Plumbing issues often appear at the worst possible times—late at night, during holidays, or right before guests arrive. While some problems require a professional touch, others can be tackled confidently with basic knowledge. At Citywide Plumbers, we not only provide fast, expert plumbing services across London—we also believe in empowering homeowners with practical advice to manage small repairs on their own.
Below, we break down the most common household plumbing fixes, when they’re safe to handle yourself, and when it’s time to call the professionals.
1. Fixing a Leaky Tap
A dripping tap is more than just annoying—it wastes water and drives up your bill. In many cases, the culprit is a worn washer or ceramic cartridge.
How to fix it:
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Turn off the water supply under the sink.
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Unscrew the tap handle and remove the cover.
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Replace the washer or cartridge.
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Reassemble and turn the water back on.
When to call us:
If the tap still drips, the valve seat may be corroded or there could be internal damage. That’s where we step in.
2. Unblocking a Slow or Clogged Drain
Whether it’s the bathroom sink, kitchen basin or shower tray, slow drainage usually means a partial blockage. Hair, grease, and soap scum are typical culprits.
DIY method:
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Use a plunger to loosen the blockage.
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Try a mix of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, followed by boiling water.
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Remove and clean the waste trap under the sink.
When to call us:
If these methods don’t work or if water is backing up from other drains, a deeper blockage may require high-pressure jetting or pipe inspection.
3. Stopping a Running Toilet
A constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of litres of water daily. Often, the issue lies within the cistern.
What to check:
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The flapper valve may not be sealing properly.
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The float might be set too high.
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The fill valve could be worn.
Solution:
Adjust or replace the faulty part using a cistern repair kit—readily available at DIY stores.
When to call us:
If the cistern is cracked, leaking at the base, or making loud noises, it’s time to have one of our expert plumbers investigate.
4. Fixing Low Water Pressure
Low pressure can make showers unsatisfying and dishwashing a chore. It might be caused by clogged aerators, pipe leaks, or limescale build-up.
Quick fix:
Unscrew the tap or shower head aerator and clean it thoroughly.
When to call us:
If the issue affects multiple fixtures or comes on suddenly, you may have a hidden leak, a pressure regulator issue, or scale in your pipes—all requiring professional diagnosis.
5. Resetting a Faulty Stopcock or Isolation Valve
Your stopcock controls the water supply to the home. If it's stuck or leaking, it’s vital to address it promptly.
Tip:
Turn it off and on a couple of times each year to prevent it from seizing.
When to call us:
If it’s jammed or leaking, our team can replace it swiftly and safely.
Citywide Plumbers: Here When DIY Isn’t Enough
While knowing the basics is essential, it’s equally important to recognise your limits. Over-tightening a fitting or poking around in the wrong place could lead to major water damage or burst pipes. That’s where we come in.
Citywide Plumbers offers reliable, affordable plumbing services across London. From emergency callouts to scheduled repairs, we’ve got you covered with:
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Fully trained and insured professionals
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Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
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Prompt arrival and clean workmanship
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Advice tailored to your home’s needs
Essential Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Should Have
A basic toolkit can make small repairs quicker and safer:
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Adjustable spanner
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Plunger
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Screwdrivers
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Pipe wrench
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PTFE (plumber’s) tape
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Bucket and towels
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Flashlight or headlamp
Need help using any of these? We’re happy to guide you—even over the phone.
When to Always Call a Professional
Some plumbing problems require immediate professional attention:
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Burst pipes or flooding
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Sewage smells or water backing up
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Boiler issues or loss of heating
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Frozen pipes
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Installation of new fixtures
Trying to fix these without proper expertise could put your property at risk and invalidate insurance policies.
Let Citywide Plumbers Support You
We understand that no two homes—or plumbing systems—are exactly alike. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics or get hands-on help, Citywide Plumbers is just a call or email away.
Call 02038928545
Email: info@citywideplumbers.co.uk
Your local experts in everyday plumbing and emergency repairs.