing
- Always check for leaking plumbing fittings, dripping pipes, clogged drains, over flow pipes (both interior and exterior).
- Label isolation valves so that water supply can be easily closed in the event of a plumbing leak or burst pipe.
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning Systems (HVAC)
- Ensure that all vents have appropriate hoods, exhaust to the exterior, and are in good working condition.
- Check for leakage in supply and return water pipes, pumps, heat / air exchange units and other system components.
- Drain runs should be clean and clear of obstruction.
- Ductwork should be insulated to prevent condensation on exterior surfaces causing moisture to be present
Gutters and downpipes
- Regularly clean, inspect and repair gutters, down pipes etc.
- Downpipes and underground drainage should direct rainwater as far away from the house and foundations as possible 5m are the recommended distance.
- If gutters overflow, consider larger gutters or adding more downpipes to remove the water.
By following these simple tips, you can be confident that water damage in your home may be avoided. Please don't hesitate to call abmdirectassist if you require a professional damage management team or a professional engineer. Please don't carry out plumbing jobs yourself unless you are a qualified plumber, you could make matters worse.
Insurance approved contractors specialising in fire, flood, accidental or malicious damage, roofing, subsidence, escape of water burst pipes and emergency insurance including commercial maintenance repairs, working throughout Surrey, Sussex and the South East including Horsham, Dorking, Reigate, Brighton, Hove and surrounding areas. For further information email info@abmbuilding.co.uk