Summer might seem like the quiet season for plumbing and heating — but we still get plenty of calls across Exeter for issues that could have been avoided with a little prep.

Here are 5 simple things you can check or do now to save yourself from a panicked phone call when it’s too hot, too late, or too expensive.

1. Clear Out Your Outdoor Drains & Gullies

With more outdoor use — garden hoses, paddling pools, barbecues — your gullies and yard drains are working harder in summer than you’d think.

Remove debris, leaves, and anything that might cause a blockage.
If a sudden summer downpour hits, this will help prevent flooding near doors or low-lying areas.

2. Check for Slow Leaks You Might’ve Ignored in Winter

That slight dripping tap or trickle near your outside stopcock? Easy to ignore when it's cold — but over summer it can waste hundreds of litres of water.

Even more importantly, leaks near pipework or appliances can lead to long-term damage or even mould. If anything looks damp, get it checked now — not when you're packing for holiday.

3. Flush Your Unused Showers and Taps

If you’ve got en-suites or guest bathrooms that don’t get much use, turn those taps on for a few minutes. It’s good for the pipework and helps prevent stagnant water sitting in your system.

This is especially important in properties left empty or partially used (e.g. rentals or holiday lets).

Bonus: it reduces the risk of legionella, which thrives in warm, stagnant water.

4. Check Your Boiler’s Summer Mode or Setback Function

Yes — you should still check your boiler in summer!

Some modern boilers have a “summer mode” to reduce unnecessary heating cycles. If yours doesn’t, now’s a good time to lower the flow temperature or switch off central heating while keeping hot water available.

And remember: if your hot water runs off the same system, you don’t want to be left without when guests arrive.

5. Going Away? Set Your System for Safety

If you're heading off on holiday, a few small steps can help avoid nasty surprises when you get back:

• Turn off the stopcock if you're away for more than a few days

• Set your heating system to anti-frost or eco mode

• Ask someone to check in if you're worried about leaks, electrics or the hot weather affecting anything

And don’t forget to switch off unneeded appliances to reduce fire risk and save on your energy bill.

Final Thought from EPM

Summer should be for relaxing — not waiting around for a plumber or sparky.
With a little care now, you can avoid the common midsummer mishaps that keep us running all over Exeter in July and August.

If you’re not sure what to check, give us a call — or ask about our upcoming service plans with routine checks built in.