Top 10 Plumbing Tips

With such a rich mixture of architecture no one day is ever the same if you’re a plumber in Soho. Both residents and businesses in this part of central London can face a wide range of problems whether you’re based in a period property or a newly developed building.

The following plumbing tips aim to help you prevent plumbing problems additionally offer advice on dealing with plumbing emergencies until you can arrange for assistance from your local Soho plumber.

1. THAT ANNOYING DRIP

Address the problem of a dripping tap, shower head, appliance or overflow pipe as soon as possible. It’s frustrating, but far better to deal with the issue sooner rather than later as the situation will inevitably deteriorate.

A decaying washer on a ball valve in your water storage tank (albeit in that hard to get to place) or loo cistern is only going to fail eventually if you don’t maintain or replace it. No action will lead to water pouring out of the overflow or worse; costly water damage for you and your neighbours property and possessions.

2. WATER LEAKS

Water leaks are usually very simple (in most cases) to find a solution to fix. However water leaks could be the result of a potentially greater problem, being activated by any number of issues.

It is perfectly sensible to be as vigilant as possible when looking to identify leaks as it restricts small problems developing into a much greater issue. Moist, damp or wet areas within a partition wall, ceilings or a puddle on a wet floor may indicate a leak. Make this your starting point and work backwards from that particular area to try and identify the leakage. Speaking of which…

3. RUST AND MILDEW

Corrosion via a decaying pipe, water tank or metal can in extreme circumstances infect your water supply. Additionally over time it corrodes your pipe work especially around fittings and joint areas…potentially leading to huge issues.

Older metal pipe work is especially susceptible to corrosion and discolouration around valves and fittings.

Damp or a puddle of standing water that has simply dried out will in most cases cause mildew – another potential health hazard. A leakage, resulting in standing water will result in mildew especially in older properties.

4. YOUR BOILER

Regular, annual servicing of your boiler and heating system is essential for two reasons: it’s continuing functionality and as importantly your (and your families and neighbours) safety as poisonous gases escaping can be very dangerous.

The flame contained in your boiler should be a clear, blue flame. If you happen to see a yellow flame it will indicate a problem. It should therefore be checked as soon as possible.

Only ever commission work or servicing on your boiler or gas appliance executed by a credible engineer. If your system is pressurised, check the pressure regularly to ensure it is working efficiently. Speaking of which…

5. WATER PRESSURE

Your boiler works far harder and for longer periods during the winter months because of the increasing heat and hot water required. Be mindful of sediment buildup, which causes corrosion, shortens its life span and reduces heating efficiency.

This can be removed by flushing and draining a few gallons of water from the tap near the bottom of the tank through a hose directed into a nearby drain or bucket or something similar. However it maybe wise to call your local plumber as dealing with these issues can be problematic especially if a new valve requires replacing.

6. HARD WATER

Hard water results in the build up of lime scale and mineral deposits around taps, shower heads and any other appliance that it comes into contact with. Use an appropriate lime scale remover regularly to avoid the problem getting completely out of hand. As the old wives tail suggests – ‘vinegar’ is a cost effective and good alternative to high street branded cleaners.

There are plenty of other less obvious areas where lime scale can build up, such as various pipes, washing machines and dishwashers. Even boilers and heating systems can be effected. In this case additives can be used to protect them. Although it maybe wise to contact your local plumber for advice or help.

Alternatively if you have the budget, consider installing a water softener.

7. COLD AND HOT WATER TANK

Maintain cold water tanks and prevent water waste by replacing the ball or flapper once a year or on a regular basis. Try to upgrade to the most modern tank filling system.

8. DRAINAGE

Whatever the circumstances water will always seek the best way to escape…down and away as rapidly (and in fairness) efficiently as possible. Whether a sink in your kitchen or bathroom, a bath or shower in your bathroom, water will swirl for a pre-determined amount of time around the plug hole before eventually escaping.

Watch the behaviour of the swirl of water, if sluggish or slow it may be that your internal or external drains are becoming clogged or blocked. You can minimise this as much as possible by fitting bath and shower filters in your bathroom to stop hair clogging the drains.

In the case of your kitchen sink do not pour oil, grease or food waste down the sink as over time such a blend will obviously lead to blockages.

Don’t dispose of tissues or other sanitary products via the loo as both will not disintegrate to an acceptable level causing clogs and blockage.

9. THE PLUG HOLE

When leaving your property for any length of time such as a long weekend, holiday or a business trip make sure to leave the plug out of the plug hole.

With so many people believing the myth of the ‘spider and plug hole’ it is easy to forget that in case of any problems such as a broken tap washer, or a simple dripping tap water has no escape route other than the overflow (if you have one) or the neighbours ceiling!

For something so simple it does cause a huge amount of emotional upset and financial loss not to mention having to negotiate with a frustrating insurance claim.

10. THE EMERGENCY FLUSH

Last but not least…It maybe not exactly constitute an emergency but if your loo cistern fails for any reason, a bucket of water poured into the pan does a reasonable job of flushing waste away until it can be fixed. For many people it’s a simple, short term, reassuring do-it-yourself solution to an uncomfortable problem!

Please don’t hesitate to CONTACT US as we will be delighted advise and assist with any queries you may have….We call ourselves Soho plumbers as we’re probably within walking distance of you if you live or work within the square mile of Soho.