When it comes to our home’s plumbing systems, we often don’t pay too much attention to it until something goes wrong. Perhaps you’ve noticed that your tap is leaking, or your central heating is being particularly noisy. Below we have answered five questions about domestic plumbing that we are frequently asked by customers.

Why is my tap leaking?

Leaking taps are most commonly caused by a corroded o-ring, valve or gasket. Together, these components hold back water until the faucet is opened. If one of these components has corroded, you will experience a dripping tap. Corroded components can easily be replaced without having to replace the entire tap.

Why does my toilet keep running?

If your toilet keeps running, it is usually caused by the flapper not closing correctly on the flush valve. This means that the flapper remains open, allowing water to continue to flow into the bowl. In many cases, simply jiggling the handle can solve this. A toilet that continues to run could indicate that the flapper is actually worn out and is not making a proper seal around the flush valve; in this case, you may need to have the flapper replaced.

Why does my drain keep getting clogged?

Clogged drains are inconvenient at the best of times; if you regularly experience clogged drains, then it could be due to improper waste disposal and cleaning. Your kitchen drains can become clogged by grease or food which leads to build-up. Even small items such as dental floss or hair can accumulate over time, clogging up your drain. To keep your drain in working order, ensure that you clean it regularly.

How long should a boiler last?

The length of time that your boiler should last will depend on the type of boiler that you have and the quality of the system that it is connected to. It is usually worth paying a bit more for a quality boiler to ensure that it will last you for years to come. Furthermore, you should always opt for a newer model as old boilers can be unreliable and break down far more easily than newer, advanced ones.

Why is my central heating noisy?

If your central heating is particularly noisy, it may be caused by residual air in your heating system. This can be fixed by bleeding your radiators: carefully turn the valve at the top of each radiator with the radiator key (make sure that you have a towel or cloth handy) until all of the air is released and water fully fills the radiator. This will mean that any trapped pockets of air should have escaped.

At Prestige Plumbers, we offer expert plumbing services in Southampton, Portsmouth and Hampshire. From routine checks and installations to emergency plumbing repairs, we’ve got you covered. We understand that even the smallest plumbing issues can be inconvenient, which is why we always aim to send a qualified plumber to you as soon as possible. For more information about our services, visit our website.