Check Your Boiler Pressure Regularly
Your boiler is the heart of your home’s heating system. Low boiler pressure is the most common issue we encounter. Most modern boilers have a pressure gauge that should read between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold. If the pressure drops below 1 bar, your heating won’t work efficiently. Simply look at the gauge on your boiler – if it’s too low, repressurise using the filling loop. Turn the valve slowly until the gauge reads around 1.5 bar. If you’re in Leeds, Bradford, or across West Yorkshire and need help, MIK Plumbing is just a call away.
Bleed Your Radiators Annually
Trapped air stops radiators heating fully. If they’re cold at the top but warm at the bottom, they need bleeding. Use a radiator key, insert into the bleed valve, and turn anticlockwise. Once water trickles out steadily, close the valve. This simple task can improve heating efficiency by up to 15%.
Insulate Your Pipes Before Winter
Frozen pipes burst and cause flooding. In West Yorkshire’s cold winters, foam pipe insulation is essential. Wrap pipes in lofts, basements, garages, and under sinks. For outside taps, install a tap cover or turn off the outdoor supply during winter.
Know How to Turn Off Your Water Supply
In an emergency, knowing where your main stopcock is saves your home. Usually under the kitchen sink or near the front door. Turn clockwise to shut off water. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
Keep Your Drains Clear
Avoid pouring oil, grease, or coffee grounds down the sink. In the bathroom, install a hair catcher and clean it regularly. Pour hot water, vinegar, and baking soda monthly to keep drains fresh. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that damage pipes.
Schedule an Annual Boiler Service
Service your boiler before winter. A Gas Safe registered engineer checks for gas leaks, carbon monoxide, and ensures everything works. Book in late summer or early autumn. Landlords need an annual CP12 gas safety certificate. MIK Plumbing offers CP12 certificates for landlords across West Yorkshire.
Test Your Thermostat and Timer
Check your thermostat and heating timer are set correctly as seasons change. Ensure the time is accurate after the clocks change. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for automatic temperature control and phone app access.
Look Out for Leaks
Not all leaks are obvious. Check under sinks, around toilets, and behind washing machines. Listen for dripping at night. Check your water meter – if the reading changes without using water, you have a leak. Discoloured walls or musty smells also indicate hidden leaks.
Protect Your Outdoor Taps
Before the first frost, disconnect your hose and drain outdoor taps. Close any internal isolation valve and open the tap to drain water. Install a freeze-proof outdoor tap for extra protection.
Final Thoughts
Your plumbing system deserves care. Follow these tips to avoid breakdowns and save money. When you need professional help, contact MIK Plumbing – proudly serving Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, and Wakefield with reliable, expert plumbing services.
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FAQs
It's recommended to check your boiler pressure at least once a month and before winter. Most boilers operate best between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold. If the pressure regularly drops below this level, you should have your heating system inspected by a professional.
If your radiators are warm at the bottom but cold at the top, trapped air is likely preventing them from heating properly. Bleeding the radiators releases the trapped air and restores efficient heating.
Pipe insulation helps prevent pipes from freezing during winter, reducing the risk of burst pipes and expensive water damage. It also improves energy efficiency by reducing heat loss from hot water pipes.
Avoid disposing of cooking oil, grease, fats, coffee grounds, food scraps, wet wipes, sanitary products, and other non-flushable items down your drains, as these are common causes of blockages.
Your boiler should be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer once a year, ideally before the heating season begins. Annual servicing helps improve efficiency, maintain safety, and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
