Top 5 Plumbing Faults & How To Fix Them

A properly functioning plumbing system is vital for every household. At Go Assist, we know how important it is to resolve plumbing issues quickly, affordably, and without hassle. That's why we offer reliable plumbing repairs along with practical advice. Check out our top 5 most common plumbing faults and how to fix them.

Common Plumbing Faults

1. Dripping tap

A dripping tap is not only annoying but can also increase your water bills due to wasted water.

Cause:

A worn-out washer or O-ring is the most common reason for a dripping tap, but in modern taps, a faulty cartridge could be the issue. Mineral deposits or limescale build-up in the tap's components can also cause drips over time.

Solution:

It is important to note that conducting any sort of DIY task comes with the risk of further damage. It's best to call a trained professional for long-lasting tap repairs. 

Before doing anything make sure to turn off your water supply.

When inspecting the tap:

1. Unscrew the tap's components. This includes, removing the tap cap, head and main body.

2. Inspect for damage, limescale or debris.

3. Replace the washer or cartridge if worn.

4. Reassemble the tap and turn the water back on.

2. Radiator cold patches

It can be frustrating when you have cold spots on your radiator, especially when you are trying to keep your home warm in winter.

Causes:

Trapped air pockets can cause your radiator to have cold patches and are commonly caused by small leaks. These small leaks won’t cause any daily issues however, they can create trapped air pockets in your radiator over time. 

Solution:

Bleeding your radiators is fairly simple, all you’ll need is an old cloth and a radiator valve key:

1. Turn off the heating and radiators. 

2. Hold your cloth under the bleed valve

3. Use the radiator key to turn the valve anti-clockwise until you hear air escaping. It will sound like a hissing noise.

4. Once water begins to drip, close the valve by turning it clockwise.

5. Turn the heating back on to see if your radiator is heating up correctly

If your radiator is still not heating properly, contact us 0333 733 5600 for an expert repair.

3. Toilet won’t flush

When your toilet doesn’t flush it can send you into a panic, you may be worrying about whether your toilet is clogged or if your toilet is about to overflow. Don't worry! Our guide will have your toilet flushing like new in no time.

Causes:

One of the main reasons your toilet won’t flush is the water level in the cistern being too low. If your water level is too low the toilet won’t have enough water to push into the toilet bowl. Another common reason your toilet isn’t flushing is a blockage.

Solution:

For a low water level, add a cup of water to the tank to force the flush. If your toilet is blocked, use a plunger. However, if the problem persists, it could indicate a deeper issue in the plumbing system that requires professional help. For a fast and professional toilet repair, book now.

4. Clogged drain

Blocked drains are a nuisance and can start to smell and drain slowly over time. In addition, these clogged drains can lead to more serious issues such as burst pipes. It is important to keep your drains unclogged and in the best working order to avoid long-term damage.

Cause:

Clogged drains can be caused by a number of factors including build up of hair, soap, dirt, food particles and grease.

Solution:

While drain unblocking products are widely available, they can damage your pipes if used too frequently. For persistent blockages, it's safer to rely on professional services. Our plumbers use advanced tools to clear your drains and keep your system flowing smoothly. 

5. Running toilet

A toilet that continuously runs is a common issue that can lead to wasted water and higher bills. 

Cause:

Your toilet may be running due to the fill valve not turning off. If your fill valve doesn't turn off it will cause water to leak past the flapper or over the overflow tube.

Solution:

To solve this you'll have to replace the fill valve or install a new flapper. If you're unsure how to perform these tasks, it's best to call in a professional to avoid causing further damage.

Trust Go Assist for fast, reliable plumbing repairs

If you're facing any of these plumbing issues, our team of experienced engineers is here to help. Head to our online booking page or call us today on 0333 733 5600 to schedule your plumbing repair.