29/05/2026
Back from his working trip to regional Western Australia with Neil, Josh has ten tips for what owner/occupiers should do to prepare their home (and save a little money) for the upcoming winter blast.
1. Know the location of your main water valve. If a major water issue arises, you can deal with it immediately by turning it off.
2. To prevent water freezing, some companies will advise you to let your taps drip. If water hits its freezing point, we all know what it means for tapware and pipes. Consider having have your leaking/dripping taps fixed.
3. It doesn’t hurt to insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas of your house. This can prevent burst pipes.
4. If you notice holes or cracks in the wall around your pipes, fill them in with an over-the-counter sealant. This small fix can improve your home energy efficiency and protects pipe integrity.
5. Look around your house for discoloured walls, sagging ceilings, and/or mould patches. All three are signs of a leak in your roof.
6. Visually inspect your hot water unit for signs of wear and tear. If you spot rust and/or corrosion, immediately schedule a service with your plumber.
7. Clear gutters, downpipes, and flush underground drains/stormwater paths of debris.
8. Pay attention to raised grass and/or paving in your yard. It could indicate a soak well, septic tank, and/or an underground water issue.
9. It’s entirely likely you won’t need your hose in the wetter months—so disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Follow that up by turning your reticulation off for a couple of months. Your water bill will thank you.
10. Some plumbers recommend keeping your home heated in winter (even when you’re away). While this does benefit your home’s piping and yes, it can be a cheaper alternative to dealing with burst pipes and water damage, Josh can’t in good conscience advise people to do this with cost of living increases showing no sign of abating. Each person is free to weigh the cost-benefit themself.
Should you be interested in one of the many plumbing and gas services offered by Sumont Plumbing & Gas, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Josh on 0468 784 837.