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Ensure that you know the location of the stop valve on the incoming water supply, and that the valve works. This is most likely found beneath the kitchen sink. You should also make sure you know the location of your outside manhole should access be required to your drains

• In cold weather, take measures to prevent water pipes from becoming frozen. Open up the hatch to the roof space to allow some heat to come through from the house, to keep the cistern from freezing
• Ensure that all exposed pipes and storage systems are properly insulated, especially those in the loft area
• Do not let dripping taps and ball valves go unchecked - this is a sure sign that your plumbing system requires maintenance
• Stop-valves will corrode - check yours every three months
• Ask your plumber to fit isolation valves. These will help in emergency situations and can help to prevent unnecessary damage to your home in a plumbing emergency

Water Saving Tip - Water Efficiency in the Home

Conserving water in the home not only saves you money, it also helps to protect the environment. On average, we all use 160 litres of water a day in the home for cooking, drinking and washing. Modern appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, can assistance us with our daily chores, but use large amounts of water. By making some small changes in our daily routine we can start to save water in our homes

• Approximately 80% of household water use is at the washbasin. Don't leave the tap running while you brush your teeth, shave or wash your hands as this can waste up to 5 litres of water per minute
• A five minute shower uses less than half the water of a bath; a bath uses 80 litres of water where a shower uses only 25 litres
• Each cycle on a washing machine uses up to 100 litres of water, so make sure you only use your washing machine when you have a full load
• When purchasing a new appliance, choose one that is water efficient
• Wash your car with a bucket and sponge. A hosepipe can use up to 100 litres of water an hour
• Stop leaking taps. One drip per second wastes 15 litres of water each day. Drips can also stain your bath or sink and the tap seating could be permanently damaged