The necessary plumbing and heating checks before buying a new property

Moving into a new home can be a stressful experience, there are so many decisions that need to be made and when it comes to plumbing and heating, the process can be confusing. This is why we wanted to make an easy guide, for all the main elements you should check. This entails looking into gas appliances, the plumbing works and the other central heating elements, notably the boiler.

 

Gas safety

 

This is something that should be a priority for homeowners - your safety should not be compromised. You must check for gas issues in any of the appliances to prevent danger to you and your family. But, it’s not only the appliances that can cause issues. When hiring someone to perform a gas safety check in your home, they must be gas safety registered. This is a legal requirement for checking any gas appliances, pipework or flues.

 

 

What is the risk of not being safely gas checked?

The greatest risks are carbon monoxide poisoning, leaks, fires and explosions. It is also a legal requirement for tenants to have an annual gas safety certificate.  The extremity of these consequences is why we are insistent that you get gas checked when you move into your new home.

 

How do I get gas safe registered?

To get this gas safety record or certificate, ask the previous owners of the property. If they cannot provide you with a reliable certificate - or their current record is older than 12 months - then call a Gas Engineer to come and check your home before you move in.

 

 

Boilers

As the engine to your home, it is important that your Boiler is always working properly and is reliable enough to provide heating and hot water to your home whenever you need it. There are many different types of boilers, but few people are knowledgeable about what boiler they own. This can make enquiring about services, maintenance and repairs confusing. It is also important that you make sure that the right-sized boiler is installed in your home. This will save you money on bills over time. We wanted to explain a few of the most common types of boilers, so you can move into your home with knowledge about your heating and hot water source. 

        -        Conventional boilers: These are the traditional boilers. They require two tanks and therefore are suitable for larger homes. They can come with an immersion heater as a backup so that you are never cut short and left in the cold.

        -        System boilers: these work the same as a conventional boiler, but take up much less space. This is because they only need one tank. Therefore, they are perfect for smaller homes.

        -        Combi boilers: These are the high-tech boilers that use one tank and therefore are perfect for homes of all sizes. They are compact and therefore easy for boiler installations. They take a short time to warm up and are therefore the most efficient way of heating your home.

 

Now you know about the boiler options, what do you need to do before moving in?

Ask the previous homeowners if the boiler has been serviced recently. It is advisable that you get a boiler service once a year to prevent the risk of it needing a repair. Here, an engineer will make sure all components of the boiler are running smoothie. They do this by checking the burner, heat exchange and spark electrode. Additionally, the flue terminals are properly sealed and the parts of the boiler are cleaned. When you call for a boiler service, they check for any signs of future wear and tear - an annual boiler service will keep your boiler functioning for an extended period of time, whilst also preventing the likelihood of you having to get a boiler repair in the future.

 

It is also important that you check your central heating system. Try and notice if there is a room that is much cooler than others - there might be a fault in your system.  This is the same with radiators - check that they are all working efficiently. If you notice anything strange,  then call Worcester Plumbers who will be able to fix any problem, from minor repairs to full radiator replacements. 

 

 

Plumbing

It is not just gas issues that cause dangerous problems in a new home, but plumbing ones too. We know that when moving house, its easy to get distracted with choosing furniture, paint colours. and other more enjoyable processes, but it is important to look at the plumbing works as well.

 

 

First, have a look for possible leaks and drips.  An unspotted leak can cause major problems in the future due to excess moister in the walls of your house. Also, check for dripping taps or showerheads as, although this seems minor at first, the small amounts of water can add up and increase your water bill. Do the same in the refrigerator and under the sink where repeated dripping might go unnoticed. The toilet is another place that a leak might occur. If you notice a humming noise or if it continues to flush for much longer after you have flushed it, there may be a leak. Another sign that they may be existing problems with your toilet is that there is damaged flooring around it. This would be likely from a previous leak.

 

All this can be carried out in a pre-purchase plumbing report. Here, a licenced plumber takes a detailed look at the plumbing within your new home to get a comprehensive review.  Relying on a trusted and professional local plumber means that you can be assured that there are no problems missed.

 

 

Whether you are new homeowners beginning to settle in, or recent buyers about to make the big move, it is always good to make a precautionary call to your local plumbing and heating services. This will not only cut costs in the long run but will also save you any unexpected issues once you have purchased the property.