But in all the excitement of getting away, it can be easy to overlook a few of the other important domestic essentials. So before you jet off to enjoy your holiday, take a few minutes to make these final plumbing checks.

1. Never switch the boiler off
There’s a clock inside your boiler that comes on every 23hours and a few minutes.
It does this so the ‘running’ parts and pump keep moving and the system doesn’t seize up.

2. Check radiators aren’t leaking and have no green residue around the connections
If either of these things have occurred, you’ll need professional intervention.
The residue could simply be because of a loose connection, but they rarely fix themselves.

3. Set your room thermostat to 10° – 12°
Yes, even if it’s summer, or it’s just hot when you leave, set your thermostat or floor heating to a low temperature to keep pipes warm and to stop damp from forming.

4. Open all of your windows
You want to make sure your home is aired, dry, and fresh when you leave.
Upon your return there should be no nasty smells, or formation of mould.

5. Run a final cycle through your washing machine and dishwasher
Once everything is dry and put away, wash out the soap drawers, leave the doors fully open and unplug the appliances at the mains.

6. Turn your water off
If you know where your stopcock is, it’s wise to turn the water of at the mains. This will vastly limit the thread of flooding. If you’re not sure where it is, just ensure that your taps are securely turned off.

7. And one for the road: Take a portable carbon monoxide detector with you
We’ve all heard the horror stories of people sadly perishing whilst in their hotel rooms. Regardless of where you travel too, it’s worth the small investment in a portable carbon monoxide alarm.

Enjoy your holiday and have a Margarita for me!

Samuele The Italian Plumber

Other blog posts by Samuele can be read at theitalianplumber.co.uk/blog.

Until next time, if you have any plumbing or heating issues around the home, give us a call on 020 8945 7457.

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May 28, 2022