Most people don’t think about plumbing until something goes wrong. And when it does, it always seems to happen at the worst time. A pipe bursts in the middle of the night, or your drains stop draining just before guests arrive. Plumbing emergencies are stressful and often expensive.
However, at Plumber in Romford, we’ve seen how most can be avoided with care and timely maintenance. So, if you’re hoping to avoid the stress, here are five common plumbing disasters and what you can do to stop them in their tracks.
1. Burst Pipes
This plumbing emergency is a nightmare. You’ll find water everywhere, walls ruined, and carpets soaked. Burst pipes often happen when water freezes in the pipe, expands, and causes it to crack. But age and corrosion can also play a part.
How to prevent it:
Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like lofts, garages, and basements. During a cold snap, keep the heating on low even at night. And if you’re heading away in winter, don’t just turn everything off. Ask someone to check on your property or leave the heating on a timer.
2. Blocked Drains
Slow drains might not seem urgent, but left alone, they can turn into full-blown blockages. And, worst of all, they can back up into your home.
How to prevent it:
Watch what goes down your sinks. Avoid pouring oil, grease, or coffee grounds down the drain in the kitchen. In the bathroom, use drain guards to catch hair and soap scum. Regularly flushing drains with boiling water or a mild baking soda and vinegar solution can also help keep things flowing. If you live in an older home in Romford or nearby, consider regular pipe maintenance to keep everything flowing smoothly.
3. Leaking Taps and Fixtures
It starts as a slow drip. Annoying, sure, but not urgent, right? Well, small leaks waste water and can drive up your bills. Worse, they often mean a worn washer or a bigger issue behind the scenes.
How to prevent it:
Don’t ignore dripping taps. Get them looked at sooner rather than later. A quick fix now could save you from a more serious problem (and more costly call-out) later on.
4. Toilet Overflows
It happens fast and always feels like a disaster. A blocked or malfunctioning toilet can overflow and cause water damage to floors, ceilings, and walls.
How to prevent it:
Only flush the three P’s: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Everything else, like wipes, tissues, and sanitary items, can cause clogs. If your toilet is slow to flush or gurgling, don’t wait. That’s your early warning sign.
5. Water Heater Failure
A water heater that suddenly stops working leads to leaks, strange noises, and even pressure build-up.
How to prevent it:
Schedule annual boiler servicing. Regular maintenance helps spot early signs of wear and tear. It also extends the life of your system, saving you money in the long run. We work with well-known brands such as Worcester Bosch, Vaillant and Baxi.
Stay One Step Ahead
Plumbing emergencies don’t usually come out of nowhere. Most start small, then turn into chaos if left too long. A bit of care now can save you a lot later.
If something’s acting up, don’t wait for the flood. At Plumber in Romford, we’re here to fix problems before they become emergencies.
Need a quick repair or emergency plumbing services? Give us a call! Let’s keep your home running smoothly.
