A Checklist for your Plumbing in Spring

1. Check for Leaks:

• Visual Inspection: Have a good look at all visible pipes, taps, toilets, and appliances. Look for any signs of leaks, such as dripping taps, damp spots or markings on ceilings or walls, or puddles around or under appliances or radiators.
• Listen To Your Pipes: Pay attention to any sounds coming from your pipes, such as bubbling, hissing, gurgling, or banging. These could indicate a hidden leak or air in the system.

2. Inspect and Clean Showerheads and taps:

• Mineral Buildup: Hard water can leave behind mineral deposits and limescale that restrict water flow and reduce water pressure. 
• Cleaning Methods:
• Vinegar Solution: Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band, and soak it overnight.
• Commercial Cleaners: Use a commercial descaling solution according to the product instructions.
• For stubborn buildup: You may need to use a small brush or pipe cleaner; an old toothbrush can work well for this.

3. Check for Signs of Tree Root Intrusion:

• Gurgling Sounds: If you hear unusual noises from your drains, especially after heavy rainfall, it could be a sign of tree roots growing into your sewer lines. 
• Slower Drains: Slow-draining water from sinks, showers, and toilets can also indicate a blockage caused by tree roots. 
• Professional Help: If you suspect tree roots to be a problem, it's best to call a professional plumber like Assett Plumbing for a thorough inspection and necessary advice or repairs.

4. Don't Forget Your Boiler:

• Annual Servicing: If it was not already done prior to the colder months, then spring can be a great time to schedule your yearly boiler service.
• Benefits of Servicing: Regular boiler servicing ensures your boiler is operating safely and efficiently, helps prevent breakdowns, and can extend its lifespan. 
• Professional Service: A qualified Gas Safe registered engineer will thoroughly inspect your boiler, test for water and gas leaks, clean it thoroughly, and ensure its functioning correctly and safely. 

5. Bathroom and Toilet Repairs:

• Address Issues: If you've been putting off any bathroom or toilet repairs, spring is a great time to tackle them.
• Common Issues: Constantly running toilets, leaky taps, and clogged drains can all waste water and increase your utility bills.
• Professional Repairs: If you're unable to resolve any bathroom issues yourself or just need a helping hand, Assett Plumbing can supply repair or replacement services for your bathroom fixtures.

6. Kitchen and Bathroom Fitting:

• Spring Refresh: Spring is the perfect time to consider refreshing or replacing your kitchen or bathroom with new fittings.
• Modernisation: Upgrading taps, showerheads, or even a complete bathroom or kitchen re-fit can significantly improve the look and feel of your home, and can often increase its value too.
• Increased Efficiency: Modern fixtures can incorporate water-saving technologies and energy efficiency, helping to reduce your water consumption and utility bills.
• Professional Installation: Assett Plumbing offers professional kitchen and bathroom fitting services, ensuring a high-quality and hassle-free installation.

7. Consider Power Flushing:

• What is Power Flushing? Power flushing is a process that uses high-pressure water to remove limescale and other debris from your central heating system.
• Benefits: Power flushing improves the efficiency of your heating system, reduces energy bills, and helps prevent costly breakdowns. 
• When to Consider: If your radiators are only lukewarm at the top, your boiler is making unusual noises, or your system is taking longer to heat up, power flushing may be necessary.

8. Emergency Plumbing Preparedness:

• Know Your Plumber: Have the contact information for a reliable emergency plumber like Assett Plumbing readily available. If we have serviced your boiler previously, you should expect an annual reminder call from us too!
• Identify Shut-Off Valves: Locate and familiarise yourself with the shut-off valves for your water supply and main gas line. These may be under the kitchen sinks, by the front door, or sometimes outside of the property, but they can vary, especially in older houses.
• Preventative Measures: Take steps to prevent potentially needing an emergency plumber, such as avoiding pouring grease down the drain and ensuring hair is removed from drains regularly to prevent build-ups of this and other debris. 

9. Tips for Preventing Future Plumbing Problems:

• Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular boiler maintenance and plumbing inspections to catch future problems early on.
• Water Conservation: Be mindful of your water usage.
• Avoid Flushing Unnecessary Items: Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet, and do not flush sanitary products or anything else that could cause blockages. 
• Use Drain Cleaners Sparingly: Harsh chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes; only use when absolutely necessary.

Following these spring-cleaning tips can help to ensure your plumbing system is in top condition, helping you reduce the need for costly repairs and enjoy a comfortable and worry-free spring and summer.

Remember: If you encounter any plumbing issues that you are unsure about, it's always best to call a professional plumber like Assett Plumbing.



Our experienced team of Gas Safe engineers can diagnose and repair plumbing problems quickly and efficiently, ensuring your water and heating systems continue to function smoothly throughout the year.