Hints & Tips

Understanding Sink Traps (U-Bends):
Sink traps (often referred to as U-bends) are essential for preventing foul drain odours from entering your home. They create a water seal that blocks smells.
All waste water outlets, including sinks, basins, and toilets, have traps.

Types of Traps:
• P-traps: The most common type, with a horizontal outlet.
• S-traps: With a vertical outlet.
• Bottle traps: Compact traps used in exposed areas, but more prone to blockages.
Bath traps often incorporate overflow connections.

How Traps Work:
The U-shaped design retains a small amount of water, isolation each side of the trap from the other.

Clearing a Blocked Trap:
Modern plastic traps can be disassembled for cleaning.
• Carefully unscrew the cap nuts to remove the trap.
• Clear any debris from the trap and the waste pipe.
• Reassemble the trap, ensuring a tight seal.
Tip: don’t forget the rubber seal and usually coloured washer that fits on top on reassembly

Preventing Blocked Traps:
Avoid putting grease, food scraps, or hair down the drain and regularly flush drains with hot water.

Why You Need to Know How to Turn Off Your Water Supply
Whether you’re replacing a kitchen tap, fixing a leaking pipe, or dealing with a burst water main, knowing how to isolate your home’s water supply is crucial. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for typical London homes.

Locating and Turning Off Your Stopcock (Stop Valve):

To turn off your mains water supply, locate your internal stopcock (sometimes known as a stop valve). This valve controls the flow of water into your property.

Turn the stopcock handle clockwise to shut off the water. Always turn it gently to avoid damaging the valve and do not screw it too tight. If it’s stiff, do not force it.

Once the stopcock is closed, water will no longer enter your pipes. However, some water will remain in your internal system. Open a nearby tap ideally the lowest one in your property to drain this residual water. The water will drain faster if you open a tap at the highest level so that air can enter the system.

Identifying Your Stopcock:

A stopcock typically resembles a tap without a spout, situated between two sections of pipe.

• Common Stopcock Locations in London Homes:

Finding your stopcock can vary. Here are the typical locations:

• Under the kitchen sink
  • Under the stairs
  • In the garage
  • In the utility room
  • In the airing cupboard
  • Under floorboards near the front door
  • In the downstairs toilet

Troubleshooting: Finding a Hidden Stopcock:

If you can’t find your stopcock:

• Ask neighbours in similar properties.
  • Check your property’s building plans.
  • Consider if a previous kitchen renovation might have concealed it.
  • In flats, it may be in a communal area.

If you’re still unable to locate it, contact us.

• Using Isolation Valves for Localised Water Shut Off

For specific leaks, isolation valves or ball valves fitted to individual pipe runs can be used to shut off water to a single appliance, like a tap, without affecting the entire property. They may have a handle or a screwhead which is set in line with the pipe when on and turned off by turning 90 degrees to horizontal.

Plumbing issues can happen at any moment, often causing distress, inconvenience and damage to your home. While calling a professional plumber is often the best course of action for complex problems, there are many common issues you can tackle yourself with a bit of know-how and the right tools. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common plumbing problems and how you can fix them yourself.

Clogged Drains

A frequent and frustrating plumbing issue that homeowners face is a clogged sink which is often a relatively easy fix. There are several methods you can use to clear a clog:

Plunger – The humble plunger is a simple yet effective tool for clearing minor drain clogs. Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring a tight seal, and push and pull forcefully to dislodge the blockage.

Drain Snake – A drain snake, also known as a plumbing auger, is a flexible tool that can reach deep into the drain to break up and remove stubborn clogs, which can be bought from Screwfix for around £15. Insert the snake into the drain and twist it as you push it further in. Once you feel resistance, twist, and pull the snake back to remove the clog.

DIY Drain Cleaner – You can also make your own drain cleaner using baking soda and vinegar. Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, flush the drain with hot water to clear away the debris.

Leaky tap

Leaky taps waste water, and can lead to higher utility bills if left unattended. Fixing a leaky tap is often a straightforward task, here is how to perform a basic fix:

Turn Off the Water – Before you start any repairs, make sure to turn off the water supply to the affected tap.

Replace the Washer – For older taps. a dripping tap can be caused by a worn-out washer. To replace the washer, first, unscrew the tap handle and remove it. Then, use a wrench to loosen the packing nut and remove the stem. Replace the old washer with a new one and reassemble the faucet.

Running Toilet

A running toilet can waste water and inflate your water bill. To fix a running toilet, try the following steps:

Check the Flapper – The flapper is a rubber seal inside the toilet tank that controls the flow of water. If the flapper is worn or damaged, it may not seal properly, causing water to continuously leak into the bowl. Replace the flapper with a new one to see if that resolves the issue.

Adjust the Float – The float is a device that regulates the water level in the toilet tank. If the float is set too high, it can cause the cistern to overflow and result in a running toilet. Adjust the float level to ensure it sits lower in the tank, allowing the water to shut off at the appropriate level.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can make simple tasks like showering or washing dishes frustrating. To improve water pressure:

Check for Blockages – Remove the aerator from the tap/shower head and clean any debris that may be causing a blockage. You can also check for obstructions in the pipes leading from the tap.

Frozen Pipes

During the winter months, frozen pipes can be a significant concern, potentially leading to burst pipes and water damage. To prevent frozen pipes:

Insulate Pipes – Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation which you can buy at any of the large DIY sheds to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Turn off outside taps from an isolation valve inside the property – Fit an insulation cover which again you can buy from a DIY store.

While these DIY fixes can resolve many common plumbing problems, it’s essential to know your limits. If you encounter a plumbing issue that you’re unsure how to handle or if your attempts at DIY repair are unsuccessful, don’t hesitate to call 24-7 Emergency Plumbing on 07471 875251

Vaillant F75 Error Code

If you are staring at an F75 error code on your Vaillant boiler, it indicates a water pressure issue within the system. Let’s break down what the F75 error means and what you can do about it. The F75 code happens when the boiler is not detecting an expected rise in pressure when the pump turns on. This pressure increase is crucial for the boiler to function properly. There are three main reasons why this happens:

• Faulty Pressure Sensor: This monitors the water pressure in the system. If it is not working it won’t send the correct signal to the boiler, triggering the F75 error.
• Faulty Pump: The pump circulates water throughout the system so if it is working correctly, it will create a change in pressure.
• Low Water Pressure: If there is simply not enough water in the system for the pump to function effectively this can also be a cause.

Before you call an engineer you might consider these first:

• Check the pressure gauge: Consult your boiler manual for the ideal pressure range. If it is low, you might be able to top the water up following the manufacturer’s instructions. However, stop and call an engineer if there are visible water leaks.
• Restart the boiler: Sometimes a reset can resolve odd glitches. Refer to the Vaillant manual for your model.

Vaillant F22 Error Code

An F22 error code on your Vaillant boiler signifies a drop in water pressure below the amount needed for the boiler to function. Several factors can contribute to an F22 error:

Lack of Water: This might seem obvious, but sometimes the system simply lacks enough water. Check your boiler’s manual for the proper filling procedure.
Air in the System: Air pockets can disrupt pressure readings. This is a common occurrence, and you may need to bleed the radiators to release trapped air.
Leaks: A hidden leak in the pipework can cause a gradual or sudden pressure loss.
Faulty Components: The pressure sensor or expansion vessel could be malfunctioning, leading to inaccurate readings or pressure inconsistencies.

Whilst topping up the pressure might seem like a simple fix, keep an eye on the pressure gauge at the front of the boiler for next few days to see if the pressure is holding.

It is advisable to call a Gas Safe registered engineer if you have been unable to deal with this simply as a top up to ensure that any underlying issue is correctly fixed.

Assess the problem. The first thing to check is the outside drains and see if there is a physical obstruction, also seeing that one of your property’s drains is visibly blocked will assist you in the further diagnosis. Check all the gutter downpipe drains, simply follow the vertical plastic downpipe Read More

Have an annual Gas Safety Check

By law a landlord must have an annual gas safety check on renting properties and although it is not law for homeowners, it is highly recommended that one is carried out regardless. Gas can be dangerous if there is a leak or if faulty gas appliances produce carbon monoxide so having the peace of mind ensures that your health and your family’s health is protected. During an inspection, a gas safe qualified engineer will check your gas pipes and will also complete a gas tightness check to ensure there are no leaks. An average gas safety check will normally take around 30 minutes and you will receive a gas safety certificate.

Check your plumber’s Gas Safety identification

Whenever you have any work completed on your gas boiler or gas appliances, it is imperative that they are current gas safe engineers. Annual time and money are spent by the engineer to ensure that they are sufficiently trained in gas appliances and having that gas safe registration will ensure that your health is not put at risk. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their identification, a reputable and qualified gas safe engineer will not take offense to you requesting to see identification.

Book an annual boiler check

Along with your annual gas safety check book in the engineer to provide you with an annual gas boiler check. Most engineers will offer both together but completing an annual boiler check will not only ensure that your boiler is operating correctly and efficiently, but will also ensure that any manufacturer warranty is upheld.

Know what to do in the case of an emergency

Gas leaks and more importantly carbon monoxide leaks can be deadly, whether they silently poison us or whether a gas leak ignites into a fire, we must know what to do if we suspect a gas leak or carbon monoxide leak. Firstly, at the slightest suspicion of a leak, it is important to know where your gas meter is. All UK gas meters have a shut off value. Go to your gas meter and fully close the value, that way if there is a leak in your property you will make it safe. The next thing to do is call a gas safe qualified plumber. One that offers a 24 hour emergency service will be especially helpful if your leak happens late at night or on the weekend.

Have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted

Carbon monoxide is a clear, odourless and tasteless gas and occurs within gas appliances usually with a fault. There are no warning signs of carbon monoxide and the effects of this dangerous gas can be life threatening. Have a qualified gas safe registered engineer fit a carbon monoxide alarm to your property and rest assured that if this silent and potentially dangerous gas is present, the alarm will alert you. If this does happen then simply go to your gas meter and fully close the safety value, then call a plumber, preferably with a 24 hour emergency service.

See the 24-7 Emergency Plumbing Boiler Service

Burst water pipes whether in the home or business or on the mains supply are an incredibly stressful occurrence as well as potentially damaging and dangerous.

Here are some steps to take if you discover water where it shouldn’t be:

1) Firstly and most importantly once you discover a water leak, turn off the mains water supply. It is your responsibility as a home or business owner to know where the mains supply is located, but more importantly, knowing where the supply is could mean the different between a little bit of damage and a lot of damage. As quickly as you can turn off the mains supply so that further damage is avoided. If the leak is before your main supply shut off then report the leak to the water provider.

2) In order to relieve any further pressure open a tap. This will allow the remaining pressurised water in the system to be expelled.

3) Call an emergency plumber as soon as you have completed both steps 1 and 2. Make sure you call a local emergency plumber that can get to you quickly. Also make sure that you call a reputable plumber like 24-7 Emergency Plumbing Ltd. We have over 10 years experience in dealing with emergency plumbing and especially leaks.

4) Whilst you are waiting for the plumbing to arrive, if there is water in your home or business start getting rid of it. Grab a mob and bucket and start mopping up the water. You don’t want water to sit in your home or business as the longer it sits, the more it will soak into floors and furnishings causing more damage.

5) If you have heaters or fans set them up and switch them on. The extra air movement and heat will help to dry the areas affected by the leak.

It is incredibly frustrating when your boiler stops working, you no longer have hot water or heating, and in the depths of winter your discomfort can be further amplified.

Boilers these days are complicated pieces of equipment and even though over the years they have become more reliable, they can still unexpectedly stop working. Many times you will have to call a professional and certified boiler engineer however there are some top tips that you can try yourself.

Low water pressure

Your boiler should have a dial on it showing the current water pressure, this pressure should be between 1 and 2 bars. If the pressure drops below an operational value your boiler will stop working. The fix for this is to locate the flexible looped pipe usually beneath the boiler. Here you will find two taps, open them whilst keeping an eye on the pressure dial. Once you are between 1 and 2 bars, close them both. Your boiler should now switch on

Frozen condensation pipe

In the winter months condensation pipes can freeze, this can prevent the gases escaping from the boiler and with the many safety features of boilers, they will stop working. If this happens and you can see that the condensation pipe is frozen, use a hair dryer and gently heat the pipe, you will see exactly when the ice melts.

Check for power

Your boiler will have its own power supply and most boilers have some kind of digital display or status lights. Check your boiler to see if there is power. If there isn’t, check that it is switched on and if not check the fuse where it is connected.

Has the boiler locked?

Sometimes if there is a minor fault the boiler may lock out. Most boilers have a display where the status and any errors are displayed. Have a look at the display, make a note of the error code and switch the boiler off. Wait a few seconds and then switch it on again. If the fault was a one off it will switch back on again and start to work, if not and the fault is still displayed, you will need to call a professionally qualified boiler engineer.

Check the thermostat

If your boiler is still providing you with hot water but your central heating is not working check your thermostat. It may be turned down, a good check it to listen out for a click as you turn it, this is the switch on point that will depend on the ambient temperature of the room. If your thermostat is a wireless unit, check and replace the batteries if required.

If these 5 fixes don’t work, your boiler fault may be more serious and you will have to call a professionally qualified boiler engineer to investigate and fix the problem.

See the 24-7 Emergency Plumbing Boiler Service