If you’re a UK homeowner, you’ve probably faced your fair share of plumbing headaches. One day your boiler loses pressure, the next your radiators won’t heat up properly, and let’s not even start on that endlessly dripping tap! The good news? Most common plumbing issues have straightforward fixes—some you can handle yourself, and others where it’s best to call in the pros.
Let’s dive into the biggest plumbing problems UK homeowners face and how to fix them.
1. Why Does My Boiler Keep Losing Pressure?
🔧 The Problem: Your boiler pressure keeps dropping, leading to poor heating and hot water performance.
💡 Why It Happens:
- A leak somewhere in your heating system
- A faulty pressure relief valve
- Recently bled radiators releasing trapped air
- A faulty expansion vessel that can’t maintain pressure
✅ How to Fix It:
- Check for visible leaks (under radiators, around pipework) and call a Gas Safe engineer if you find one.
- Repressurise the boiler using the filling loop (your boiler manual will guide you).
- If the expansion vessel is faulty, it may need repressurising or replacing—this is best handled by a professional.
- If the pressure keeps dropping, it’s time to book a professional inspection.
2. Radiators Have Cold Spots
🔧 The Problem: Your radiators heat unevenly, leaving cold patches or staying lukewarm.
💡 Why It Happens:
- Air trapped inside the radiator
- Sludge build-up blocking hot water flow
✅ How to Fix It:
- Bleed your radiators using a radiator key (you’ll hear hissing as the air escapes).
If that doesn’t work, your system may need a power flush to remove built-up sludge
3. Low Water Pressure
🔧 The Problem: Your taps and shower have a frustratingly weak flow, making simple tasks take forever.
💡 Why It Happens:
- Limescale build-up in pipes or showerheads (especially in hard water areas like London and the South East, not a common problem in Exeter!)
- Leaks or blockages in the plumbing system, or blocked/ seized valves
- Low mains water pressure from your supplier
✅ How to Fix It:
- Clean your showerhead and tap aerators with a descaling solution.
- Check for leaks and fix them promptly.
- Check valves and stop cocks or isolation valves are fully open and functional
- If the issue is persistent, consider installing a water pressure booster pump.
4. Why Is My Tap Dripping?
🔧 The Problem: A constant dripping tap that wastes litres of water and increases your bill.
💡 Why It Happens:
• A worn-out washer or O-ring
• A faulty valve seat
• Faulty tap cartridge
✅ How to Fix It:
• Turn off the water supply and replace the washer or O-ring, or cartridge inside the tap. (If changing the cartridge, it’s very useful to have the make or model of the tap to get the correct cartridge, failing that, if you take the cartridge to a good local plumbers merchant, they should be able to help
• If unsure, call a plumber to prevent further damage.
5. Slow Draining Sink or Shower
🔧 The Problem: Water pools around your sink, bath, or shower and takes forever to drain.
💡 Why It Happens:
- Hair, grease, and soap scum clogging the pipes
- Partial blockages in the plumbing system
✅ How to Fix It:
- Use a plunger or drain unblocker.
- Pour boiling water down the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar to break down buildup.
- If the blockage persists, it’s time for a professional drain clean.
6. Noisy Pipes (Banging or Whistling)
🔧 The Problem: You hear loud knocking, banging, or whistling noises coming from your pipes.
💡 Why It Happens:
- Water hammer (sudden stopping of water flow causing pipe vibration)
- Loose pipes moving when water runs
- High water pressure
✅ How to Fix It:
- Install a shock arrestor.
- Secure loose pipes with brackets or clips.
- Adjust your stopcock if the water pressure is too high.
Final Thoughts from EPM
Some plumbing problems are quick DIY fixes, while others need a professional touch. Regular maintenance—like bleeding your radiators, descaling your taps, and keeping an eye on your boiler pressure—can save you time, money, and stress.
If you’re struggling with a plumbing issue in your home and need expert help, EPM is here for you. Contact us today for professional, friendly service from your trusted local plumber.
🔹 Serving Exeter & Surrounding Regions
🔹 Gas Safe Registered & Fully Insured
🔹 Fast, Reliable, and Affordable Plumbing Services
📞 Call us now 01392927923
