Protect your home with a ‘pre-winter check up’

With a slight nip now in the air, it looks like autumn has finally arrived, meaning it’s the perfect time for homeowners to start preparing their properties ready for the winter months, according to top London plumbing boss Charlie Mullins.

Charlie is advising homeowners to check their properties are in good health with a ‘pre-winter check-up', or risk facing bigger problems down the line.

"The last thing you want when it’s cold is a burst pipe or broken down boiler and no heating, especially if you are an older person or have young children,” says Charlie, managing director of leading independent plumbing firm, Pimlico Plumbers.

He continues: "Last winter Pimlico received a record number of call outs, dealing with calls from over 400 homes in a single day. But the good news is there are certain steps you can take now to reduce your risk of hitting problems later on."

Is your property winter-fit? Charlie's Guide to Preparing Your Property:

Check your boiler is serviced - heating systems are vulnerable at this time of year as they are placed under much greater strain and many will have been left dormant all summer. They need proper checks and services to ensure they can cope and are operating safely and now is the time to do that, before it's too late. 

Radiators - they are also likely to have been left dormant all summer and may need bleeding of air and valves might need easing 

Check attic spaces and tanks - ensure the loft insulation is in intact and the plumbing is properly insulated 

Check the roof is fully watertight 

Replace any slipped or missing tiles 

Remove any vegetation from masonry; roots will cause frost damage as well as damp penetration 

Remove any rubbish from roofs and valleys; drinks cans and plastic bags are often the cause of blockages and floods 

Cut back vegetation around the perimeter of your building. It is important to allow air to circulate and to ensure ground levels are at least two brick courses below internal floor level to reduce the chances of penetrating or rising dampness 

Check the condition of nearby trees 

Clean gutters at least once a year 

Check rainwater pipes; look for moss or staining, especially around joints and hopper heads. Clean gullies and make sure that drains are clear. 

Make sure there is a disaster plan. Do you know how to turn the water off and who to call in an emergency?

For more details, visit pimlicoplumbers.com.