When people think about plumbing problems, they usually associate them with freezing temperatures in winter — but hot weather can also cause issues around your home.
During a heatwave, higher temperatures can place additional strain on your plumbing and heating system, especially in older properties across Leeds. From leaking pipework to boiler pressure changes, small problems can quickly become bigger and more expensive if ignored.
At Home Gas, we have put together some simple tips to help homeowners protect their plumbing during periods of extreme heat.
Check for Leaks Around the Home
Hot weather can cause materials to expand and contract, which may expose weak joints or ageing seals in your plumbing system.
It is worth checking:
- Under sinks
- Around toilets
- Near outdoor taps
- Around your boiler
- Pipework in kitchens and bathrooms
Signs of a problem may include damp patches, dripping water, mould, or a sudden drop in boiler pressure.
Spotting leaks early can help prevent water damage and costly repairs later on.
Keep an Eye on Your Boiler Pressure
Even during summer, your boiler is still responsible for providing hot water throughout your home.
High temperatures can sometimes affect pressure levels, particularly if your system already has an underlying fault.
Most boilers work best within a recommended pressure range, usually shown on the pressure gauge at the front of the boiler.
If you notice:
- Pressure dropping regularly
- Pressure rising too high
- Error codes appearing
- Strange noises
it may be time to have your boiler inspected by a professional engineer.
Protect Outdoor Taps and Hoses
Garden taps and hosepipes are often heavily used during hot weather.
To help avoid problems:
- Disconnect hoses when not in use
- Avoid leaving hoses under constant pressure
- Check outdoor taps for drips or leaks
- Store hoses neatly to prevent damage or kinks
Exposed pipework in direct sunlight can become surprisingly hot during a heatwave.
Avoid Drain Blockages
Summer can mean more showers, cleaning, outdoor activities and BBQs, all of which increase the amount of waste going through your drains.
Avoid pouring:
- Cooking oils
- Fat or grease
- Food waste
- Harsh chemicals
down sinks or drains, as these can cause unpleasant smells and blockages in warmer weather.
Using drain covers and regularly flushing drains with hot water can also help keep things flowing properly.
Run Water Through Unused Taps
If you have spare bathrooms, utility sinks or outdoor taps that are rarely used, run water through them occasionally during hot weather.
This helps to:
- Prevent stagnant water
- Reduce unpleasant odours
- Keep seals and traps functioning correctly
Summer Is the Perfect Time for a Boiler Service
Many homeowners wait until autumn or winter before arranging a boiler service — usually when breakdowns increase and engineer availability becomes more limited.
Booking a summer boiler service can help:
- Identify faults early
- Improve efficiency
- Maintain your boiler warranty
- Reduce the risk of winter breakdowns
At Home Gas, our experienced engineers provide boiler servicing, repairs and plumbing support across Leeds and surrounding areas.
Need Help With Your Plumbing or Boiler?
If you have noticed leaking pipes, low boiler pressure or any plumbing concerns during the recent hot weather, contact Home Gas today.
Our friendly team is always happy to help keep your home running safely and efficiently throughout every season.