I bet you weren’t aware that the most common faults within your bathroom or kitchen are easily fixable with no or little plumbing experience. Save yourself some money on plumbing costs and do the job yourself.

Fixing a leaky tap

Have you got a dripping tap that is keeping you up all night? We have got the solution! Someone with little plumbing knowledge can fix a slow drip coming from the tap, saving them around £50 in plumbing costs.

  1. Firstly, you need the water supply off, then turn the water supply back on to ensure any remaining water has run off the pipe.
  2. Remove the decorative cap by locating the screw that holds it in place, unscrew this using a screwdriver. You should now see a valve.
  3. Unscrew the valve by holding the hexagonal nut, whilst bracing the tap scout with your other free hand.
  4. Replace both washers below and above the valve and reassemble the tap.

Repairing cracked porcelain

Cracked porcelain can happen in all types of homes, whether they be old or new. It is best to fix this problem before it worsens and costs you more in the long term, leading to the growth of mould and mildew.

To prevent the water from seeping through, you must seal the crack. Using super glue can be a solution for mending small cracks in your porcelain.

For the more stubborn cracks that are larger in scale, you can use Plumber’s putty. This soft, pliable compound will ensure a watertight seal. Apply a generous amount of putty, using a knife to spread evenly, ensuring the crack is completely covered.

 

Changing shower heads and pressure

Did you know how easy it was to change a showerhead? You can save around £90 on plumbing costs by doing this DIY job yourself.

Wondering why your shower bills are so high? It could be due to your shower pressure. Low pressure leads to longer showers, meaning increased bills. You can combat this by cleaning your shower head.

Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it tightly with a rubber band over the shower head, leave overnight for any debris to break down.

Installing a showerhead can seem a daunting process however, it is a task anyone can achieve by following these instructions.

  1. Ensure the water supply is turned off before you begin.
  2. Next, unscrew the shower head where it meets the piping. This can usually be achieved using your hands however, sometimes it is too tight for this. In this instance, use a cloth and pliers to loosen it.
  3. Get an old toothbrush and clean it in between the threads, removing any build-up.
  4. Insert a new rubber washer between the piping and shower head or alternatively use some Teflon Tape (wrapping around in a clockwise motion 2-3 times).
  5. Time to put the new shower head on, screw it onto the piping with your hand as tight as you can. Release some water to ensure it's working in full order. If a leak is present, use your cloth and pliers again to tighten further (make sure you don’t tighten too much).

 

Although these fixes are usually straightforward, if you are worried about something or not comfortable carrying out these fixes it is always recommended that you call a plumber. They will have the expertise and knowledge to prevent future damage and fix the issue.

How can The Plumbline help you?

The Plumbline stocks all things plumbing to support your next fixing job or project, supplying an array of bathroom fittings and accessories to suit your requirements. All our stock is appropriate for domestic or trade uses.

We also sell top-branded bathrooms, with various showers, baths, brassware, toilets, radiators and more. The Plumbline offer free bathroom design services across all our bathroom showrooms, if you are looking to refresh your bathroom, get in contact with us or visit our nearest showroom for more information. Use our Branch Locator.