Central Heating Boiler
Regular servicing prevents boilers from becoming noisy, inefficient, and dangerous. To reduce noise:
- Lower the pump speed by switching its control to a lower setting.
- Add descaling liquid (from plumbers' merchants) to the feed and expansion tank. Call a CORGI-registered gas fitter or your gas supplier if the boiler is constantly switching on and off, or if there is any sign of soot round the flue, which might be a sign of carbon monoxide escaping.
Insulation
Loft insulation keeps houses warm and saves on fuel bills. Insulation on tanks and pipes prevents freezing. Check:
- There are no gaps between lengths of loft insulation, and no dampness.
- Pipe and tank insulation is correctly fitted.
Reposition loft insulation if necessary. Remove any damp insulation first, then lay new insulation.
Small Electrical Appliances
If these appliances are moved frequently, flexes and plugs may become worn. Check that:
- Flex sheaths are undamaged, and that the sheath continues inside plugs and appliances.
- Connections to plug terminals are sound.
- Plugs have the right fuse for the appliance's wattage rating.
Replace damaged flex, making sure sheath is secured in the flex grip of the plug. Tighten loose plug terminal screws. For appliances under 700 W fit a 3 amp plug fuse. Fit a 13 amp fuse in other appliances.
Smoke Detector
Test smoke detectors regularly and keep them free of dust and cobwebs. Replace batteries annually.
Stopvalves
The stopvalves on your incoming water supply pipe and any other gate valves and servicing valves on your system can jam open if left unused for long periods. This can be dangerous if there is a leak and you need to turn the water off or isolate part of the system. Check that:
- The main stopvalve turns off easily — leave it a quarter turn from fully open.
- All servicing valves work — leave them fully open.
Apply light machine oil or lubricant spray to the spindles of stiff stopvalves and servicing valves. Get a plumber to replace any that are difficult to turn.
