Essential Factors to Consider When You are Planning to Upgrade Your Plumbing and Heating System

If you are planning certain improvements to your property, particularly when it comes to your plumbing and heating system, it could be a time-consuming and expensive undertaking. But if it is absolutely necessary, there is no going around it – except to make sure that everything is done according to your requirements and there is no factor that is neglected either.
So, what are the aspects you need to think about when upgrading your plumbing and heating system? Following are a few important considerations:

Replacing your old pipes

It can be said that one of the most common issues with regards to improving your existing plumbing and heating system is the pipe work. These pipes run to your kitchen and your bathroom, and they may not be able to keep up with whatever improvements you have in mind. If you have an old piece of property, your pipes may also be narrow and can be clogged with an accumulation of sludge and limescale. Whilst these pipes may have worked well with simple tasks (such as draining water down the sink), they may not be good enough for modern dishwashers and washing machines, especially if you use both appliances at the same time. 

The best solution for old pipes is to replace them with new ones. But for this, you have to think about two options: copper piping or plastic piping. If you opt for copper, they can be more costly than plastic, and they can be more difficult to fit and install as well. If you opt for plastic pipes, then you should be careful in choosing the correct type, which greatly depends on whether they will be used for drinking water or central heating. And whatever type of pipe work you choose, it follows that it should be fitted only by a licensed, experienced, and qualified plumber, such as a plumber in London from BBS Plumbing Heating Service. If your pipes are not correctly installed, this could lead to eventual leakage. If your pipes are made of metal, it is also essential to consult an electrician along with a competent plumber when replacing them.

Another important consideration with regards to the pipes is if you decide to go for copper, you have to make sure to check your water tanks as well. If the water tanks are made of metal which is galvanised, they will need to be replaced. This is because copper and metal which is galvanised may have a negative reaction to each other, which can result in corrosion.

Replacing your radiators

If you are planning to upgrade your radiators and replace them with new ones, one thing to keep in mind is that modern ones can still be attractive and functional at the same time. Radiators today come in a variety of sizes and shapes, which can lend a feeling of style and personality to the rooms in your property.

But even with the attractiveness factor in mind, you still have to think about what size is best for your needs. To determine the right size, a professional plumbing and heating specialist would need to conduct a calculation of heat loss. This calculation is greatly affected by the size of your rooms, the size and type of windows (especially whether or not they are double-glazed), and it is also affected by your walls, insulation, and type of flooring.

If you want to make the job easier, you can simply place your new radiators where your old ones used to be. This will eliminate the need for the installation of new pipe work. It is also worth noting that the best place for radiators is an area where there is more heat loss, such as underneath windows and on your property’s exterior walls. Another consideration for extra comfort is to choose new radiators which are individually equipped with thermostats, so you have better control over the temperature in your home.

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