Plumbing and Heating Tips Every New Homeowner in Havering Should Know
Moving into a new home comes with a lot of excitement and a long list of things to figure out. Between sorting the broadband and unpacking the kettle, your plumbing and heating should be near the top of the list. It may not feel urgent right now, but giving it early attention can save you a lot of money and hassle later.
Here’s what we always tell new homeowners in Havering. These simple tips go a long way in keeping your home warm, dry, and running smoothly.
1. Know Where the Stopcock Is
It sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t check this until there’s water pouring onto the kitchen floor. The stopcock shuts off your water supply in an emergency. It’s usually under the sink or near the front door. Find it now. Turn it off and on to make sure it’s not stuck. That 30-second check could save your whole floor one day.
2. Bleed the Radiators After You Move In
Radiators that are warm at the bottom but cold at the top need bleeding. That’s just air trapped in the system. This means your boiler’s working more than it should. All you need is a radiator key and a cloth to fix it. Open the valve slightly, let the air hiss out, and close it as soon as water starts to dribble. You’ll notice a difference almost immediately. It’s a good idea to get radiator services as soon as you move in, though. Some issues are hard to spot on the surface, so a professional check up can help spot those.
3. Check the Boiler Pressure
Take a look at your boiler’s pressure gauge. It should sit somewhere around 1 to 1.5 bar when everything’s off. If it’s way off, you’ll want to top it up or get it checked. Low pressure means your heating won’t work correctly. High pressure could cause the system to shut down. Either way, don’t ignore it.
4. Avoid Pouring Fats Down the Sink
This one’s easy to forget, especially after cooking a roast or a fry-up. But fats, oils, and grease cool down and harden in your pipes. Over time, that builds up into blockages that are messy and expensive to fix. Scrape plates into the bin. Use a strainer in the sink. It really is that simple.
5. Book a Boiler Service Before Winter
If you’ve just moved in, you probably have no idea when the boiler was last serviced. Don’t wait until it breaks down in December; get professional boiler services instead. A quick once-over from a Gas Safe engineer gives you peace of mind and keeps your system running efficiently. It also helps spot early signs of trouble, like corrosion or faulty parts, before they become a bigger problem.
Final Tip: Don’t Guess
If something feels off, like strange noises, slow drains, or odd smells, it’s worth asking a professional. Plumbing and heating systems have a way of hiding problems until it’s too late.
At Plumber in Romford, we work with homeowners across Havering every day. We’ve seen the panic a small leak can cause and how quickly things spiral when boilers break down in the middle of winter. So, we believe in being proactive, not just reactive.
When it comes to plumbing and heating, always hire a professional plumber or heating engineer for any work. We cover Romford and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Dagenham, Hornchurch, Rainham, Upminster, and South Ockendon.
We’re right here if you ever get stuck. In fact, even if you want a second opinion, we’d be happy to help. Contact us now!
