Clogged drains are a common plumbing problem, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. They are often caused by a buildup of grease, hair, soap scum, or other debris. To prevent clogs, avoid putting grease or food scraps down the drain, and use a drain strainer to catch hair and other debris. To clear a minor clog, you can try using a plunger or drain unclogging solution from your local supermarket. If the clog persists, it’s best to call a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage to your pipes.

A running toilet is often caused by a faulty fill valve. The valve is a rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the toilet tank and prevents water from flowing into the bowl until you flush. If the valve is not sealing properly, water will continuously leak into the bowl, causing the toilet to run. Replacing this valve can often solve the problem. If not, it might be a more complex issue with the toilet’s flush mechanism that requires professional attention.

There are a few reasons why you might be running out of hot water quickly. One possibility is that your water heater is not large enough for your household’s needs. Another possibility is that there is a problem with the heating element in your water heater, or the boiler itself, depending on the type of heating system you have. If you are consistently running out of hot water, it is best to call a plumber to diagnose the problem.

There is usually a water shut off tap downstairs, in modern houses these tend to be under the kitchen sink, but on older properties the location can vary. There will usually also be a mains water shut-off valve is usually located near the perimeter of your house, below the ground level, often at the front of the house, or along the street under a small cover. It is important to know where the water shut-off tap is located in case you need to quickly shut off the water supply to your house in an emergency

Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause a buildup of scale on pipes and fixtures, and can also make it difficult to lather soap. Soft water has been treated to remove these minerals. You can have a water softener fitted to your water inlet reducing the hardness of water throughout the premises, or only to selected pipes.