LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 04/29/12 -- As the sun slowly comes out of winter hibernation, homeowners across the UK are beginning to prepare for the annual spring clean. But our industrious plumbing systems can often be forgotten during this yearly ritual, despite working hard for us during the winter months.

During World Plumbing Day on 11 March, plumbers across the world worked hard to highlight the importance of caring for your domestic waterworks. Mr Robert Burgon, the World Plumbing Council Chairman, said: "Our hope is that on World Plumbing Day, the world will come to realise that plumbing is essential in protecting both the health of our people and the health of our planet."

Taking the time to care for your bathroom and kitchen plumbing, external drains and central heating system will help to protect your home against serious problems during the summer months. Here are Dyno's top tips for cleaning and maintaining a healthy plumbing system:

Kitchen & Bathroom

--  Check that all drain strainers are cleared of hair, soaking them
    overnight to remove any stubborn dirt. 
--  Carefully inspect your taps and toilets for any hidden leaks or cracks.
    Adding a few drops of food colouring to the water in your toilet bowl
    will help you to see whether it's properly flushing away. 
--  Clean the showerhead by unscrewing it and leaving in a bowl of vinegar
    overnight. In the morning scrub off any limescale deposits with an old
    toothbrush and replace. 

Outside

--  Clear all debris from garden drains and gutters. Pour water into any
    drains that are used infrequently to stop nasty odours from entering
    your home. 
--  Test all external taps to see whether water is flowing freely. If the
    tap is dripping, check indoors for a leak from a cracked pipe. 
--  If your garden or home is at risk of flooding, consider investing in a
    flood alarm. This battery-operated device will sound a warning when it
    comes into contact with water, helping you to catch any problems early.

Central Heating

--  Take a look at your cold water storage tanks in the attic for damage or
    water leaks. 
--  Remove any clutter - particularly flammable items - from the water
    heater, and double-check that the temperature on the heater is no higher
    than 120 degrees F to prevent scalding. 
--  Drain a few gallons of water from the heater to flush our any sediment
    that could corrode your central heating system.