5 Simple Plumbing & Heating Tips for the Summer
With the Met Office saying we're in for a hotter-than-normal summer, it's likely many aren't thinking about their heating systems and plumbing maintenance as they enjoy outdoor activities like basking in the garden, taking trips to the beach and firing up the BBQ. However, it's the perfect season for plumbing and heating maintenance – and by getting it done now, you'll be thanking yourself by the time the first frost bites.
In this blog, our Owner and Founder, Fred Masters, shares his top tips on what to check – and what to do – during the summer months to keep your heating systems running smoothly, potentially saving you from winter disasters and associated emergency plumbing callouts later down the line.
Your Summer Plumbing & Heating Checklist
1. Turn Your Heating on Every Couple of Weeks (or at Least Once a Month)
Most people switch off their heating in the warmer months. While this might seem like a money-saving move, it often leads to a surge in emergency plumbing and heating call outs once the hot weather turns.
At FJM, we’ve named this period ‘The Great Switch On’. It usually happens in mid- to late October, when our heating engineers are suddenly flooded with panicked enquiries like: “I’ve just tried to turn the heating back on, and it’s not working. Help!”
In many cases, that’s because components, such as diverter valves, seize up after months of inactivity.
Fred’s Fix:
Give your heating a quick run for 5 to 10 minutes every couple of weeks. This keeps dormant components moving, helping to prevent seizing – and saving you from needing a call-out when you really don’t need the hassle.
2. Get a Water Butt
This year, we experienced the sunniest April on record, and spring has been particularly dry. Like many, I'm a keen gardener, and with a dry spring and hotter-than-average summer on the cards, I’ve been thinking not just about rising water bills, but also the potential for water restrictions like hosepipe bans.
These dry spells often lead to a huge increase in the amount of water we use in the garden – sprinkler systems, for example – which can quickly send bills sky-high. Installing a water butt – or multiple, if you’ve got the space – can be a small investment that pays off.
Smaller 100-litre kits start from around £30, are easy to install and can last for years. Larger 200-litre versions are also available. If you’ve got a garden, chances are you’ve got room for a water butt – and if space is tight, some can be linked together to maximise storage.
Fred’s Experience:
More than once, my water storage has seen me through a dry spell without needing to use much extra tap water at all. Plus, rainwater is actually better for plants than treated tap water. It’s a win-win.
3. Get a Heating System & Boiler Service
We carry out services all year round, but summer is an ideal time to get everything sorted – boiler servicing and heating system checks included. After a long, hard winter, some parts may be tired or beginning to fail. It's much better to catch any issues now, while the system isn’t in heavy use. Otherwise, you risk a breakdown when it’s freezing outside, the kids are waiting for a bath and you’re trying to juggle work emails and a washing machine full of dirty clothes. We always offer advice to our customers on how they can improve or upgrade their heating and plumbing systems to boost efficiency. So, summer is also the perfect time to carry out those upgrades – getting your system winter-ready and aiming for lower fuel bills in the colder months.
Fred's Suggestion:
Consider fitting a smart thermostat or thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to help manage your heating more efficiently. These simple upgrades can make a big difference.
4. Check & Clean Your Gutters
During the rainy winter months, gutters and downpipes often become clogged with moss, leaves and all sorts of debris. So, while it’s dry and relatively easy to do, clearing out your guttering now could save you from major blockages when the weather takes a turn later in the year.
There are also some great, inexpensive products that can help prevent blockages. For example, a simple balloon guard or wire cage can be fitted into the top of a rainwater downpipe to stop larger debris from entering. This helps avoid overflowing gutters – plus, it's far easier and cheaper to clear out one of these than deal with a full-blown blockage deeper in the system, especially if it’s underground.
Fred's Advice:
This is one of those jobs that may require a professional – especially if ladders are involved.
5. Check Garden Taps & Hoses for Winter Damage & Leaks
How many of you have garden taps that leak from the gland nut when you turn them on? Or pinholes in your hosepipe where it’s worn, or water has frozen over winter? And how many of you do absolutely nothing about it?
From experience, I can tell you these scenarios are very common – and most people ignore them. But it’s a waste of water if it’s not going where it’s supposed to. That’s not great for the environment, and it’s certainly not great for your water bill.
Replacing a leaky tap or damaged hose could save you thousands of litres of water, depending on how often you use them. According to Waterwise, a tap dripping at a rate of just one drip per second can waste over 12,000 litres of water in a year – that's enough to fill around 150 standard baths. In most cases, it’s cheaper to replace the faulty tap or hose than to let all that water (and money) go to waste.
Fred’s Tip:
When replacing your garden tap, opt for a lever-type tap instead of the traditional wheel-head version. They’re easier to use – particularly for anyone with arthritic hands – and in our experience, they’re far less prone to leaks. They may cost a little more upfront, but they’re well worth it.
Need a Trusted Local Plumber in Kent?
Whether it’s booking a summer boiler service, fixing a leak or prepping your heating system for the colder months, our experienced heating engineers and professional plumbers are here to help. Based in Kent, we proudly serve areas including Medway, Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Rochester, and surrounding towns and villages.
Don’t wait for a winter emergency – get ahead while the sun’s still shining. Get in touch with our friendly team today to book your heating or boiler service in Kent.