Plumbing Guides
62 step-by-step guides for UK homeowners.
How to Fix a Dripping Overflow Pipe
An overflow pipe dripping outside means a ball valve inside is not shutting off the water.
How to Fix a Noisy Water Tank
A noisy tank is usually caused by the ball valve vibrating or water hammer in the supply pipe.
How to Add Inhibitor to a Heating System
Corrosion inhibitor protects radiators and boiler components from internal corrosion.
How to Drain a Central Heating System
Draining the heating system is needed before replacing radiators, valves, or fixing leaks.
How to Replace a Ball Valve in a Water Tank
A faulty ball valve allows water to run continuously into the tank, causing overflow.
How to Insulate a Cold Water Tank
Insulating your cold water tank prevents freezing in winter and reduces condensation.
How to Fix an Overflowing Cold Water Tank
An overflowing loft tank means the ball valve is not shutting off the water supply.
How to Test a Thermostatic Radiator Valve
A stuck or faulty TRV prevents the radiator from responding to room temperature.
How to Change a Boiler Condensate Pipe
The condensate pipe carries acidic water from the boiler to a drain. Frozen or blocked pipes cause lockouts.
How to Understand Boiler Error Codes
Boiler error codes indicate specific faults. Knowing what they mean helps you decide on next steps.
How to Fix a Boiler That Won't Fire Up
A boiler that won't ignite can be caused by gas supply issues, low pressure, or ignition failure.
How to Set a Heating Timer
Programming your heating timer saves energy by only heating your home when needed.
How to Fix a Boiler Lockout
A boiler lockout is a safety shutdown triggered by a detected fault.
How to Check Your Boiler Pressure
Normal boiler pressure is between 1 and 1.5 bar. Below 1 bar, the boiler may not fire.
How to Reset a Boiler
Most boiler lockouts can be cleared by pressing the reset button on the front panel.
How to Paint a Radiator Without Removing It
You can paint a radiator in place using a small roller and a radiator brush for the back.
How to Balance Your Radiators
Balancing ensures all radiators heat up evenly by adjusting the lockshield valves.
How to Remove and Replace a Radiator
Removing a radiator for decorating or replacement is simple with the right draining steps.
How to Repressurise a Combi Boiler
If your boiler pressure drops below 1 bar, top it up using the filling loop.
How to Fix a Cold Radiator
A completely cold radiator when others are hot is usually caused by a stuck valve or sludge.
How to Fix a Leaking Radiator Valve
Radiator valve leaks usually come from the packing gland or the compression nut connection.
How to Bleed a Radiator
Bleeding a radiator releases trapped air that stops it heating fully. Takes less than 5 minutes.
How to Fix a Noisy Water Pipe
Banging, humming, or whistling pipes are caused by loose fixings, high pressure, or worn valves.
How to Solder a Copper Pipe Joint
Soldering creates a permanent watertight joint between copper pipes and fittings.
How to Fix a Leaking Push-Fit Joint
Push-fit joints can leak if the pipe was not inserted fully or has a burr on the cut end.
How to Fix a Leaking Compression Fitting
A dripping compression fitting usually just needs tightening or a new olive.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes need gentle warming to thaw safely. Never use a naked flame.
How to Lag Pipes to Prevent Freezing
Pipe lagging is cheap foam insulation that wraps around pipes to prevent freezing.
How to Fix a Burst Pipe
A burst pipe is an emergency, turn off the water immediately and drain the system.
How to Fix a Leaking Copper Pipe
A small leak in a copper pipe can be temporarily fixed with a pipe repair clamp or epoxy putty.
How to Replace a Shower Valve
Replacing a concealed shower valve is an intermediate job that restores full control of temperature and flow.
How to Clean Shower Head Jets
Blocked shower head jets reduce water pressure and create uneven spray patterns.
How to Fix a Leaking Shower Hose
A leaking shower hose usually needs a new washer at the connection or complete replacement.
How to Fix a Shower Diverter Valve
If water comes from both the shower head and bath tap, the diverter valve is stuck or worn.
How to Reseal a Shower Tray
Old or mouldy sealant around a shower tray needs replacing to prevent water damage.
How to Fix Low Shower Pressure
Low shower pressure can be caused by limescale buildup, a faulty pump, or partially closed valves.
How to Fix a Dripping Shower
A shower that drips after turning off usually has a worn cartridge or faulty diverter valve.
How to Replace a Shower Head
Replacing a shower head is one of the easiest bathroom upgrades, just unscrew and screw on.
How to Replace a Toilet Flush Mechanism
Replacing the flush mechanism restores a strong, reliable flush when adjustment alone is not enough.
How to Adjust Toilet Cistern Water Level
The correct water level should be about 25mm below the overflow. Adjusting is quick.
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Base
Water around the base of the toilet is usually caused by a failed wax ring or loose pan connector.
How to Unblock a Toilet
Most toilet blockages can be cleared with a plunger. Stubborn blockages may need a drain auger.
How to Stop a Toilet Overflowing
An overflowing cistern is caused by a faulty ball valve or float that fails to shut off water.
How to Fix a Toilet That Won't Flush
A toilet that won't flush usually has a broken flush mechanism or disconnected lever.
How to Replace a Toilet Seat
Replacing a toilet seat is one of the simplest DIY jobs. Most seats use standard fixings.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
A running toilet is usually caused by a faulty fill valve or worn flapper.
How to Fix a Gurgling Sink
A sink that gurgles when draining usually has a venting issue or partial blockage in the waste pipe.
How to Fix a Slow-Draining Sink
A slow-draining sink has a partial blockage that needs clearing before it becomes a full blockage.
How to Fit a Pop-Up Sink Plug
Pop-up sink plugs are neater than traditional plugs and easy to install as a replacement.
How to Fix a Smelly Drain
Bad smells from drains are usually caused by dried-out traps, blocked waste pipes, or trapped food debris.
How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Waste
Replacing a kitchen sink waste takes about 30 minutes and prevents ongoing leaks.
How to Fix a Leaking Sink Waste Pipe
Leaks from the waste pipe under a sink are usually caused by loose connections or degraded washers.
How to Unblock a Bathroom Sink
Bathroom sink blockages are usually caused by hair and soap scum.
How to Unblock a Kitchen Sink
A blocked kitchen sink is usually caused by grease, food and soap buildup.
How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Tap
Outdoor taps are exposed to frost and weather, making them prone to leaks at the packing gland.
How to Fix a Tap That Won't Turn Off
A tap that won't turn off fully usually has a stripped thread or completely worn washer.
How to Fix a Stiff Tap
A stiff tap that is hard to turn is usually caused by a corroded spindle or damaged O-ring.
How to Replace a Kitchen Tap
Replacing a kitchen tap is a bigger job than fixing a drip, but manageable with basic tools.
How to Stop a Tap from Juddering
A tap that judders or hammers when turned on usually has a loose or worn jumper valve.
How to Fix a Dripping Mixer Tap
A dripping mixer tap usually means the ceramic cartridge inside needs replacing.
How to Replace a Tap Washer
Replacing a tap washer costs less than a pound and takes about 20 minutes.
How to Fix a Leaking Tap
A leaking tap is usually caused by a worn washer or damaged internal seal.