8 Essential Plumbing & Heating Tips for a Warmer Autumn – JJK Gas Services (Wigan, Chorley & Bolton)
Written by JJK Gas Services. Proofed by Lead Engineer Stephen.
As temperatures drop and autumn sets in, it’s time to make sure your heating and plumbing are ready for the colder months ahead. Proactive maintenance now can prevent costly breakdowns and ensure your home remains a warm sanctuary.
At JJK Gas Services, our Gas Safe registered engineers cover Wigan, Chorley, and Bolton, helping homeowners prepare for winter with efficient boilers, warm homes, and safe systems.
Here are 8 essential plumbing and heating tips from our engineers to keep your property safe, efficient, and comfortable throughout the season.
1️⃣ Check for Leaks Around Your Boiler, Pipework & Taps
Small leaks can become costly problems when the heating is on full. Inspect your boiler connections, radiators, joints, and taps for any damp spots, corrosion, or dripping valves. Pay particular attention to outdoor taps and exposed copper pipework in older Wigan and Bolton homes.
Pro Tip: Switch off all fixtures and check your water meter — if it’s still moving, you may have a hidden leak. If you spot an issue, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately to prevent further damage.
2️⃣ Protect Outdoor & Exposed Pipes From Frost Damage
Frozen pipes are one of the biggest winter hazards. Fit foam pipe lagging on external pipes and boiler condensate outlets. For extra protection:
- Keep indoor areas above 10°C
- Seal draughts around entry points
- Let a tap drip slightly on freezing nights
This simple step can prevent burst pipes, water damage, and costly emergency callouts across Wigan, Chorley, and Bolton.
3️⃣ Bleed Your Radiators Before It Gets Cold
Uneven radiator temperatures mean trapped air. Use a radiator key to release air and restore full heating efficiency — especially in larger homes around Chorley and Bolton, where systems have longer runs.
If pressure drops often or you notice black water when bleeding, the system may need cleaning or balancing — a sign that a professional power flush might be necessary.
4️⃣ Power Flush Your Central Heating System
Sludge buildup restricts water flow, increases boiler strain, and raises energy bills. A MagnaCleanse power flush clears debris, improving efficiency by up to 6%. We recommend flushing every 5 years, particularly in older Wigan and Bolton properties.
Afterward, we can install a magnetic filter to prevent future buildup and prolong boiler lifespan.
5️⃣ Book Your Annual Boiler Service
Your boiler should be serviced once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This ensures your heating system runs safely, efficiently, and stays within warranty.
A JJK Gas Services boiler service includes:
- Burner & heat exchanger inspection
- Gas pressure & flue checks
- Safety valve testing
- Expansion vessel inspection
Regular servicing can reduce energy waste and prevent breakdowns — especially important before the winter rush.
6️⃣ Test Your Thermostat & Heating Controls
Before the cold weather arrives, turn your heating on briefly to test your thermostat and timers. If radiators don’t respond or the temperature fluctuates, your thermostat may need recalibrating or replacing.
Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat (like Hive or Tado) — we install these across Wigan, Chorley, and Bolton to help customers save energy and control heating from their phone.
7️⃣ Check Your Boiler Pressure Regularly
Low pressure can cause heating failures. For most combi boilers, pressure should read between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when cold. If it’s lower, top it up slowly using the filling loop until it’s back in range.
If it drops repeatedly, it could signal a leak or faulty expansion vessel — requiring immediate attention from a qualified engineer.
8️⃣ Upgrade to a More Efficient Boiler
If your boiler is over 10 years old, replacing it could save up to £350 a year on energy bills. Modern A-rated boilers are smaller, quieter, and more efficient — perfect for homes across Wigan, Chorley, and Bolton.
We supply and install leading brands such as Worcester Bosch, Ideal, and Vaillant, complete with up to 10-year warranties. All installations are carried out by Gas Safe engineers and tailored to your property’s heating demand.
The Long-Term Benefits of Proactive Heating & Plumbing Care
Investing a little time and effort into your heating and plumbing systems now can yield significant benefits in the long run. Beyond preventing immediate breakdowns, regular maintenance ensures optimal energy efficiency, which translates directly into lower utility bills. It also extends the lifespan of your appliances, delaying the need for costly replacements. Ultimately, a well-maintained system provides peace of mind, knowing your home will stay warm, safe, and comfortable throughout the coldest months.
What to Do in a Heating or Plumbing Emergency
While these tips help prevent issues, emergencies can still happen. If you experience a sudden loss of heating, a major leak, or suspect a gas issue, it’s crucial to act quickly. For gas concerns, turn off your gas supply and call a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately. For severe water leaks, locate your main stopcock and turn off the water supply to prevent extensive damage, then contact a professional plumber. JJK Gas Services offers emergency support for urgent situations across our service areas.
Keep Warm This Autumn With JJK Gas Services
Autumn is one of our busiest seasons — make sure your home is ready now. Our local engineers provide:
- Boiler installations and replacements
- Boiler servicing and landlord CP12s
- Power flushing and radiator repairs
- Plumbing and leak detection
- Smart thermostat installations
Areas Covered:
- Wigan
- Chorley
- Bolton
- Standish
- Tyldesley
- Atherton
- Leigh
- Hindley
- Westhoughton
Book Your Boiler Service or Installation
Call JJK Gas Services today to book your appointment or request a quote:
Ready to Ensure Your Home is Winter-Ready?
Don’t wait for the cold to set in. Contact JJK Gas Services today for reliable and professional heating and plumbing solutions.
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