There are some common plumbing problems that have a simple fix that you yourself may be able to fix if you know how, some however may be slightly more complex and require the skills and knowledge of a professional plumber. This is why our team at Vortex Gas have put together a guide to help you successfully deal with simple plumbing problems and know exactly when you should be calling in a professional.
Plumbing Tips
These are five plumbing tips that will not only save you money on unnecessary call outs but can also save you money on hefty repair bill further down the line.
Know The Water Mains Tap Location – If you were to ever have a leak or a burst pipe then the first line of defence you can take is to shut the water off at the mains to prevent costly water damage. By knowing exactly where the mains water shut off tap is you can act fast in order to limit any damaged caused. It is also a good idea to ensure everyone living in your household knows where the mains water tap is in case, you’re not home when a leak or burst pipe is discovered and they too can act fats and shut off the water. When you have turned the water off and limited any potential water damage you can call out a professional plumber to come and carry out the repair work on the pipework.
Blocked Drains – In this case prevention is always better than the cure! Try not to pour fat and grease down the drain, and maybe consider trying a plumbing drain screen. If you do have a blocked drain use a plunger to dislodge the blockage then pour hot water and backing soda down the drain afterword’s to clear the blockage. If you try this and have no joy it may be worth calling out your local plumber to come and take a look and fix the blocked drain for you.
Winter Protection – Pipe don’t fair too well in the freezing winter months, so it is always a good idea to ensure your pipes are well insulated. Everything you need to insulate your pipes can be purchased at your local DIY store and it’s a fairly quick and easy job and can save you a fair sum of money in the long run. If you don’t feel confident insulating your pipes yourself then you can always call out your local plumber to do it for you.
Mind What You Flush – Don’t take your toilet for granted. Toilets are only designed to have a small amount of toilet tissue flushed down them at once. Any un-flushable items such as baby wipes, disposable nappies and cat litter just to name a few, will eventually cause a blockage. If you do have a blocked toilet then try and clear it with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. If neither of these work then you should probably call out your local plumber to come and unblock the toilet for you.
Leaky Shower head – This is a simple fix, unscrew the showerhead and seal the leak with plumbers’ tape, you can also soak it in equal parts of warm water and vinegar to remove any limescale. If you don’t fancy having a go at repairing it you could always treat yourself to a new showerhead!
Although most of these plumbing problems mentioned have a relatively simple fix, if your not comfortable with your DIY skills or doubt your knowledge on how to fix these problems then it is always best to call in a professional plumber to carry out the work for you.
If your having problems with your plumbing, then contact Vortex Gas today – 0151 523 7243