A dripping tap is normally due to a perished tap washer, which many home owners and DIY enthusiasts can repair themselves. However, you need to be careful because problems can occur if the tap is old and has a large lime scale build up or if it has been cross threaded in the past.



It is very easy to cross thread taps, especially those made of brass. Sometimes special tools are needed, especially for old fashioned chrome dome-top taps.

Although it is a simple job, in the long run hiring a plumber to fix a dripping tap may save you time and money.

Low Flow Rate from Shower Heads

Houses in Kent and the South East of England often suffer from a low flow rate from shower heads. This is mainly due to the hard water which causes lime scale deposits within bathroom fittings.

To improve the flow rate from a shower, the shower head needs to be regularly taken apart and cleaned. A quicker way to improve the flow is to stick a pin though the holes to remove the deposits.

Another solution is to fit a water softener, which normally goes on the water supply as it enters the house, but after the supply to the cold tap for the kitchen sink. This means water for drinking remains palatable as treated water takes on a salty taste. Sadly, the kettle will still get furred up with scale!

Overflow Problems in Cold Water Storage Tanks and Toilet Cisterns

A common problem with cold water storage tanks in the roof space is a dripping overflow. The overflow pipe exits the roof space under the eaves (under the gutter line). Sometimes, this problem can be so bad that a steady flow of water pours from the overflow pipe.

This can occur for a number of reasons:

- The ball float valve is not adjusted correctly.

- The rubber diaphragm is perished.

- The float is split.

- A build up of lime scale within the valve preventing it from working correctly.

A similar problem can happen with the overflow from the toilet cistern. Usually this pipe goes though the wall with the bathroom waste pipes. Some modern toilet cisterns are now designed without a separate pipe and overflow internally straight into the toilet pan.

A toilet cistern overflow is easier for a plumber to repair since it is not amongst suitcases and boxes in a cramped loft!

Know where your Stop Cock is

The stop cock is a valve used to turn off the water supply to your house. It is important that you know where it is so you can turn the water off and prevent damage in the event of a leak within your house.

You will also save you money if a plumber needs to work in your house because he will not have to spend time searching for the stop cock.

This valve is normally, although not always, found under the kitchen sink. If it is in a difficult to get to location like this, it is a good idea to remove all the items from the area to allow the plumber easy access.

Low Heat or Cold Spots in Radiators

Cold spots in radiators are generally due to air within the radiator which needs to be bled out. This is a simple job that uses a small key available from DIY stores. The key fits a valve on the top of the radiator and is turned to release the air from within until water appears.

However, it is worth considering why there is air in the system in the first place.

In some cases, there may be a need to have a central heating system flushed by an expert to remove sludge-like deposits. These deposits consist of rust particles, carbon, plumbers flux, etc. which builds up over a period of time.

Flushing can cause problems in old heating systems. It leads to leaks because the chemicals used dissolve deposits which are plugging tiny pin sized holes in the pipe joints.

Cold spots can be the result of air being drawn into the system though the central heating feed tank in the loft, because the valve has become jammed shut due to a long period of non use.

Radiators need to be balanced by a plumber to ensure that all the radiators give off the same amount of heat.