5 Common Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Should Know

Plumbing issues are one of the most common reasons people call us out. Some are straightforward fixes, others need a bit more work — but knowing what you're dealing with can save you time and money. Here are the five plumbing problems we see most often in homes around Ballymena and County Antrim.

1. Dripping taps

A dripping tap is usually caused by a worn washer or O-ring inside the tap mechanism. It might not seem like a big deal, but a single dripping tap can waste over 5,000 litres of water a year. In most cases, we can have it sorted in under 30 minutes with a new washer — and we carry common parts in the van so there's no waiting around for spares.

2. Running toilets

If your toilet keeps running after you flush, the problem is almost always a faulty fill valve or flapper valve inside the cistern. It's an easy trap to fall into — thinking it'll sort itself out. It won't, and it'll push your water bill up in the meantime. A straightforward fix that we can usually do on the first visit.

3. Low water pressure

Low water pressure can be caused by a few things: limescale build-up in the pipes, a partially closed stopcock, or an issue with the supply coming into the house. If it's just one tap, it's likely a blocked aerator. If it's the whole house, it's worth getting it checked properly — there could be a leak somewhere you can't see.

4. Leaking pipes under the sink

The joints under kitchen and bathroom sinks take a lot of wear over time. Compression fittings can loosen, waste traps can crack, and sometimes the sealant around the base of the tap just gives up. We'll trace where the leak is coming from, replace what needs replacing, and make sure everything's watertight before we leave.

5. Slow drains

Hair, soap, grease, and general build-up are the usual culprits. A slow drain usually gets worse before it gets better. For minor blockages, a drain snake or enzymatic cleaner can help. For anything more stubborn — or if multiple drains are affected — it's best to get it looked at before it backs up completely.

Most of these problems are quick fixes for a professional, and catching them early prevents bigger (and more expensive) damage. If something doesn't look right with your plumbing, give us a ring — there's no charge for a quote and no job is too small.