Plumbing

Find guidance on leaks, pipework, drainage, water pressure and everyday home plumbing issues.

Four Signs You Need to Call A Plumber

18th October 2018

Do you think you might need a plumber? Whether your radiators have stopped working or your tap won’t stop dripping, at Trust A Trader, we offer useful advice that can save you unnecessary call-out fees. However, there are times when you probably do need to get advice from a local plumber.

Bath not draining

If your bath isn’t draining properly, you can try to unblock it yourself with drain clearing solution or a drain-clearing wire. However, if this doesn’t work, it is best to call a plumber. Your bath waste water pipes aren’t going to clear by themselves, and they could be the first sign of a more serious problem.

Inconsistent water flow

Fluctuating water flow is something most people just live with. However, unless it is the norm for your area, poor water flow can become an issue. If the water flow is only a problem in one room, the problem could be a build-up of lime scale, which is easily remedied. However, if your home previously had a good, consistent water supply and the entire house is now affected by restricted flow, call a plumber, who can diagnose whether you have an issue with the pipes supplying your property.

You can’t unclog your toilet

Most people have had to deal with a blocked toilet at some point. While it is certainly not the most pleasant task, usually it is strangely satisfying, as a blocked toilet clears quite quickly. However, if you have been plunging to no avail, you need to call a plumber as soon as possible. The cause of the blockage could be something significant and endless poking and plunging could result in you damaging the porcelain. A professional plumber, on the other hand, will come with industrial tools, which should get the problem cleared in no time.

That dripping tap

A dripping tap is not unusual and most people have just learned to live with the steady dripping; you may not even notice it any more! However, that dripping tap could waste thousands of gallons of water every year; not good news for the environment, or your bank balance if you are on a water meter. If you are worried that you can’t afford to get a plumber to fix your dripping tap, think of the money you could save in the long-term. What’s more, a plumber will be able to diagnose the cause of the problem and potentially prevent issues in the future.

We know that finding a reliable plumber is tough, and that often call-out fees put people off from consulting a professional. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, most plumbers offer emergency callouts 24 hours a day. If you live in London, plumbers in Greenwich and surrounding areas can often get to you within just a few short hours.

While you wait for your plumber, you may also want to make a quick mental list of all the other, minor issues (dripping tap, slow draining shower, inconsistent water flow). This way, if you are paying by the hour, you will make sure you get the most value for your money!

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Looking for more plumbing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common plumbing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What should I do if I have a blocked drain or sink?

Start with a plunger - create a good seal and use firm, steady pressure. For a kitchen sink blocked with grease, bicarbonate of soda followed by vinegar can help. If that's not shifting it, a drain snake reaches further down the pipe. Go easy on chemical drain cleaners as they can damage older pipes and rarely sort the root cause. If the blockage keeps coming back, affects more than one outlet, or you're getting unpleasant smells, call a plumber rather than trying to patch up the problem.
How can I tell if I have a hidden water leak?

The most obvious clue is a water bill that's gone up without any change in your usage. Beyond that, listen out for running water when everything's turned off, and watch for damp patches on walls or ceilings nowhere near an obvious water source. A quick self-test is to turn everything off and watch your water meter - if it's still moving, there's a leak somewhere. Tracking down exactly where it is usually needs a specialist detection kit, which a plumber can bring in without having to rip everything up.
What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

Turn off your stopcock straight away - you'll usually find it under the kitchen sink or where the mains water enters the property. Once it's off, open your taps to drain what's left in the system, switch off the boiler if you can do so safely, and mop up any standing water before it reaches electrics or flooring. Then call a plumber. With burst pipes, the faster you act, the less damage you'll be faced with.
What is a gas safety certificate and do I need one?

A Gas Safety Record is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after checking that all your gas appliances, flues, and pipework are safe. Landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales are legally required to get one every year and give tenants a copy within 28 days. For homeowners it's not a legal requirement, but getting a check done alongside your annual boiler service is a smart idea, particularly in older properties. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out the work or issue the certificate - you can check anyone's registration on the Gas Safe Register website.
Why is my water pressure low and can a plumber fix it?

Low pressure usually comes down to one of a handful of things: a stop valve that's not fully open, limescale build-up in older pipes, a failing pressure-reducing valve, or an issue with your water provider's mains supply. In most cases a plumber can sort it - though if the problem is with the mains itself, you'll need to contact your water company first. Either way, don't just live with it - ongoing low pressure can sometimes point to something more serious.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing or just repairing?

If it's under ten years old and it's one specific fault, a repair usually makes sense. If it's over fifteen, has needed multiple fixes recently, is making strange noises, or your energy bills have crept up for no obvious reason - replacement is probably the better investment. A useful rule of thumb: if the repair would cost more than half the price of a new boiler, it's probably time to replace it.
How often should I get my plumbing inspected?

There's no legal requirement for homeowners, but every two to three years is a sensible habit - especially in older properties or hard water areas where limescale builds up over time. Your annual boiler service covers some of the associated pipework too. And if anything seems off between inspections - odd noises, discoloured water, unexplained damp - don't wait. Get it looked at sooner.
Why do my pipes make a banging or knocking noise?

That banging sound (sometimes called water hammer) usually happens when water flow is suddenly stopped or redirected, sending a pressure wave through the pipes. It's most common after flushing the toilet, shutting a tap sharply, or when a washing machine valve closes. Pipes that aren't properly secured can also knock against walls or joists. It sounds alarming but it's often an easy fix - a plumber can figure out whether it's a pressure issue, a faulty valve, or just some loose pipework.

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