•  Find out where your stop valve is located on the incoming water supply main and label it. 

• Do you know where other service valves are located? Label them and check from time to time that they are working correctly. 

• It's helpful to know the location of any drain valves. These can be used in an emergency to empty your water and central heating systems (once the source of heat has been put out). 

• Ensure that the storage system and exposed pipes are properly insulated, particularly in the roof space or attic. 

• In very cold weather take special care to prevent water pipes becoming frozen. If you have a storage cistern in the roof space, it's a good idea to open the hatch. Heat from the house will help to keep the cistern from freezing. 

• Inspect your cold water storage cistern (tank) regularly and, if it is metal, make sure it is not corroding. Call in your professional plumber if there is any sign of a problem. 

• Check the condition of flexible hosepipes to plumbed-in domestic appliances at regular intervals. 

• Dripping taps or continuously running overflow pipes are a sure sign that your plumbing system requires maintenance. To avoid them becoming major problems call in the services of your local professional plumber, who can be found through the CIPHE. 

•  Have central heating boilers and other heating appliances serviced yearly. 

•  Make a note of your CIPHE plumber / heating installer's telephone number for future reference. 

 Your local CIPHE plumber is VSB PLUMBING SERVICES and can be contacted on 07800724977