Haunted House or Problem Pipes?

Have you recently been worrying if your house is haunted? Have you heard banging in the walls? Don't track down your local exorcist just yet - chances are a plumber might get rid of your problem quicker!

Banging in the walls

You'd be forgiven for being spooked by strange banging or knocking sounds coming from your walls, but fear not, it's probably just your water pipes.

Loose pipes - You may find that the banging noise is coming from a loose pipe dangling from the ceiling or wall. This should be easy to fix; get some insulated pipe clips and attach them to a solid wall or joist. Always contact a plumber if the problem is bigger than you can handle.

High water pressure - Known as the 'water hammer' (due to the noise it makes), this loud banging is caused by a buildup of water pressure. To rectify the issue you can try to remove the build up by turning off your main water valve and then turning on all of your taps to release the pressure. Turn the water valve back on; if the water runs normally then you have fixed the problem. If this doesn't work then contact a plumber.

We wish you a spooky and fun Halloween! And remember, if there's something strange, banging in your walls, who you gonna call? Maintracts! (sorry, we couldn't help it...!).

Photograph:  Diane Miller

Big Energy Saving Week - How to Save Money and Energy in the Home

It's the Big Energy Saving Week 2014 and we wanted to share with you our most popular energy and money saving tips for the home. 

Download this guide and keep it in your home to remind you of the savings you can make. Get involved online and tell us your top tips for saving energy in the home - Tweet us at @plumberlondon and use the hashtag #BESW14

Maintracts Money and Energy Saving Tips


If you would like to find out how we can help you save energy and money in the home call Maintracts on 020 8682 2244.

Signs of Faulty Wiring

It's important to know the signs of faulty wiring, especially when you can't see the majority of wiring in your home. Faulty wiring can lead to shocks and fires so learn the signs and be one step ahead.

If you notice any of the following signs contact your electrician ASAP!

• If your circuit breaker trips frequently it could mean that it's overloaded or there is a fault in the wiring.
• If you feel a shock from touching an appliance there could be a fault with the appliance or wiring.
• Is there a buzzing noise coming from any switch or outlets? If so it could mean there is a problem with the device. It can also mean that there is lose wiring in the box.
• If your lights keep on dimming it might be a sign that the circuits are overloaded or the wiring is faulty. Flickering lights are also a sign of wire damage.
• Sparks are also a sign; if sparks appear frequently when you plug an appliance indicate a fault with the circuit or outlet.
• Can you smell burnt plastic? If so it means that your wiring could be damaged. Contact an electrician immediately as burning could lead to a fire.

If you notice any of the above problems contact Maintracts who will be able to advise on the next best steps.

Photo by Mike Gieson

Five Signs that your Boiler Needs a Service

We use our gas boilers all year round, but as the temperature drops and the heating comes on we often find that's when a problem can occur. Having no heating or hot water is inconvenient and annoying, but more importantly, if your boiler isn't performing properly it can pose a health risk.

If you are a regular reader of our blog then you will know that your gas boiler, along with all of your other gas appliances, should be serviced once a year. These yearly checks will make sure that your appliances are working properly, inspect parts (such as pilot light and burners) and repair any gas leaks. These checks are vital as they not only ensure your boiler is working efficiently, they will work towards protecting you and those who live with you from carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's important to not just rely on your annual visit to protect you and your home. Be aware of the warning signs of a faulty boiler - if you recognise any of these signs call your local gas engineer as soon as possible.

1. Smoke or soot stains appear on or near the appliance
2. A yellow or irregular flame
3. The pilot light frequently goes out
4. You have very little hot water or the temperature isn't as hot as it should be
5. The boiler is making noises it shouldn't

It's better to be safe than sorry; if you recognise any of these signs then contact Maintracts who will be able to give you the best advice possible.

Smart Meters - the Future of Energy Saving?

Smart meters are the future of gas and electricity meters. Placed in homes and in businesses, they help keep track of your gas and electricity useage, eliminating the need for meter readings. 

The government plans for all homes and business in the UK to have a smart meter by the end of 2020, giving you the opportunity to make more informed decisions about your energy costs, but how do they work and is there a cost?

How they work

Like a traditional meter they measure the total energy used -the benefit of a smart meter is that they can also tell you when you used the energy and how much it cost. It can then transmit that information directly to your energy supplier, eliminating the need for meter readings. That means no more estimated bills!

By installing a smart meter you will be able to see real-time information on your energy consumption, that means seeing how much you're using and how much it costs as it happens. Over time you'll be able to manage your energy usage and hopefully save money.

The cost

The cost of installation, which begins next year, is £215 per household. Customers will be charged an annual amount on their bills to cover the cost, which has been estimated to peak at £11 in 2017. This cost has caused concern with some MPs who have warned that smart meters will only save consumers 2% on their annual bills. With the average annual household energy bill coming in at £1,328* that would mean a saving of £26 after installation costs. However, this £26 saving is based on consumers actively changing their energy use once they have the smart meters.

Do you have a choice?

If you are approached before the roll-out (2015) then yes, you definitely have  a choice. Once roll-out starts you should still have a choice, however, if you have been contacted to changed because your current one needs replacing then you should as it could be a safety hazard.

It's still very early days in the rollout and there are some things to consider such if you get a smart meter before the official roll-out will you have to get your smart meter changed or upgraded?**.

Time to make a decision?

You don't have to decide whether you want one now, but it's definitely worth considering. To make it worthwhile you and those that live with you need to work together to make it effective - monitor the meter, be aware of the spikes in energy and make proactive changes to save money. While there is an annual cost for the smart meter, it is small in comparison to the potential savings you could make. The roll-out will take five years, so you have time think about it. In the mean time, why not check out some of our energy saving articles.

* Public Accounts Committee
** Which?

Image by Claudio Jule