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Most Common Plumbing Problems And How To Avoid Them - Part 2

5th February 2021

With a chill in the air, now is not the time to be without heating or hot water. Last week, we looked at the top two plumbing emergencies and how to avoid them. This week we turn our attention to the rest of the top five: lack of heating or hot water, leaking washing machine, and gas leak.

Lack of hot water or heating

We rely on hot water every day so it can be a shock when it stops working. Your boiler will stop heating your water – and your home – for a number of reasons. Before you reach for the phone, take a look at the boiler. Is the pilot light on? Is the power on? It could be as simple as an extinguished pilot or tripped fuse. If you can’t see anything obvious, get in touch with a plumber who will be able to diagnose the problem relatively easily. The cause could be as simple as a small part or a plummet in temperatures, or it could be a significant problem requiring a new boiler. This will usually depend on the age of your boiler and the availability of new parts, as well as the cost of repairing versus replacing your boiler. Make sure that you consult a plumber that you can trust to make sure that you know you are being given sound advice based on what is best for you.

Preventing your boiler from breaking down can be a challenge, but by having it regularly serviced you will be able to plan ahead and be prepared for any serious works that may be on the horizon.

Leaking washing machines

Your washing machine is another of the home’s unsung heroes, washing your clothes week in week out with little recognition… until, one day, you notice that clothes aren’t being washed as well, or there is a nasty smell from the area of the washing machine, or a mysterious puddle. If you are fairly adept at DIY, if your washing machine starts leaking, you can take a look at the rubber lining and even pull the machine out if it is safe to do so to see if there is any obvious damage to the piping at the back. If you can’t see anything, it is worth calling your local washing machine repair service but it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of getting it fixed; how old is the washing machine, is it in good condition otherwise, or has it been very well used over time? It may be that your trusty old washing machine just isn’t worth repairing, in which case it may not be worth paying the plumber’s callout fee just to be told you need to get a new one anyway. Ask a trusted plumber to make sure you make the right choice.

Gas leaks

A gas leak is not to be messed with. If you smell gas, your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, or you damage a gas pipe, check your appliances to ensure they are turned off – if your hob has been left on, turn it off, open the window and leave the room. If you can’t quickly and easily see the cause, leave the house and call an emergency engineer or contact your gas board.

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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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