Plumbing FAQ’s – from leaks to repairs

Over the years, there have been a few questions that have popped up time and time again – so we thought we’d answer them for you.

Should I repair or replace a leaky faucet?
It depends on the condition of the faucet, to be honest. If you can repair it and bring back its shine, there’s no harm in repairing it. You might find, however, that the faucet is pretty corroded and age has taken its toll. In this case, you’re probably better off buying a replacement – both in terms of money and timing.

How can I check if I’ve got a leak?
The easiest way to check is to take a reading from your water meter. Make sure that nobody uses any water for a few hours and then take another reading. If everyone is out of the house during the day, it might be best to take the first reading when you leave and the second as soon as you get home.

If there’s any change between the two, you probably have a leak – in which case you should contact a plumber to take a look and fix the problem.

Why does my drain keep getting blocked?
Put simply, you’re either putting something down there that you shouldn’t (this tends to happen in the kitchen) or it’s getting clogged up with products (likely to occur in the bathroom).

It’s always a good idea to regularly use a drain cleaner and take care of what you’re putting down the sink in the kitchen.

What should I avoid putting down my garbage disposal?
The most obvious things to avoid are non-food materials – your garbage disposal isn’t built to break those items down. There are certain foods that are best to avoid including:

• Bone fragments
• Banana peel
• Clam/Oyster shells
• Fruit seeds and pits
• Stringy vegetables
• Fats and grease
• Onion skins

One of the best ways to avoid blockages is to run cold water as you’re grinding.

Are tankless water heaters better than conventional heaters?
There are definitely benefits to having a tankless water heater. For a start, you’ll never run out of hot water. Unlike conventional heaters, your water will be heated as it passes through the system so you can have hot water as and when you need it. And the fact you’re not storing water anywhere means there’s no risk of leaks or flooding from your heater. Finally, you’ll more than likely notice your energy bills drop because you’re only ever going to be heating the hot water you need.

If you’ve got a question that we’ve not answered here, just get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help. You can either email us or call 01223 862 017.