Moving House in Chislehurst? 8 Plumbing Checks to Make When You Move In

Moving into a new home comes with a long list of things to organise. Plumbing is rarely at the top of that list, particularly when everything appears to be working normally.

However, spending a little time understanding the plumbing and heating system in your new property can make life much easier if a problem develops later.

Chislehurst Plumbers Ltd provides plumbing, boiler, heating, drainage and emergency services across Chislehurst, BR7 and surrounding areas.  

Here are eight useful checks to make when moving into a new home.

1. Find the Main Stopcock

One of the first things every homeowner should know is where the main water stopcock is located.

If a pipe bursts or a serious leak develops, shutting off the water quickly can significantly reduce the amount of damage caused.

Stopcocks are commonly found beneath the kitchen sink, under the stairs, in a utility room or close to where the mains water pipe enters the property.

Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.

2. Check Under Sinks

Take a quick look beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Look for:

• Damp patches

• Water staining

• Corroded fittings

• Dripping connections

• Swollen cupboard panels

A very small leak can remain unnoticed for months if it is hidden inside a cupboard.

3. Test Every Tap

Run each tap for a short period and check that both hot and cold water flow normally.

Pay attention to unusually weak flow, dripping taps or water escaping around the base of the fitting.

Low water pressure can have several possible causes, so persistent pressure problems may require investigation.

4. Flush Every Toilet

A toilet may appear perfectly normal until it is flushed.

Check that the cistern fills correctly, the toilet stops running afterwards and there is no water leaking around the base.

A toilet that continuously runs can waste a significant amount of water and may indicate a worn or incorrectly adjusted component.

5. Check the Radiators

Turn the heating on and check whether each radiator warms evenly.

A radiator that remains cold, heats only partially or makes unusual noises may need bleeding, valve work, repair or further investigation.

Chislehurst Plumbers Ltd provides radiator repair and replacement across Chislehurst and nearby areas.  

6. Find Out When the Boiler Was Last Serviced

If the previous owner has left boiler documentation, check when the appliance was last serviced.

Regular servicing can help identify developing faults and ensure the appliance continues operating safely and efficiently.

Gas-related boiler servicing, repairs and installation should be carried out by an appropriately registered Gas Safe engineer. Chislehurst Plumbers Ltd provides Gas Safe heating and boiler services locally.  

7. Look for Signs of Previous Water Damage

Discoloured ceilings, peeling paint, swollen skirting boards or unusual marks around pipework can sometimes indicate previous plumbing problems.

That does not necessarily mean there is an active leak, but unexplained moisture or recurring damp patches are worth investigating.

Professional leak detection can help identify hidden problems without unnecessarily opening walls or floors.  

8. Save the Number of a Local Plumber

The worst time to start searching for a plumber is when water is already coming through the ceiling.

Saving the contact details of a reliable local plumber means you already know who to call if an urgent problem develops.

Chislehurst Plumbers Ltd provides 24/7 emergency plumbing across Chislehurst and surrounding areas including Bickley, Sidcup, Mottingham and New Eltham.  

Need a Plumber After Moving Into Your New Home?

Whether you have discovered a leaking pipe, faulty radiator, boiler problem, blocked drain or another plumbing issue, Chislehurst Plumbers Ltd can help.

We provide plumbing and heating services throughout Chislehurst, BR7 and surrounding areas.  

Call 07711 031494 to arrange a visit or request a quote.