Got a drip, a cold shower, or a noisy boiler? You’re not alone. Most households face a plumbing hiccup at least once a year, and many of them can be solved in under an hour. Below you’ll find the top issues we see every day, straight‑forward steps you can take, and the red flags that mean it’s time to ring a professional.
Leaking taps. Turn off the water under the sink, replace the worn washer, and tighten the tap. A new washer costs pennies and stops the drip instantly.
Clogged drains. Skip the chemical cleaners. Grab a plunger or a simple hand‑augur (a plastic snake), work it gently, and most blockages disappear. If the water still pools, try a mixture of baking soda and hot water to break down grease.
Cold showers. Check the water heater reset button – it trips when the unit overheats. Press it, then wait a few minutes for the heater to fire up again. If the reset trips repeatedly, the thermostat may be faulty, and a technician should check it.
Noisy boiler. Air trapped in the system often causes knocking sounds. Bleed the radiators by opening the bleed valve until water flows steadily. If the noise stays, it could be a pump issue, which needs a pro’s eye.
If you notice any of these signs, call a qualified plumber or heating engineer right away:
Trying to fix these on your own can cause more damage and cost you more in the long run. A certified professional has the tools and training to diagnose the root cause and repair it safely.
Keeping a basic toolkit – adjustable wrench, pipe tape, and a plunger – plus a good sense of when to stop, will save you time, money, and headaches. Remember, a small repair today often prevents a flood tomorrow.
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