Blocked Drain or Toilet

When you empty a washbasin or take a shower and see water backing up, you may have a clogged drain. However, the indicators of a clogged toilet are frequently more obvious. The water backs up in the toilet bowl and may even overflow instead of flushing regularly. In sinks and showers, hair is frequently the cause of slow or clogged drains, but other objects, like a shampoo cap or a tiny toy, may also become stuck in the drain and obstruct the pipe.

When something other than dissolvable waste enters a toilet and is flushed, it frequently causes a problem since such solid objects cannot pass through the pipe and remain there, making it difficult or impossible for water to pass the obstruction and travel down the pipes. Only flush soluble garbage down the toilet to avoid blockages; if something falls into the toilet, remove it instead of attempting to flush it. Use a hair catcher over the drain in showers to prevent loose hair strands from gathering within the drain pipe. Try to keep loose hair out of sinks to avoid blockage.

Leaky Taps and Pipes

Leaking taps and pipes are a common source of plumbing problems in apartments and homes. Even though leaking taps are more of a hassle and a waste of money than a plumbing emergency, fixing leaks in your home might save you up to 10% on your water bill. 

A tap that leaks one drop per second yearly wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water, or the equivalent of 180 showers. Leaky pipes may result in serious damage if the problem is not discovered quickly. After some time, you usually detect leaking pipes when you see a puddle or hear trickling.

When the washer that forms the seal on the taps sustains damage, such as shredding, dislodging, or hardening, the washer no longer firmly seals, enabling tiny quantities of water to drop from the tap. If your pipes are leaking, the most likely place is at a junction - leaks may develop due to deterioration, shifting, excessive water pressure, or other damage. Over time, the valve seat may also wear or corrode.

In taps, the problem can be resolved by replacing the leak-causing washer. Although you can do it yourself, using specialised equipment will make it easier, so you might want to call a plumber. 

When dealing with leaky pipes, which may be a simple or incredibly tough process, it may be advisable to let a professional do the work even if you simply need to fix a simple U-joint. Leaking taps are inevitable over time due to natural wear from frequent usage, which is frequently impossible to prevent. 

By turning taps on and off gently and avoiding applying too much pressure to the handles, you may reduce that wear. Leaky pipes are tough to prevent, but you can identify the issue early with a routine examination. 

Apparent corrosion or white lime deposits might indicate the possibility of leakage, so be sure to keep an eye out for dampness or tiny drops.

Boiler Problems

The typical sign of a boiler problem is when you attempt to take a warm shower but the water is ice cold instead. Other indications of a problem include dripping water, pools of water, discoloured water, and sounds emanating from the boiler unit. While some boiler problems and repairs may be handled by the homeowner themselves, many require expert assistance owing to their complexity and potential for hazards.

Mineral deposits may also cause issues in boilers since they can impair the effectiveness of the water heater, limiting the flow of hot water throughout your house. Leaks are sometimes the source of boiler difficulties, including not having enough hot water. When sediment heats up and explodes or when scale builds up on heating elements, unusual noises might also come from your boiler as a result of the sediment.

Maintaining your boiler can help it work smoothly and avoid issues; be sure to check the pressure valve frequently, flush the tank sometimes to get rid of sediment, and occasionally examine around the tank to search for drips and leaks that might signify a major issue. Call a qualified plumber when you are experiencing boiler problems unless the problem can be resolved quickly by restarting the pilot light or adjusting the boiler thermostat. It's best to leave boiler repairs to a professional since they can be risky and expensive.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a common cause of plumbing issues in older homes, but it may also occur in newer homes. Depending on the source, low water pressure might appear abruptly or develop gradually over time. Regardless of the cause, low water pressure makes it challenging to wash dishes and take showers, so finding a solution is essential to returning to regular water use.

A water main break may result in reduced pressure at your tap; if your neighbours also suddenly suffer low water pressure, this may be the problem. If a pipe in your home is leaking, the same loss of pressure will occur. If this is the case, turn off all taps, check your water metre, and wait a few hours without using any water to check for leaks. If the water metre changes, you probably have a leak. Another probable reason for low pressure is the accumulation of minerals and silt in the pipes, taps aerators, and showerheads. This accumulation slows the water flow and causes low pressure.

To prevent future build-up, install a filter system to keep minerals out of your pipes, and frequently examine your pipes to identify and fix leaks. If the water pressure suddenly drops or you're unable to identify the source of the issue, call a plumber right away since you could have a pipe leak. You may have a build-up or corrosion problem in your pipes if you see a progressive decline but the problem isn't with your aerators; this also necessitates calling a plumber to replace or repair the damaged portions.

Running Toilet

One of the most annoying toilet plumbing concerns is a running toilet. When the internal parts of the toilet stop working properly, the flapper valve may let water flow if it no longer fits well, which may cause the toilet to run continuously. Other likely causes include a leak, a loose fill tube, or an imbalanced float. It is crucial to check for leaks by adding food colouring to the tank, waiting 20 minutes, and then examining the bowl to determine if the colour leaked into the water as a consequence of a leak. While you can't usually avoid toilet problems, you can frequently check the parts to make sure they're all in good working order. If you repair the tank's toilet parts but the running continues, you might require a plumber.

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are a major hassle that results in leaks and occasionally flooding; they can be brought on by either water expanding within the pipes or just by the pipes wearing out over time. Repairs must be completed as quickly as possible since, in addition to the major annoyance this creates, water escaping from broken pipes can harm your house and possessions. Turning off the heating and electricity supply as well as the water is a good idea in order to prevent water from seeping into the electrics. In order to prevent damage to carpets and furnishings, try to catch any leaks in a tub or bucket as much as you can. Other than that, try to temporarily stop the leak, perhaps using a plumber's tape, but a professional plumber will be needed to address the issue, so call one out as soon as you can.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are one of the most hazardous of typical plumbing issues, and they must be handled right away by a qualified plumber. Make sure to get everyone out of the home as soon as you suspect the presence of gas, and if you know how, turn off your gas supply at the mains. Get everyone outdoors and call an emergency plumber in any event.