How Often Does My Plumbing & Heating Need Servicing?

Your home’s plumbing is an essential part of your day-to-day life. It’s easy to take it for granted and overlook any minor issues until they become emergencies. With regular servicing, you can make sure your plumbing and heating systems are ticking over as they should so you’re never left with a chilly house, lack of water, or unpleasant leaks.

But how often do you need to get your plumbing and heating serviced? And what are the most vital checks?

Why is it important to get your plumbing and heating systems serviced?

From taking a hot shower after a long day at work to washing the dishes, our plumbing systems serve multiple purposes every day. Without running water and effective heating in the winter, daily activities can become a lot more challenging.

That’s why getting regular servicing and maintenance is so essential. By carrying out regular checks, you can catch and resolve issues before they escalate into bigger problems that require emergency plumbing services.

As well as minimising issues, plumbing and heating checks can:

●      Reduce the cost needed to spend on more significant repairs.

●      Ensure your boiler, pipes, and radiators are safe — this is especially important for gas boilers.

●      Maintain cover from the manufacturer’s warranty.

●      Make sure your systems are running efficiently to keep bills down.

How often should you schedule a boiler service?

Knowing how often each element of your plumbing and heating systems should be serviced can help you stay on top of maintenance and keep your home safe and comfortable.

We generally recommend getting your boiler serviced once a year so you can have peace of mind knowing everything is in working order.

When you book a boiler servicing appointment, a qualified engineer will carry out checks to make sure your boiler is functioning safely and effectively, that there’s no corrosion or leaking, and that all the controls are working as they should. They will also clean the system filter.

If your heating engineer identifies any problems during the boiler service, they will recommend the required repairs. Spotting these issues as part of a service can help prevent sudden boiler breakdowns and the need for bigger repairs or a replacement down the line.

Gas boilers

If you have a gas boiler, make sure you book a service from a Gas Safe engineer. Landlords will also need to get an annual gas safety certificate to prove that the right checks have been carried out for their tenants.

Additional plumbing and heating checks

Along with getting a professional out to service your boiler annually, it’s a good idea to regularly check your other plumbing and heating components.

Radiator checks

Bleeding your radiators once or twice a year will help release any trapped air which may be preventing your hot water from flowing through your heating system properly. You can do this yourself if you feel confident, or speak with a professional plumber.

Over time, sludge can build up in your heating system, causing it to become less efficient. Every 3-5 years, it’s wise to carry out a full radiator flush to get rid of any debris. This process usually involves isolating and draining your radiators before removing them from the wall and flushing them out with a hose.

Flushing your radiators is another task you may be able to do yourself. However, we recommend hiring a professional to ensure it is completed safely and efficiently — it can also be a messy job!

We offer comprehensive power flushing services that combine high-pressure water and cleaning chemicals with specialist magnetic filters to completely clear your heating system of any buildup.

Thermostat testing

When your thermostat is working properly, you can easily control your home’s heating. It lets you adjust the temperature, set timers, and have a greater awareness of your energy usage.

If it’s not working as it should, it can waste energy and increase your bills.

So how can you check your thermostat? Every 3-6 months, we recommend:

●      Checking the thermostat’s accuracy by comparing it with another thermometer.

●      Testing its responsiveness by turning the temperature up or down and seeing how this affects your heating system.

●      Checking the settings if your thermostat includes programming options.

●      Checking the batteries if your thermostat is battery powered (these will usually need changing once a year).

●      Opening the cover to brush away any dust — this can affect the sensors.

Plumbing checks

As well as getting regular boiler services and checking your radiator and thermostat, it’s worth keeping an eye on your bathroom and kitchen plumbing.

●      Check your taps, shower, and toilet for any leaks every 6 months or so.

●      Run some water to make sure everything is draining properly once a month.

●      Consider a professional drain inspection every 1-2 years.

●      Clean and descale your showerhead as needed.

By checking regularly, you’ll be able to again spot any issues before they escalate into plumbing disasters.

Signs your plumbing and heating systems need a service

Booking an annual boiler service and conducting routine plumbing checks can help make sure your system runs safely and reliably all year round.

But even when you have a maintenance plan in place, unexpected issues can arise and your system may need attention sooner than planned. Here are some warning signs that suggest it could be time to call in a professional.

●      Higher bills without increased usage: This might indicate a low-pressure boiler, sludge buildup in your radiators, or a faulty thermostat.

●      Inconsistent heating: If your radiator switches off suddenly or takes a long time to heat up, it could be time for a power flush.

●      Leaks, damp patches, or mould: Even small drips can quickly worsen, and they could indicate an issue with your boiler, radiators, or plumbing.

●      Strange sounds: Have you heard gurgling, clunking, or whistling coming from the pipes? It could be a sign of trapped air, limescale, or even a failing ball valve.

●      Slow drainage or unpleasant smells: These can be caused by an array of plumbing issues, from a blockage to a cracked pipe.

Plan your plumbing and heating maintenance with ETTA

Routine maintenance is the best way to reduce the risk of boiler, plumbing, or heating problems.

Our team of experienced engineers can carry out the checks you need for full peace of mind and a comfortable home. We’re also here to help when unexpected issues arise, from leaky taps and drain blockages to boiler breakdowns.

For scheduled checks and emergency plumbing services in Derby and the East Midlands don’t hesitate to contact the team at ETTA Plumbing & Heating Services.