10 Common Plumbing Issues and How to fix them

We all have basic plumbing issues that sometimes we, as homeowners, can take the matters into our own hands and fix. Now, this isn’t for everyone. But, for those that have a bit of the handyman in them, it is a great way to save costs and bask in the glory of job satisfaction! Also, if you have children, this provides a great learning experience and quality time together. Keep in mind though, that the smaller issues certainly make sense for a homeowner to look into fixing, but the much larger repairs such as Boiler Installation and Boiler Repair should be left to the heating experts.

Let’s take a look at the 10 Common Plumbing Issues and How to Fix them.

#1 Dripping Taps

This is something that is very common in all homes. Whether it is a tap in the kitchen or in the bath, a dripping tap is most definitely an irritant. A dripping tap might not seem like a lot of water but when left alone it can add up to 100s of gallons a year! Not good! This is a real problem and should be addressed.

To start, you will need some basic tools and some knowledge of where your shut off valves are. This can be to the entire home or just to that particular sink. If you cannot find that sink, the entire home is perfectly fine, you won’t harm anything. Then, turn the water on to release any water that is in the plumbing to the sink, this will keep you from getting unbelievably wet! Top Tip: once the water has drained away, place the plug in the sink to prevent any small parts going for a very unwanted journey!

To start fixing a leaking tap

If your tap is leaking for the spout then the chance are that it is the washer that is needing replaced. Alternatively, if the leak is coming from the handle, the O-Ring will need replaced.

To replace the o-ring at the base of the spout, loosen the bolts unearth the sink that is holding the fitting in place. Rotate the tap and remove the grub screw on the spout. Lift out the spout out and replace the O-Ring at the base before putting everything back together.

To fix a compression valve tap, unscrew the handle, remove the cover and unscrew the valve (this controls the water flow). Then, use a screwdriver to remove the washer and replace with a new washer. Repeat the process in reverse to complete your repair. Happy days!

For a ceramic disk valve (this uses disks instead of washers) remove the handle cap and then unscrew the valve. Clean or replace if necessary. Put back together and jobs a good one.

You can purchase tap and washers and valves from any high street hardware store such as B&Q or online at Amazon. The sets come with instructions on how to assemble them. For most tap repairs you will need some very common household tools such as wrenches, small screwdrivers, and pliers. More info about Plumbing Tools can be found in our 20 Best Plumbing Tools for the Home guide. Be sure to have some towels at the ready… just in case!

#2 Slow Draining Sink

Slow draining sinks are the worst. The easiest thing to do is go to the shops and pick up some liquid drain cleaner. Follow the directions and if it is organic build up, then this should do the trick.

If the blockage is in the kitchen sink, then it more likely to be a combination of grease and food. Best thing to do is use the tried and tested plunger to hopefully break up the blockage before using drain cleaner. Make sure to follow the instructions to know how long to leave it before rinsing with warm water.

If the blockage still there, the net thing to do is use a plumbers snake tool. This flexible coil can be thread down and into the pipes to break up the blockage.

For the most types of blockages, these 3 techniques should see you resolve the problem. If the problem persists then it is probably time to call in the experts. If you live in Edinburgh and surrounding area, then Haggart Plumbers are on hand for drain maintenance and repair.

#3 No Hot Water

Your hot water has gone out. There are many reasons why there is no hot water: some of which are more complicated than others. However, the first thing you should do, is try to establish the problem.

Are the radiators on? Is the boiler on? Does the boiler have a pilot light on?

If the boiler has gone off and can be turned back then hopefully normal service will resume. When performing any action with the boiler – like restarting it – always refer to the instruction manual before doing anything.

Other issues are thermostat issues or safety issues. If you cannot get your boiler working properly, then we definitely recommend calling a plumber. All Haggart Plumbers are Gas SAFE Registered and on hand to help in Edinburgh.

#4 Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is another culprit that sometimes has a very easy fix. If you find that your shower or tap has had better pressure in the past you might want to clean the aerator. This is where the actual water comes out of the tap. Many times it can get a hard water build up that can reduce water pressure on exit. To clean, you can either use a drain cleaner that is made for hard water build up or vinegar and soak them. This can be done while it is still completely assembled by putting the liquid into a plastic bag and tying up the bag so that the tap soaks inside the bag. Be sure you have it on properly so that the liquid and tap are in fact connected.

Soaking overnight or for long as possible will ensure better results. Once you have soaked the tap, you can use a brush and scrub at it. Sometimes the mineral deposits get stuck into the small holes, but a bit of wire or a toothpick can help push that away and clear that out. Once complete, run the tap without anyone (or food if in the kitchen!) around to ensure all the chemicals are cleared away.

Other reasons for low water pressure

If this doesn’t help with the low water pressure or if you see the entire system seeming to be low then there might be another issue. Check on leaking toilets or running toilets. Be sure that you don’t have a broken pipe or major leak somewhere that you might not otherwise notice such as in a crawl space. Shut off all the water in the home and all sound and listen, do you hear running water? This is a great sign that you may need to find what is running. If you cannot find the problem, call a local plumber to ensure that your system is running at its peak performance.

#5 Blocked Sink Drainer

We love our sink drainers. They are such a convenient way to clear out the remaining food particles left in our kitchen sinks. However, they are not meant to replace the recycle bins and shouldn’t be used as such.

Something like pasta can become a real problem if poured down a sink drainer. It will grind into a nice paste and, if left will harden, it will go from al-dente to al-solid! The bottom line is the prevention is better than cure so don’t feed the drainer like you would duty the bin!

Grease and fat are more substances that should never be put down your sink drainer. If grease does end up blocking your drainer, use very hot water and drain cleaner to get things moving.

#6 Water Leaking at the Joints

If you have sprung a leak at the joints you will need to gather a few things. These are adjustable wrenches, slip joint pliers and a wrench set to make it easier to get the joints apart.

First, of course, shut off the water to that particular line. If you know what that line’s supply is, turn the water on and let it drain out, this will allow for less spraying mess while you fix the problem. You will also need to gather up your plumber’s tape and flexible supply tubes if needed as well as a joint compound. Add tape, and then the component and then tighter the connection. This should do the trick and you should have no more leaks. Turn on the water and evaluate your plumbing work!

#7 Stop a Running Toilet

A dripping toilet or gentle running of water can be a major annoyance. Especially during the quiet of night. Quite often, the problem can be when the ball valve is not properly closing. See if you can tighten this and if that doesn’t work then, it could be wear and tear. In that case, it is most likely getting a new valve.

Another source of the problem could be the siphon or flush valve not properly closing. Check to see if your lever or push button is working correctly. If not, water can flow into the bowl. If all buttons / levers are working as they should then a new flush valve may be required.

#8 Add or Replace a Shut off Valve

People can get lazy when they install toilets, sinks and even appliances. It is important that you have a shut off valve at each of these, in case there is a problem. If you were doing another repair and noticed there isn’t one for this particular area, you need to take the time to install one.

#9 Installing a New Kitchen or Bathroom Tap

The main thing here is that you need to be able to follow instructions. Yep, that’s it. You will need some basic tools and the instructions will tell you what is required. This process is typically not that complex and made easier if you stick with what you currently have. In other words, if you are replacing a single handle tap then you will need a single handle for the new installation. The same goes for the double handled options. This is because of how it fits into your cabinet or sink itself. You need to replace what you have and not try reinventing the entire thing.

#10 Replacing the Sink Sprayer

I am sure you will agree, sink sprayers are amazing. And the good news is. also one of the easier DIY plumbing tasks. Check to see if the hose is a fixed hose or detachable. This will tell you which type of sprayer you are going to need. Older models usually allow you to just replace the sprayer itself. But, the newer models are all one unit. Take your time to understand what it is you currently have to ensure that you can properly fix it. All the new parts will come with instructions that are typically pretty easy to follow. Yes, you will need some basic tools to carry out the job. Remember and turn the water off!