You know that moment when you hear an ominous drip, notice the sink draining at a snail’s pace, or realise the heating’s packed in just as the temperature drops? The natural reaction? Call a plumber. But wait—some plumbing gremlins have surprisingly easy fixes. A few quick checks could save you time, money, and the headache of waiting for a call-out. Let’s go through what to try before you pick up the phone.
1. Check the Basics: Is It Something Simple?
Before you start envisioning a costly repair bill, rule out the easy stuff. Some issues look serious but are actually laughably simple to fix.
Turn It Off and On Again (Yes, Really!)
If your boiler or water heater is on strike, check for a reset button. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick reboot to bring it back to life. It’s the plumbing equivalent of giving it a pep talk.Blocked Drain? Try a DIY Fix First
A slow-draining sink or shower doesn’t always mean disaster. A mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water can work wonders. If that doesn’t shift it, a plunger or drain snake might do the trick. No chemicals needed—just a bit of elbow grease.Low Water Pressure?
If one tap is playing up, it could just be a clogged aerator. Unscrew it, give it a rinse, and pop it back on. If your whole house has weak pressure, check with your water supplier before assuming it’s a plumbing fault.
2. Look for the Obvious Culprits
Some problems have fixes so simple you’ll kick yourself for not checking sooner. A quick once-over might be all you need.
Leaking Taps & Pipes
That constant drip-drip-drip? It might just be a worn-out washer or O-ring—both cheap and easy to replace. If there’s water pooling under the sink, tighten any loose fittings before calling in the cavalry.Toilet Running Non-Stop?
If your toilet won’t stop refilling, lift the cistern lid. Sometimes, the float or chain gets tangled. A quick adjustment and you’re sorted—no plumber needed.Radiator Not Heating Up?
A cold radiator in an otherwise warm house probably just needs bleeding. Grab a radiator key, release the trapped air, and feel the heat return. It’s easier than you think.
3. Is It a Bigger Problem? When to Call a Plumber
Some things are best left to the professionals. Here’s when you should stop troubleshooting and pick up the phone.
No Water at All
Before you panic, check your water supplier’s website for planned maintenance. If your neighbours have water and you don’t, it’s time to call in a pro.Burst Pipes
If water is gushing where it shouldn’t, turn off your mains supply at the stopcock immediately. The sooner you act, the less damage it’ll cause. Then call a plumber—fast.Persistent Blockages
If the same drain keeps clogging despite your best DIY efforts, something more serious might be lurking deeper down. It could be tree roots, a collapsed pipe, or years of buildup. Time for a plumber with the right tools to sort it out.
A Little Know-How Saves a Lot of Hassle
Not every plumbing issue calls for a professional. By checking a few basics first, you might save yourself an unnecessary call-out (and a hefty bill). But when a real problem arises, knowing when to call a plumber is just as important as knowing when not to. After all, a good plumber is worth their weight in gold—but only when you actually need one!