Plumbing Zone
| Published: 9th December 2007 19:44 |
If your question is not answered below please send your plumbing advice query to Mark. Your query will be answered on this page within a few days...
- My cold tap has a low pressure. What does this mean and is there anything I can check?
The main stopcock may not be fully open, or there may be other valves on the system that are not opened fully. You could also have scale in your tap filters.
2. I'm interested in conserving water and have heard about water saving flushing mechanisms for the toilet. Are they worth it?
All new toilets have dual flush and hold a maximum of 6ltrs of flushing water. For older systems, you can use a Hippo bag which is put into the cistern and basically reduces the amount of water used for each flush.
3. I live in an area of high crime and I'm going to do up my bathroom. I've heard the latest trend is for people to steal copper pipes because of the rising price of scrap metal. Would you recommend that I get plastic pipes fitted instead?
Yes, we have known even Churches to be stripped. Also plastic piping comes with upto a 50 year manufacturers warranty.
4. The water from my bath drains so slowly. I've cleaned the plug out and even poured caustic soda down the hole but it seems even slower. What can you recommend?
There are many reasons this can happen and would require an expert opinion.
5. When I run my dishwasher or washing machine a strange smell emits from the kitchen sink - what are the reasons for this and is there anything I can do?
It is probably the trap seal being broken when the other appliances are pumping out so you are getting the smell from the drain coming through the sink. I would recommend fitting anti-vac traps to all the appliances and sink to prevent further drain smells.
6. My outside drains frequently become blocked - is this the responsibility of the council or me? Where are the boundaries?
Frequent blockages may mean that your drain system is scaled up (limestone and other calcified deposits). You would need to contact an expert for advice.
With regard to ownership, you will need to establish how many households are on your drain run. Normally a drainage system up to the connection point in the road (this sometimes runs outside your boundary) is the responsibility of the houseowner or owners. If the blockage is in part of the communal drain, it is equal responsibility between all the house owners.
7. What's the best way to prevent my pipes from freezing?
Good pipe insulation at least 25mm thick for pipes in loft space and at least a Class 1 waterproof type for external pipework.
8. Is it easy to fix a dripping tap? I mean, I have no DIY experience so would I be able to do this?
No - I would recommend getting a professional to do the job. Although it may look easy, you don't want to risk having a flood!
9. I have a "coat" for my water tank in the loft but it's looking very shabby. How often do I need to replace this and why do I need one in the first place?
Water By-law 30 Regulations state that a tank should have an insect screen, lid and insulation jacket. This ensures that your water is not contaminated by insects and foreign bodies. Obviously a jacket also prevents your tank from freezing in the winter and from getting warm in the summer!!
10. I have one radiator in the house that doesn't heat up. I am forever bleeding it and there's loads of air that escapes and it suddenly heats up, but I have to do this every single day. Do you think I have trapped air in the system? How would you get rid of this?
Yes, but this is only one of the possible problems. As it has happened frequently, I would recommend you seek the advice of a professional.
What do you think?
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