Water runs throughout our homes. Most, if not all rooms have water wipes concealed in the walls, under the floors, behind the cabinets, or even in the ceiling. Modern lives demand fresh water delivery to many of the rooms in the house. We drink it, bathe in it, and use it to heat our homes. This means we rely heavily on effective plumbing systems and struggle when something goes wrong with it.
Drips + Leaks
Many of the plumbing problems we worry about involve leaks or drips. These usually occur when a joint between two pipes becomes a little loose. Each drip has the potential to stain, cause mold, and damage parts of your property. If you notice any of these, it’s time to check the pipes. Try a wrench or spanner to tighten the joint. Sometimes some tape can help seal old joints while you wait to have the replaced. If you’ve found a great range of kitchen sink taps online, why not have a go at replacing your old dripping tap? Switch off the water supply and open the tap to drain it before swapping it out.
New Appliances
More of us than ever have domestic goods that require plumbing:
- Refrigerator with water or ice dispenser
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Water cooler
- Central heating system
Most of these can be self-installed, depending on where you live. However, many of us would be nervous about installing new pipes and hoses or replacing one of these appliances ourselves. A registered and qualified professional must install, maintain and repair central heating systems. Replacing a radiator usually involves a complete drain-down of your central heating system. This is best performed by a plumber familiar with your boiler type.
Self-Installing
To replace domestic appliances, you would need to know where the emergency stop tap for your property is. You would also need to know where the stop taps are for the appliance you’re working on. These need to be switched on when you’re ready to use it. It’s a good idea to check thoroughly for any drips or leaks during your first use too. A registered plumber can do these things for you, but you may be charged.
Cold Radiators
Air can sometimes get trapped in your central heating system. As the hot water travels from the boiler and through each radiator before returning, you will need to ‘bleed’ the air from each one. Signs that air is in there somewhere includes cold radiators and noises in the radiator.
You’ll need a small key that fits over the square fitting on the top right-hand side of your radiator. This is usually metal and will get hot, so have a cloth handy. As the central heating system is running, gently and slowly turn the key. You’ll hear air hissing out if it’s in there. Once water (caution; very hot) starts to dribble, turn the key quickly to close it again. After you’ve done each radiator, the air should be out and the radiators hot. You may need to top up the boiler with water again; check your manual for details.
Photo by Squared One
Mia Guerra
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