5 Common Plumbing Issues Homeowners Can Safely Check Before Calling a Plumber

Small plumbing problems can appear without warning, yet many are simple to check before you call a professional. A few quick steps may help you identify the cause and prevent the issue from getting worse. This guide explains the most common plumbing problems homeowners can inspect safely, along with the signs that mean you should contact a qualified engineer.

A Quick Safety Note

These checks are safe for most households, however you should avoid taking anything apart, using tools on pipes, or attempting repairs beyond basic inspection.
Stop immediately and call a professional if you notice:

A strong smell of gas
Water leaking at speed
Water near electrics
Drainage backing up into the home

If you feel unsure at any point, it is safer to speak to a plumber. Call us on 01628 533 550 or message us.

1. Dripping or Leaking Tap

A dripping tap is one of the most common plumbing annoyances. Before calling a plumber, you can carry out a few simple checks.

What to look for:

Make sure the tap is fully closed.
Gently check whether the handle feels loose.
Look under the sink for slow drips around the joints.
Inspect the spout to see if water is trickling rather than dripping.

A worn washer or cartridge often causes the issue. If the drip continues or the tap feels stiff or corroded, contact a professional plumber.

2. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure may affect one tap or the entire property. Since the cause varies, these early checks help you understand what is happening.

Safe checks you can make:

Unscrew the tap aerator and check for limescale or debris.
Compare the pressure on other taps in the house.
Check whether the issue affects both hot and cold water.

If the pressure is low throughout your home, the cause may be linked to your stop tap, internal pipework, or your local supply. A plumber can diagnose this quickly.

3. Slow or Partially Blocked Drains

A slow-draining sink or bath is often due to a small blockage close to the surface. You can check the most likely causes before calling a plumber.

What to try:

Inspect the plughole for hair, soap scum, or food waste.
Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain to clear grease.
Use a cup plunger for light, shallow blockages.

Use chemical drain unblockers only as a last resort, as frequent or heavy use can weaken pipework and damage seals. Safer methods such as hot water, a plunger or removing debris from the plughole are usually more effective for minor blockages. If you have repeated blockages or suspect an issue with your outside drains, it is best to call a professional.

4. Toilet That Keeps Running or Will Not Flush Properly

Toilet faults are common and often caused by issues inside the cistern. You can inspect the parts safely without using tools.

What to check:

Lift the cistern lid and ensure the float moves freely.
Check whether the chain is caught or tangled.
Look for water constantly flowing into the bowl.

If the toilet continues to run or refuses to flush despite these checks, the internal mechanism may need replacing by a qualified plumber.

5. No Hot Water or Irregular Boiler Behaviour

A sudden loss of hot water can be frustrating, yet many causes are simple to check.

Safe checks include:

Confirm the thermostat is set correctly.
Check the programmer or timer has not reset.
Look at the boiler pressure. Most boilers operate at around 1 to 1.5 bar.

See whether the boiler has shown an error code or needs a reset. An annual gas boiler service is highly recommended by the Gas Safe Authority and boiler manufacturers to ensure gas safety. Learn more about boiler servicing or our heating services.

If your boiler locks out repeatedly, makes unusual noises, or shows signs of a leak, contact a Gas Safe engineer immediately.

Quick Home Maintenance Checklist

Before calling a plumber, you can safely check:

Dripping taps
Low water pressure
Slow drains
Toilet flushing issues
Basic boiler settings and pressure

If these checks do not solve the problem, or you notice anything unusual, it is important to get professional help. Acting early reduces damage and keeps your home running smoothly.

Need a Local Plumber? We Are Here to Help

If you have tried the steps above and still have concerns, our qualified plumbers are ready to assist. Heppelthwaite – The Red Van Plumbers support homeowners across Bucks, Berks, Surrey, South Oxfordshire, West London and Hertfordshire.

Call us today to book a visit or request support through our contact form. Our plumbers will help you diagnose the issue and restore your plumbing quickly and safely

> Learn more about our plumbing services.