Dec 11, 2025
As temperatures drop, ensuring your plumbing and heating systems are winter-ready becomes more than a convenience, it’s essential. Whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, preparing for winter reduces the risk of costly repairs, improves energy efficiency, and helps you stay safe and warm.
In this guide, the team at DK Gas Professional shares the key winter checks every local household should complete to avoid seasonal plumbing emergencies and unnecessary heating costs.
Why Winter Maintenance Matters
Colder months bring freezing pipes, boiler breakdowns, and energy spikes. With unpredictable weather and rising energy bills, conducting regular heating checks in Loughborough is a smart move for long-term savings and comfort. Faults left untreated during autumn often lead to breakdowns during the coldest months, leaving your home vulnerable.
What Should Be Included in Winter Plumbing and Heating Checks?
1. Book an Annual Boiler Service
Your boiler works hardest during winter. Booking a boiler check in Loughborough with a Gas Safe registered local engineer ensures everything runs safely and efficiently.
Detect early signs of wear, corrosion, or dangerous leaks
Clean internal parts for better energy performance
Test key safety features and boiler pressure
Learn more about our boiler service
2. Check Radiator Efficiency
Poorly performing radiators can reduce your home’s comfort and waste energy. Proper checks ensure even heat distribution.
- Feel for cold spots to spot trapped air or sludge buildup
- Bleed radiators to restore heat and balance
- Adjust or replace faulty thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
Need support with heating? See our full boiler services
3. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Frozen pipes are a leading cause of winter plumbing emergencies. Pipe insulation is one of the simplest yet most effective precautions.
- Fit foam insulation sleeves on pipes in lofts, garages, or basements
- Cover external taps with protective wraps or guards
- Set your thermostat to a minimum 12°C to prevent freezing
4. Test Your Heating Controls
Modern thermostats can improve comfort while cutting down on heating bills. Faulty ones may cost you more than you realise.
- Replace outdated controls with programmable or smart models
- Set efficient daily schedules to reduce wasted heat
- Check that timers, sensors, and thermostats respond properly
Explore our boiler services for heating upgrades and thermostat replacements.
5. Inspect Hot Water Cylinders and Storage Tanks
Your hot water system must work harder in winter. Hidden leaks or faulty insulation can lead to unexpected breakdowns.
- Check for signs of rust, leaking joints, or faulty valves
- Ensure cylinder thermostats are working and correctly set
- Add lagging jackets to reduce heat loss and save energy
Unsure if your system is ready for winter? Our team is happy to assess it for you. Just give us a call on 07427853421
6. Prepare for Emergency Plumbing Situations
Emergencies often strike during the coldest nights or weekends. It pays to be ready with a trusted local contact.
- Learn where your internal stopcock is located and how to turn it off
- Save the number for our emergency team: 07427853421
- Keep buckets, towels, and basic tools ready for urgent containment
We offer emergency plumbing in Loughborough, available day or night.
Preventing Common Winter Plumbing Problems
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can burst and flood your home. Prevention is key.
- Apply lagging to pipes in unheated areas
- Keep cupboard doors open near sinks to allow warm air flow
- Run taps at low trickle in extreme temperatures
Boiler Lockouts
Condensate pipes often freeze, causing the boiler to shut down.
- Insulate outdoor pipework with foam
- Book pre-winter servicing to catch low pressure or flow issues
- Resetting the boiler without fixing the root cause risks recurrence
Blocked Drains
Seasonal leaf fall and debris increase the risk of external drain blockages.
- Clear gutters and downpipes before freezing sets in
- Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down kitchen sinks
- Consider using drain guards in external areas
Benefits of Scheduling a Winter Heating Inspection
- Identify problems before they escalate into emergencies
- Improve heating efficiency, reducing monthly energy bills
- Protect your plumbing infrastructure through the coldest weather
- Fulfil landlord duties under safety and habitability laws
- Gain peace of mind with expert validation of system performance
Why Choose DK Gas Professional?
- Accredited by Gas Safe, CHAS, Worcester Bosch, and PAS 2030
- Fast local response and transparent, no-surprise pricing
- Experienced in eco-friendly systems, including the ECO4 Scheme
- Consistently high ratings on Google
- 24/7 emergency callouts throughout winter months
We're proud to be one of the top-rated plumbing and heating specialists in Loughborough, offering personalised support when it matters most.
Book Your Winter Check with DK Gas Professional Today
Don’t wait for frozen pipes or boiler breakdowns. Take proactive steps now to prepare your home for the winter months. At DK Gas Professional, we offer comprehensive winter heating inspections, boiler servicing, and emergency plumbing in Loughborough.
Call us: 07427853421
Email: info@gasrenewable.co.uk
