New Zealand Plumbers, Drainlayers & Gasfitters
Association Inc

Latest News / Tech Top Tip (Newsflush, June 2015)

Tech Top Tip (aka Technical or Topical Tip) involves a member from the Exec offering his thought, opinion, view, comment on any technical or topical issue relating to our industry and more importantly relevant to you. 

Here Chris Sumich offers some handy advice for you to pass on to your customers. 

Winter is here
The arrival of winter is an opportune time to remind all of the need and advantages of routine property maintenance and checks. 

Annual house cleaning
It is essential and advised to prolong the longevity of painted surfaces and those that are exposed to the weather are washed at least once annually and in certain environments [bush or coastal] more regularly.

Foliage
It is advisable that any foliage that is rubbing up against the house, roof or guttering is kept trimmed back this will avoid damages to the surfaces and hinder the access of pests from the building.

Gutters and spouting
It is recommended to check these frequently as each property differs however after any significant weather gutters should be checked for debris.  At a minimum gutters should be cleaned at the start and end of winter.

Reliefs and taps
Whilst inspecting the outside of your property check the HWC relief for excessive leakage [turn power off to HWC and if relief is passing you have a problem] and outside hose taps for leakage.

Inside Plumbing
Check for tap and toilet leakage
Check under sinks, basins, tubs for water tightness

Channels and cesspits
Remember after every significant weather event to check that channels and cesspits are clear of debris

The above regime of maintenance and checks is vital for the health and longevity of your property and it is advised if you are not confident to adequately perform these tasks that you have professionals programmed in to help.