The short answer
an hour or two in autumn saves most of the usual winter problems. Check the heating works, clear the gutters, protect any exposed pipes, and deal with draughts and failed seals before the weather turns.
Winter in Greater Manchester is more wet than white. Most of what goes wrong in our homes comes from rain and cold together: water getting in, pipes getting cold, and heating that hasn't run properly since March. Here's what to look at, room by room.
Outside.
- Gutters and downpipes. Clear leaves and moss so rain can drain away. Overflowing gutters are one of the most common causes of damp patches on walls.
- Roof. From the ground, look for slipped or missing slates and tiles, especially after windy weather.
- Pointing and brickwork. Older terraces and semis often have worn mortar. Gaps let driving rain in.
- Outside tap. Turn it off at the isolation valve inside, then open the tap to drain it.
- Drains and gullies. Clear leaves from the grids so water doesn't pool by the walls.
Heating and hot water.
- Run the heating now. Put it on for an hour before you need it. It's easier to sort a problem in October than in a cold snap.
- Bleed any radiators that are cold at the top. See our guide: How to bleed a radiator.
- Check the boiler pressure. For most boilers it should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar when the heating is off. See Boiler pressure dropping?.
- Book the boiler service if it's been more than a year.
- Test the thermostat and timer, and change the batteries if it's wireless.
Loft.
- Insulation. Check it's in place and hasn't been squashed or moved.
- Pipes and tank. Any pipes or tanks in the loft should be lagged. They're the first to freeze.
- Signs of water. Look for stains on the underside of the roof or on the joists after heavy rain.
Kitchen and bathroom.
- Know where your stopcock is, and check it turns. It's usually under the kitchen sink. If a pipe bursts, this is what you'll need.
- Extractor fans. Check they work. They're your main defence against condensation.
- Sealant. Look around the bath, shower and sink. Cracked or mouldy sealant lets water behind the tiles.
- Dripping taps. Sort them before a freeze. See How to fix a dripping tap.
Living rooms and bedrooms.
- Windows and doors. Feel for draughts and check the seals. Failed seals let in cold and rain.
- Radiators. Keep furniture and long curtains away from them so the heat gets into the room.
- Condensation. If windows are streaming in the morning, read Condensation, damp or mould.
Safety checks.
- Smoke alarms. Test them, on every floor.
- Carbon monoxide alarm. You should have one in any room with a boiler, fire or stove. Test it.
- Torch and numbers. Keep a torch handy and know who you'd call.
If you're going away.
Leave the heating on low rather than off, so pipes don't freeze. Ask someone to look in if it's very cold.
When to call FixAble.
You don't have to do all of this yourself. A FixAble subscription gives you one team for plumbing, heating, electrical and general repairs, with labour included and an appointment booked within 24 hours. Comfort and Complete plans also include a gutter clearance, roofing repairs and an annual maintenance check.
FixAble works across Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, within 30 miles of Ancoats.
