IPHE's top tips

1. Make sure you know the location of, and have labelled, the stop valve on the incoming water supply main.
   
   
2. Locate, identify and label all other stop valves, periodically checking that they are working correctly.
   
   
3. Make sure you know the location of any drain valves by which you can empty your water and central heating systems once the source of heat has been extinguished.
   
   
4. Ensure that all exposed pipes and storage system are properly insulated, particularly in the roof space or attic.
   
   
5. In very cold weather take special care to prevent water pipes becoming frozen. If you have a storage cistern in the roof space it will be sensible to open the hatch to allow some heat from the house to help keep the cistern from freezing.
   
   
6. Inspect your cold water storage system (tank) regularly and, if it is metal, make sure it is not corroding. Call in your plumber if there is any sign of a problem.
   
   
7. Check the condition of flexible hosepipes to plumbed-in domestic appliances at regular intervals.
   
   
8. Dripping taps and ballvalves are a sure sign that your plumbing system requires maintenance. To avoid them becoming major problems call in your plumber without delay.
   
   
9. Have central heating boilers and other heating appliances serviced regularly (the IPHE advises yearly servicing).
   
   
10. Make a note of your Institute member's address and telephone number and keep it in a prominent place for emergencies.
    
    

Top Tips for finding a plumber

1. Ask friends/relatives/neighbours who they use.
   
   
2. Use a member of the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering - members have to hold recognised qualifications in plumbing and/or extensive experience.
   
   
3. Get at least three quotes - when asking for quotes find out if there is a call out fee and many people will be doing the job and if the price per hour includes all the workmen/women or if more is charged per plumber.
   
   
4. Ask for a written quote - unless there are any unforeseen costs, the final bill should not deviate too far from this initial written quote.
   
   
5. clearly explain all of the work you need doing - write it all down if possible.
   
   
6. Ask how long the job will take.
   
   
7. When you have found a plumber and the job is completed, ask for a full breakdown of the bill so you know where your money has gone.
   
   
8. Never pay up front before a job is completed.
   
   
9. Good plumbers will be busy no matter when you call. Don't give up on quality to get a job done quicker.
   
   
10. Don't be scared to ask questions, a Registered Plumber will be knowledgeable and able to answer anything you need to know.
    
    

Top Tips for saving money and the environment

1. Choose energy efficient products over standard efficiency models. An 'A' or 'B' rated appliance will use less energy compared to a 'D' or lower rated appliance and reduce your fuel bills. Always try to buy the highest rated product you can afford.

2. Turning down your room thermostat can mean big savings without leaving you cold - decreasing the temperature by only one degree can save you up to 10% on your heating bill.

3. By insulating your loft and cavity wall space you can make your home more energy efficient and save up to 60% on your heating bills.

4. Changing from an old standard efficiency boiler to an 'A' rated condensing boiler can save up to 30% on your fuel bills.

5. Upgrading your heating controls will give you better control of your heating system and can reduce your heating costs by up to 17%.

6. Check the energy ratings of components in your system. For example many pump manufacturers now use the EU Energy Labeling scheme on their products, so if you need to replace the pump, using an energy efficient model can save you money on your bills.

7. Upgrading your hot water cylinder to a pre-insulated model with a high recovery coil (heat exchanger) will make your hot water system more efficient. Alternatively fitting a new lagging jacket to your hot water cylinder will make it more efficient.

8. Insulating your pipes will make them more efficient and protect against freezing.

9. Change energy supplier - shopping around can save you money on your fuel bills.

10. Make sure your heating system is serviced annually so that it works to the best of its ability. Problems such as corrosion will make your heating system less energy efficient and cost you money.

11. Dripping taps waste water - up to 30 litres a day - and waste your money. They are also a sure sign your plumbing system is in need of maintenance, don't ignore the problem get it fixed.

12. Using a water saving flush, dual flush system, or water saving device in your W.C. can greatly reduce the amount of water you use and your water bills.

13. Don't leave the tap running while you brush your teeth - a family of four can save 220 buckets of water a month by turning the tap off.

14. Having a shower instead of a bath will help to decrease the amount of water you use.

15. Washing your car with buckets of water opposed to using a hose will help water conservation.

16. Taps which use a spray pattern will consume up to 80% less water compared to traditional taps.

17. Washing your clothes at 40°C instead of 60°C can use up to a third less energy.

18. Use appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers economically. Try not to use it unless you have a full load. Alternatively use an economy or 'half-load' setting if you are not filling the machine.

19. Turn off appliances/light bulbs after you use them. Appliances unnecessarily left on standby or left on charge waste over £740 million worth of energy and result in over four million tonnes of excess carbon dioxide emissions every year.

20. Use energy saving light bulbs - each energy efficient light bulb you use can save you up to £7 per year on your electricity bill.

21. Although draughts can be a nuisance, do not cover ventilation in rooms with boilers or gas fires, as these appliances require this ventilation for safe operation.

22. Open curtains on sunny days to allow a natural source of heat and light into rooms, and at night close curtains to conserve heat.

23. Do not cover radiators with curtains. This is uneconomical as modern radiators provide heat by convection as well as radiation, so by covering the radiator you will be impeding its performance.

For more information energy labeling, condensing boilers, heating controls, insulation, grants, water conservation and alternative energy please visit “Saving money, saving the environment”.