Top 10 Common Plumbing and Drainage Problems

With over 15 years’ experience in providing solutions to drainage problems, we’ve refined our skills using the latest equipment and techniques so that we can give you the very best plumbing and drainage services. Many people struggle to solve the most common plumbing problems in the UK, it’s difficult and mostly ineffective to attempt this on your own without the support of a professional team like ours.

So, what are the top 10 common plumbing and drainage problems?

1. The first, and probably the most annoying, is dripping faucets. This is an extremely common plumbing problem, and one that can get quite irritating if you try to fall asleep to the sound of an incessantly dripping tap. Not only does it disturb your sleep, it can also have a surprisingly significant impact on your water bill. A single faucet could potentially drip away hundreds of gallons of water each year, this is not something we want to be happening. The problem is caused by an internal washer which may have become torn, worn, or dislodged over time. Our team will be able to fix this for you pretty quickly so that you can enjoy a good night’s sleep once again.

2. Next is low water pressure, another very common plumbing problem in old houses which can be solved quite quickly by our team. If your tap or shower isn’t flowing water properly, a trickle like this could be a sign of low water pressure. The cause is likely to be related to your water supply rather than the pipes in your house. As faucet aerators accumulate a build-up of deposits, your water pressure could suffer.

3. Slow or clogged bathroom drains can cause a real issue in your home. If the water in your sink or shower drain very slowly or worse, not at all, then you have a real drainage problem. Perhaps you’ve attempted to unclog these yourself with a plunger or shop bought drain unblockers, whilst these may ease the drainage, they won’t remove the entire blockage. In fact, although commercial drain cleaners are safe for occasional use, if used excessively they can actually damage the pipe materials. If you’re frustrated with a persistent blockage, the most effective course of action is to call out our experienced team who know best how to fix drainage problems.

4. Similarly, a common kitchen plumbing problem is a slow draining sink. This is mainly caused by congealed fat or oil and remnants of food which go down the kitchen sink. You can try plunging it away, but the problem may get worse over time without professional advice. Try to avoid pouring fats or oils down the sink to help ease any blockages.

5. A clogged toilet is equally problematic. If your toilet bowl is filling up and not draining away, then you’ve unfortunately got a clog; this is a very common toilet plumbing problem. Normally the problem is caused by excessive human waste or toilet paper creating a blockage in the pipe. Again, if you continuously plunge the toilet, it may remove the blockage temporarily but to clear the pipes completely, you will need professional support.

6. Aside from a clogged toilet, another common house drainage problem is a running toilet. Just like dripping faucets, a running toilet can add to your water bill significantly. This is a pretty quick fix as the problem is likely to stem from a faulty valve which controls the water passing through. However, if the root of the problem is sediment affected the flushing and filling, you’ll need to call in an expert.

7. Having leaky pipes is a very common winter plumbing problem as when water freezes, it expands and cause the pipes in your house to burst. To avoid this problem in the winter, try to keep the thermostat set at the same temperate throughout night and day. You can also allow the cold water to drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes, this running water helps to prevent the pipes from freezing. Not only can leaky pipes damage the contents of your home including furniture and floors, the damp can also encourage unwanted bugs such as cockroaches. You might have tried to fix the pipe joints with tape or fillers; however, this is only a temporary measure and won’t resolve the problem. You may need a new piece of pipe fitting which we can help you with.

8. Sewer system backups can cause quite severe drainage problems. If you’ve noticed multiple drains in your home not working properly, with a nasty odour of human waste, then it’s likely to be a problem with your sewer system backup. It’s a possibility that this could be your water companies’ fault so you should make them aware of the issue first. But if not, then you’ll need a plumber to locate and resolve the issue immediately.

9. If you have a rubbish disposal at home, you’ll know how handy they are. However, they are subject to jamming, particularly if you run them without water or use it to dispose of incorrect foods such as potato peels. If the reset button doesn’t fix your jam, then you’ll need to open it up and have a look yourself or call in the experts to take a look for you.

10. Lastly, another common plumbing problem is a faulty water heater, and one that normally isn’t noticed until you’re stood in a cold shower. It’s possible that you have to relight your pilot to fix the issue or there could be a build-up of sediment in the tank. It’s important to always seek professional advice when it comes to water heaters. Our experienced team can inspect, maintain, and fix your water heater effectively and efficiently, ensuing you can enjoy a nice hot shower as soon as possible.