Plumbing issues can disrupt daily life and cause problems for homeowners and businesses across the United Kingdom throughout the year, more often during the winters or snowy periods. These can be little issues like dripping taps or major problems like water pouring through the ceiling due to a broken pipe or a leaking shower above. Whatever the problem may be, one thing is for sure – these may require an emergency plumber to come out and do a repair before the leak or plumbing issue gets out of hand. Here are the top plumbing problems commonly faced by UK residents:
Leaking Taps:
Dripping taps not only waste water but can also lead to higher water bills over time. The most common cause behind a dripping tap is a worn-out washer or a faulty cartridge. In some cases, the entire tap may need replacing if it’s old or damaged beyond repair. Also pay close attention to the pipe that runs from the tap just in case it has a leak.
Fixing a leaking tap can be done with basic plumbing skills (or by watching a video tutorial online). If you can’t do it yourself, then the assistance of a professional plumber should be sought. The job shouldn’t take too long, but this depends on the tap and where it is located.
Running Toilets:
A running toilet is not just not only noisy, but can cause loss of water. The problem usually arises due to a faulty syphon or a fill valve that fails to shut off properly after each flush. Other common problems with toilets are broken flushes, leaking tanks, leaking bolts or leaks behind the toilet.
If it’s the only toilet in the home – than you need an emergency plumber straight away! But remember that sometimes water behind a toilet does not mean there is a leak – it could just be condensation build up.
Water Heater Issues:
Lack of hot water to taps, shower and kitchen, or inconsistent water temperature that constantly goes hot and cold, can indicate problems with the water heater. Sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat, or a broken heating element are common culprits when this happens.
You should look online and call in a 24 hour call out plumber to repair the problem, especially if it’s in the middle of winter where hot water is more important.
Low Water Pressure:
Low water pressure can make daily tasks like showering or washing dishes a big problem, and a little task would be dragged on as the water pressure is too low to complete it quickly. There are various causes behind this, with one being a boiler problem.
Contact a same day boiler repair engineer who can give your boiler a thorough check, and investigate for boiler leaks etc.
Frozen Pipes:
During frosty and cold winters in the UK, frozen pipes become a common problem in the more colder parts of the country. A pipe that is frozen and frosted over can potentially lead to a pipe rupture. Pipes located in unheated or poorly insulated areas are particularly vulnerable.
To preventing frozen pipes, ensure exposed pipes are insulated during cold periods. If your frozen pipe bursts, call in an emergency pipe repair plumber to get it fixed.
Pipe Leaks:
A leaking pipe can cause water damage, mold growth, and structural issues if you don’t notice the leak quick enough. Pipe leaks can happen due to a number of reasons. These include pressure ruptures, accidental damage, DIY jobs gone wrong etc.
If you notice wet patches or water that shouldn’t be there, then you might have a water pipe leak somewhere. A small leak can cause a lot of damage, so call in an emergency pipe leak repair plumber to get it fixed.
Boiler Problems:
Despite the recent push towards air source heat pumps in the UK, most homes still have a gas boiler with some using oil fired boilers.
The primary function of the boiler is to heat the home, provide hot water and warmth all year long. But when it breaks down, the you have need to call in an emergency gas engineer who does emergency boiler call outs.
Boiler breakdowns are one of the most common domestic repair issues in the UK. A boiler could begin leaking due to a part not working or the ignition fails to light. There are various problems that can happen, an a qualified gas engineer is legally allowed to repair them.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, there are a number of common plumbing problems faced by those living in the UK. The most common ones are pipe leaks, toilet issues, and boiler breakdowns, and these make up the majority of work a plumber does on a 24 hour emergency call out basis.
