Repairs around the home can multiply really quickly if you’re not staying on top of things. Whether it’s the odd loose cupboard from broken hinges, the toilet that won’t flush, or the mould patch on the ceiling that is growing and you don’t know why, there are many aspects of your home that succumb to damage or wear and tear over time.

But there are some tasks that should never be put off and should be top of your priority list when it comes to home repairs.

Leaks

A leak anywhere has the potential to cause massive amounts of damage throughout the home. From leaking toilets that flood the bathroom and any rooms below them to leaking sinks or kitchen pipes that cause water to spill out into cupboards and on the floor, there are multiple points in your home that can get damaged by water.

But it’s not just the water in places where it shouldn’t be that’s the problem with leaks. It’s the damage the water itself can cause. From mould in damp walls to rotten floorboards, a damp smell that lingers and damage to your electrical circuit, causing a hazard in your home, water can be extremely destructive when it gets in places it shouldn’t be.

At the first sign of a leak, you need to call a plumbing service provider to ascertain what is going on, pinpoint the source of the damage and ensure that it’s repaired correctly and you’re not facing ongoing problems from damage that’s been caused.

Gas Repairs

If you suspect any gas appliances in your home have been damaged, or you can smell gas, turn the gas off before you do anything else, open all the windows and do not use anything, especially anything electrical. This is urgent and shouldn’t be brushed aside or left.

The majority of UK homes have gas boilers, fires or cookers, meaning there’s potentially more than one appliance that can be causing the problem. Regardless of the appliance, calling a certified Gas Safe engineer or the National Gas Emergency Service immediately is the right decision here

They can check your boiler and other gas appliances to find the cause of the leak and get repairs carried out.

But if its not an emergency and you’re just noticing changes in how your gas appliances work overall, addressing the problem sooner rather than later can help keep repair bills down and avoid having to replace the entire appliance. Boiler replacements especially run into the thousands (estimates place boiler replacements at around £2,000 to £4,000) if you’re not ensuring it’s in good working order at all times — annual services are highly recommended.

Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning services can range from £50 to £200 on average across the UK. But the cost of the damage of not cleaning your gutters can be a lot more expensive. Why? Blocked gutters can lead to damage to the actual gutters themselves and to the structure of your home. Your gutters are supposed to direct water away from the building, but if they’re blocked, they can’t do this effectively, so the water will simply run down the side walls, causing damage if left. Water can rot woodwork and cause damp and mould within the property, not to mention leave unsightly marks on the walls. So take the time to check your gutters regularly to ensure that there is no visible damage or blockages.