Secret brilliant plumbing hacks

 Remove blocked taps

Faucet heads can become clogged over time, affecting the flow of water. Sometimes problems with low water pressure are not due to a problem in the pipes, but due to rubbish that has built up in the tap heads.

Fill a jar with vinegar to unclog the drain. Hold it over the drain under the tap, with the tap head submerged in the vinegar.

Turn on the water and let it run for a few minutes, even if the glass overflows and spills. The tap head is cleaned during this process.

You can do the same with a slow shower drain by filling a bag half with vinegar and half with water and tying it to the shower head so that the head is at the bottom of the solution. Let it sit for an hour or so, or even overnight, to rid the shower head of a lot of the debris that could interfere with the water flow.

Quick leak repair

If you can locate a small leak on a pipe, use silicone self-sealing tape. It's waterproof and very sticky, and when you stretch it over a pipe, it's airtight.

Wrap the tape around the leak several times to easily patch the leak.

This is only a temporary solution, but one that can last for weeks or even months. Eventually, however, you will need to hire a plumber to repair it or learn how to fix the leak properly.

Over time, leaks get bigger, and if one pipe has a leak, there may soon be another. It's best to cut out the faulty piece of pipe and fit a new one, although you can buy a little time with a patch.

Loosening tap handles

If a tap handle squeaks, is stuck or jammed, spray some WD-40 on the handle and leave it to work for a few minutes. Then try turning the handle - this may solve the problem.

Taps are naturally exposed to water, which can cause rust to form, making it difficult to turn the tap handle over time. A little lubricant can loosen the handle and get it working again for a while, but this is a sign that the entire tap needs replacing, so be prepared.

Fixing a tap leak

If your tap is dripping, you can always try tightening the handle. Place a rubber band around the base of the handle and pull it tight to see if this stops the leak.

Sometimes this simple solution is enough to stop a dripping tap.

Leaking bathtub

Do you notice the water level dropping when you take a bath? You probably have a leaking bathtub plug, which is a different problem than a leaking bathtub drain.

To fix the problem, reseal the area around the drain to create a tight seal. Allow the sealant to dry for several hours, reapply if necessary, and allow it to dry for another few hours before taking a bath and getting the sealant wet, otherwise it will not cure properly.

Call the Emergency Plumber in Birmingham. We are available around the clock. Contact us whenever you want, 01217900812.