Plumbing issues can be a significant expense for UK homeowners, but with the right knowledge, you can tackle minor problems yourself and prevent costly repairs. At CITYWIDE Plumbers, we believe empowering homeowners with practical DIY tips can save money while maintaining a reliable plumbing system. From fixing dripping taps to preventing blocked drains, these 15 money-saving plumbing tips are designed for UK households to keep their systems running smoothly. While some issues require professional expertise, these DIY solutions can help you avoid unnecessary costs. When in doubt, CITYWIDE Plumbers is here to provide expert support across the UK.
Call now for a free consultation: 02038928545
1. Fix Dripping Taps Promptly
A dripping tap can waste up to 5,500 litres of water annually, increasing your water bill. In the UK, where metered water is common, this can add up quickly.
DIY Tip: Turn off the water supply, remove the tap handle, and replace the worn washer or O-ring (available at DIY stores like B&Q). Ensure the replacement matches the original size. For ceramic disc taps, replace the cartridge. Test for leaks after reassembly.
Savings: Fixing a drip can save £20–£50 per year on water bills.
2. Use a Plunger for Minor Drain Clogs
Blocked drains in sinks or showers are common and can often be cleared without professional help, saving on call-out fees.
DIY Tip: Use a cup plunger for sinks or a flange plunger for toilets. Create a tight seal over the drain and pump vigorously. Keep a separate plunger for toilets to maintain hygiene.
Savings: Avoids £50–£100 for a professional drain clearing service.
3. Install Drain Guards
Hair, soap scum, and food waste are leading causes of blocked drains in UK homes. Drain guards prevent debris from entering pipes.
DIY Tip: Buy mesh drain guards for sinks and showers (available at Wickes or Screwfix). Clean them weekly to prevent buildup.
Savings: Prevents blockages that could cost £100–£200 to clear professionally.
4. Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Grease solidifies in pipes, causing blockages that may require expensive repairs, especially in older UK homes with narrow pipes.
DIY Tip: Collect cooking grease in a jar and dispose of it in the bin. Pour boiling water down kitchen drains weekly (not for porcelain sinks) to clear minor grease buildup.
Savings: Avoids £150–£300 for professional grease removal or pipe repairs.
5. Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing
In the UK’s cold winters, frozen pipes can burst, leading to costly repairs. Insulating pipes is a simple way to protect them.
DIY Tip: Use foam pipe insulation (available at Homebase) on exposed pipes in lofts, garages, or exterior walls. Keep your home heated to at least 10°C during winter.
Savings: Prevents burst pipe repairs costing £200–£500 or more.
6. Check for Hidden Leaks
Hidden leaks can waste water and cause structural damage, increasing bills and repair costs. In the UK, water companies may adjust bills for undetected leaks if fixed promptly.
DIY Tip: Monitor your water meter for movement when no water is in use. Check under sinks and around toilets for dampness. If you suspect a leak, contact your water provider for advice.
Savings: Early detection can save £50–£200 on water bills and prevent £1,000+ in structural repairs.
7. Flush Your Water Heater Annually
Sediment buildup in water heaters reduces efficiency, increasing energy costs in UK homes, where gas and electricity prices are high.
DIY Tip: Turn off the power and water supply, drain the tank via the valve, and flush with cold water to remove sediment. Check the manufacturer’s guide for your model.
Savings: Improves efficiency, saving £20–£50 annually on energy bills.
8. Adjust Toilet Cistern Float
A running toilet can waste hundreds of litres daily, especially in UK homes with older cisterns.
DIY Tip: Remove the cistern lid and adjust the float to stop water at the correct level. Replace a worn flapper valve if it doesn’t seal properly (available at Toolstation).
Savings: Saves £30–£70 per year on water bills.
9. Clean Tap Aerators
Limescale buildup in tap aerators, common in hard water areas like London or the South East, reduces water flow and efficiency.
DIY Tip: Unscrew the aerator from the tap, soak it in white vinegar for 30 minutes, and scrub with a toothbrush to remove limescale.
Savings: Restores flow, avoiding £50–£150 for tap replacement.
10. Use a Toilet Tank Leak Detector
Undetected leaks in toilet cisterns can waste water unnoticed, increasing bills in metered UK homes.
DIY Tip: Add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern and wait 15 minutes. If colour appears in the bowl, there’s a leak. Replace the flapper or inlet valve.
Savings: Saves £20–£50 annually on water bills.
11. Install Low-Flow Showerheads
Water-efficient showerheads reduce water and energy usage, especially important with rising UK utility costs.
DIY Tip: Replace your showerhead with a WaterSense-labeled low-flow model (available at retailers like Argos). Installation takes minutes with a wrench.
Savings: Saves £30–£100 per year on water and heating costs.
12. Regularly Check Hose Taps and Outdoor Pipes
Outdoor taps and pipes are prone to leaks or freezing in the UK’s variable climate, leading to water loss or damage.
DIY Tip: Inspect garden taps for drips and insulate them in winter. Tighten connections or replace washers as needed.
Savings: Prevents £100–£300 in repairs for leaks or burst outdoor pipes.
13. Use Plumbing Tape for Minor Pipe Leaks
Small pipe leaks can be temporarily fixed to avoid water loss until a professional repair is arranged.
DIY Tip: Turn off the water supply, dry the pipe, and wrap plumbing tape tightly around the leak. This is a temporary fix, so contact CITYWIDE Plumbers for a permanent solution.
Savings: Avoids £50–£150 in water loss before professional repairs.
14. Learn Basic Plunger Techniques
Mastering plunging can clear minor clogs in sinks, showers, or toilets, saving on professional call-outs.
DIY Tip: For sinks, use a cup plunger with a tight seal and pump steadily. For toilets, use a flange plunger and avoid excessive force to prevent splashing.
Savings: Saves £50–£100 per clog compared to hiring a plumber.
15. Schedule DIY Maintenance Checks
Regular checks can catch issues early, preventing expensive repairs in UK homes, where plumbing systems may be decades old.
DIY Tip: Monthly, inspect under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances for leaks or corrosion. Test the main shut-off valve annually to ensure it works.
Savings: Prevents major issues costing £200–£1,000 or more.
When to Call CITYWIDE Plumbers
While these DIY tips can save money, some plumbing issues—like burst pipes, sewer backups, or complex leaks—require professional expertise. CITYWIDE Plumbers offers 24/7 emergency services across the UK, using advanced tools like CCTV drain surveys and trenchless pipe repairs to resolve problems efficiently. Our fully qualified, insured team provides cost-effective solutions, from minor fixes to major installations, ensuring your plumbing system remains reliable. For issues beyond DIY, contact CITYWIDE Plumbers to avoid costly mistakes and ensure lasting results.
Why Choose CITYWIDE Plumbers?
At CITYWIDE Plumbers, we’re committed to supporting UK homeowners with expert plumbing services and practical advice. Our nationwide coverage, cutting-edge technology, and dedication to customer satisfaction make us the go-to choice for emergency repairs and routine maintenance. By combining these DIY tips with our professional support, you can keep your plumbing system in top condition while saving money. Contact CITYWIDE Plumbers today for advice or to book a service anywhere in the UK.
These 15 money-saving tips empower UK homeowners to tackle minor plumbing issues and prevent costly problems. For professional assistance, CITYWIDE Plumbers is just a call away, ready to keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly.
Call now for a free consultation: 02038928545