Problems with the water works comes in all shapes and sizes and it’s important to recognise the most common plumbing emergencies so you can act fast and effectively resolve these problems to avoid further costs and damage to your property.
Prevention is always better than cure and that’s true in plumbing too, by anticipating the problems you’re likely to face at some point, you can reduce the likelihood of them happening or getting worse. Below, we’ve outlined the 10 most common plumbing issues we find in Leicester and what causes them and what you can do to prevent them from happening or recurring again in future.
1) Dripping Taps
As one of the most common plumbing problems in the UK, we see this all the time throughout Leicester and Leicestershire; at some point, every one of us will have come across a dripping tap and whilst it might seem insignificant and like a job you can put off, it’s an expensive experience to leave it in disrepair. A dripping tap is not just a source of frustration but the wasted water is likely to increase your water bill, especially as most homes are on a meter in Leicester and not on a fixed tariff. In just twelve months, a single tap can waste hungreds of gallons of water so fixing it sooner rather than later means no only will you feel better about the situation but your purse will thank you too!
So, what causes a dripping tap? In most cases, it’s caused by a warn out washer that’s become stiff, detatched or cracked leading to a leaky tap. It’s usually a quick and easy repair but knowing how to repair it is the difference between ongoing frustration and silent nights. By disassembling the faucet and replacing any damaged parts, we can quickly resolve the issue of a leaky tap and stop the endless waste of water.
A leaky tap isn’t necessarily an emergency but if you’re leaving the property unattended for a few days, you may learn it doesn’t take too long to fill a sink or a bath with a leaking tap and the risk of these appliances overflowing and causing further damage to your property is significant. Get it fixed before you go away.
2) Slow Draining Sink
A blocked drain, U-Bend, trap or poorly planned plumbing can cause a sink to drain slowly and it indicates several underlying issues with your water flow might be present. Blockages, as they worsen, become more and more costly and more complicated to repair over time, especially if solid-matter starts to harden in the pipes.
A sink that doesn’t drai quickly is often caused by a blockage somewhere along the pipework that prevents the free flow of water. Common blockages are caused by congealed fat or food waste but also by tangled hair, soap and even flush-friendly wet wipes!
Unclogging a blockage can be really easy if it’s caught early enough. Using the negative pressure of a plunger to pull the air out of the U-Bend of a toilet, for example, before ramming the air back down is usually enough to dislodge a blockage but where a blockage is persistent, the use of chemicals to break down fatty deposits and hair and other biological matter may be necessary. Where this fails, your local plumber’s expertise and specialist equipment may be necessary. Fortunately, here at Cavendish Plumbing, we have spent years honing our craft in order to bring you peace of mind at home and to alleviate any plumbing problems you may face.
3) Low Water Pressure
A trickle of water when you need a bath whilst running late for work is never fun and is often a symptom of low water pressure or even a break in the water mains pipe coming into the property which is especially common in older homes. It’s important when this occurs to immediately call your local, expert plumber to fix the problem.
Low water pressure can be caused by a number of issues including leaky pipes that have become corroded, worn or broken over time. Mineral deposits including limescale can also cause blockages (easily cleaned with white vinegar or limescale removers; generally speaking any limescale cleaning product will combat any mineral deposit). When it comes to cleaning limescale deposits, you need to be careful to really get into the aerators, aerators are the little plastic (or metal) cap on the very end of a faucet and controls the amount of water that flows through the tap by mixing the water with air so as to maintain adequate water pressure.
If the shower itself is the issue, you should either take the actions above or have it replaced entirely to avoid a low water pressure in the future. With electric showers, shower heads are generally the culprit with the holes in the head becoming blocked with limescale over time. Soaking the shower head in boiling water will usually soften the limescale making limescale removal easier and more effective but generally speaking, it is easier to replace the shower head all together with a new, high-flow device.
4) Clogged Bath or Shower Drain
If you notice water rising around your ankles during a shower, or the bath taking far longer than usual to empty, you’re dealing with a clogged drain. In some cases, you’ll also notice unpleasant odours lingering in the bathroom.
Hair and soap scum are usually the main causes, gradually collecting inside the pipe until the water flow is severely restricted. Clearing it often requires either a plunger or a plumber’s snake, depending on how far down the blockage is.
If ignored, this issue only gets worse, so prevention is key. By fitting a drain guard to catch hair before it reaches the pipes, you can dramatically reduce the chances of blockages forming again.
5) Clogged Toilet
A toilet that won’t flush properly and fills the bowl instead is one of the most common call-outs we deal with in Leicester. It’s not pleasant and it’s never convenient, but thankfully it’s often straightforward to resolve.
Blockages are usually caused by an excessive build-up of toilet paper combined with waste. In most cases, a plunger will dislodge the obstruction, but more stubborn clogs may require a drain auger or sewer snake to clear.
Whilst it’s tempting to keep flushing in the hope the blockage will pass, doing so risks an overflow – which is far more of a nightmare than calling Cavendish Plumbing in to sort it properly.
6) Running Toilet
A constantly running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day, sending your water bill through the roof if ignored. The tell-tale sign is the sound of trickling water long after the flush has finished.
The most common cause is a faulty flapper valve inside the cistern, which controls the release of water from the tank into the bowl. These are inexpensive and easy to replace with a repair kit, but if you’re not confident tackling the job, one of our expert plumbers can fix it quickly and prevent further waste.
7) Faulty Water Heater
Few things ruin your day faster than turning on the shower and being blasted with icy cold water. A faulty water heater is a common plumbing emergency that usually comes without warning.
Causes range from a blown pilot light to excessive sediment inside the tank, or even a broken thermostat. Whilst relighting a pilot light can be a quick fix, more serious faults should always be inspected by a qualified plumber to ensure your system is safe and working efficiently.
8) Leaking Pipe Under Sink
A leaking pipe can do more than waste water – it can damage cupboards, floors and even attract pests due to the damp environment it creates. Most leaks occur at the joints, where wear and tear eventually cause water to escape.
Temporary fixes like tape or compound can help in the short term, but for a reliable, long-lasting solution the pipe or fittings usually need replacing. With freezing winter temperatures in Leicestershire often putting pipes under strain, it’s best to have leaks inspected and repaired before they turn into bursts.
9) Broken Water Lines
Underground water pipes can break due to shifting soil, extreme weather, or even tree roots seeking out moisture. The symptoms are usually clear: damp patches in your garden, very low water pressure, or discoloured water at the taps.
Whilst the responsibility for repairing a water main often depends on where the break has occurred, it’s essential to have the problem inspected quickly to prevent further damage and disruption. Cavendish Plumbing can help identify the source and advise on the next steps.
10) Sewer Back-Up
Perhaps the worst plumbing problem of all, a sewer back-up is messy, unpleasant and expensive if not dealt with quickly. When wastewater cannot drain away properly, it backs up into your property – a situation nobody wants to face.
This can be caused by tree roots invading sewer lines, blockages in the main sewer, or collapsed old pipes made of clay or cast iron. Unfortunately, this isn’t a DIY fix – professional help is required to clear the line and prevent future issues.
How Much Does a Plumber In Leicester Cost?
Costs vary depending on the job, but at Cavendish Plumbing we provide clear, transparent quotes with no hidden extras. For emergencies, we’re available 24/7 across Leicester and Leicestershire.
Our local plumbers in Leicester and Leicestershire provide bespoke estimates based on your exact requirements. We have a fair pricing guarantee meaning you will never pay more than you’ve been quoted!
How Do I Find a Good Local Plumber?
It’s important you always look out for tell-tale signs such as accreditations, years of experience, pricing and material guarantees. At Cavendish Plumbing, we are proud to have a team of highly-skilled individuals qualified in a range of specialist trades, ready to help you in any area of your home or business. With oyears of experience, a range of accreditations and professional plumbing services, we have acquired many satisfied customers who will happily provide references.
Contact Cavendish Plumbing for Common Plumbing Problems in Leicester and Leicestershire
Whether you notice any of the common plumbing problems listed above, or have an emergency plumbing problem in London, it is important you contact one of our experts. We can help find the problem, assess the extent of the problem, repair and prevent the problem from recurring.