Plumbing problems can present real issues for homeowners. Knowing what causes them can make them quicker to solve and can help you prevent them from happening in the first place.
Some problems, like dripping taps, are possible to fix yourself. But before you reach for a wrench, it’s worth pointing out that many jobs are best handled by a professional. For persistent leaks, stubborn blockages and water pressure issues, it’s best to call in a professional to ensure they’re dealt with effectively and that you don’t cause more damage to your home.
Dripping taps
A dripping tap is both annoying and wastes water. Furthermore, a small drip is likely to get bigger the longer it’s left.
There are several reasons why a tap might be dripping. In many instances, it’s simply that a washer or cartridge needs replacing. Sometimes the O-ring that sits at the base of the tap has perished. You may feel confident enough to replace these parts yourself but do remember to turn your water off via the isolation valve or stopcock first.
Occasionally, water pressure issues and other issues like limescale build-up can cause a tap to drip. If you’re unsure of the cause, it’s best to hire a plumber to help.
Blocked and slow-draining sinks
Many of us have experienced a slow-draining sink at some point. In kitchens, it’s often a build-up of food debris and fats that block or partially block the drains, while in bathrooms, it tends to be hair and soap scum.
If the blockage isn’t too severe, it can be cleared with a plunger. But if that doesn’t work, you may need to call out the experts, as there could be a more serious problem, such as a blocked or collapsed sewer line.
You can minimise blockages by preventing food and hair from going down the plughole. A simple strainer over the plughole will help catch residues when you wash up or shower. Refraining from pouring cooking oil down the sink will also help.
Constantly running toilet
If you can hear water running or you can see water running into the bowl long after you’ve flushed the toilet, you have a problem. A constantly running toilet is a plumbing problem that plagues many households and shouldn’t be ignored, as it typically wastes between 200 and 400 litres of water a day.
However, there are several issues that can cause this problem. Typically, it will be a faulty fill valve or flapper seal, or a float that needs adjusting. Limescale build-up and general wear and tear can affect the function of fill valves and flapper seals, but they are fairly easy to replace.
Before attempting any fixes yourself, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to your toilet. There is usually a valve on the pipe feeding the cistern enabling you to do this, but if you’re in any doubt, ask a plumber.
Noisy water pipes
Noisy pipes are another common issue for homeowners, but there are several causes. So, again, it can be tricky to work out the exact problem.
Pipes that aren’t adequately secured can vibrate quite loudly. But if you notice a banging noise when the water is running or you turn it off, this might be down to high water pressure or what’s known as water hammer.
Water hammer typically occurs while the washing machine or dishwasher is on, but it can also happen when a tap is turned off quickly. The banging sound comes from shockwaves travelling along your water pipes and can cause extra strain on them. To prevent this from happening, it may be necessary to flush your system or install hammer arresters. A plumber will be able to pinpoint the exact cause and advise you on the best solution.
