Plumbing News and Advice

Useful guidance for maintaining household plumbing and recognising common warning signs.

Preventing avoidable leaks

Check visible joints, appliance hoses and the area beneath sinks from time to time. Damp smells, staining, a change in water pressure or a meter that moves while fixtures are closed can indicate a hidden problem worth investigating.

Looking after hot-water systems

Unusual noises, slow recovery and inconsistent temperatures should not be ignored. Keep stored items away from equipment, do not cover ventilation openings and arrange qualified inspection where controls or safety devices appear faulty.

Preparing plumbing for cold weather

Insulate accessible pipework in unheated areas and make sure the main stopcock can be reached easily. If a property will be empty, leave heating and water arrangements appropriate for the building rather than waiting for freezing weather to expose a weak pipe.

Planning a bathroom project

Choose fittings only after checking dimensions, pressure requirements and waste positions. Allowing time for preparation, testing and drying produces a better result than treating the project as a simple exchange of visible fixtures.