Plumbing guides — HomeGraft

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PLUMBING · 10 STEPSAdjust the water level in a toilet cisternAdjust the fill valve inside your toilet cistern so it shuts off at the right water level, stopping waste or weak flushes.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSCap off an unused pipeCut back, cap and secure a redundant water pipe safely, choosing the right fixing for your wall type.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSCheck for a hidden leak using your water meterUse your water meter readings to spot a hidden leak in your home's pipework without any digging or drilling.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSClean a washing machine filterEmpty, clean and refit your washing machine's filter to clear blockages and stop bad smells or drainage faults.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSClean out a sink trapUnscrew, empty and clean a blocked sink trap, then refit it and test for leaks.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSClear a blocked toilet with an augerClear a blocked toilet yourself using a toilet auger, from setup to a hygienic clean-up.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSClip loose pipes to the wallWork out what's behind the wall, then fix pipe clips into brick, stud or dot-and-dab with the right screw for each.

PLUMBING · 14 STEPSDeal with a burst pipeStop the water, find the burst, relieve pressure safely, patch it temporarily, then dry out and arrange a permanent repair.

PLUMBING · 11 STEPSDeal with water coming through the ceilingStop a ceiling leak safely, relieve pressure without hitting hidden cables, dry the area, then patch it once it's fully dry.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSDrain down the cold water systemShut off the water supply and empty the pipes, tank and taps safely before repairs or leaving a house empty.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSFind and fix a leak under a bathFind and fix a common bath leak by checking sealant, waste, tap and pipe connections in one session.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSFind the source of a leak under the kitchen sinkTrace a kitchen sink leak to its exact source, step by step, before you call a plumber or buy parts.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSFit a hair catcher or drain guardFit the right hair catcher or guard for your plughole type, and clean it weekly to stop blockages before they start.

PLUMBING · 12 STEPSFit a push-fit tee to add a new tap supplyIsolate your water, tap into an existing pipe with a push-fit tee, and run a new supply safely to your tap.

PLUMBING · 12 STEPSFit a tumble dryer vent kit through an outside wallCore-drill a vented dryer hose through an outside wall, check for gas flues and hidden pipes first, then fit a sealed outside cowl.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSFit an air admittance valveFit an air admittance valve to vent a sink or basin waste, following Building Regs, without running an outside vent pipe.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSFit an isolating valve under a sinkFit a service valve under your sink so you can shut off water to a tap or appliance without turning off the whole house.

PLUMBING · 11 STEPSFit an outside tapAdd a garden tap by tapping into your indoor pipework, drilling safely through the wall, and fitting a frost-proof outside tap.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSFix a cistern that's leaking into the panFix a cistern leaking into the pan by replacing the worn siphon diaphragm or valve seal inside, with the water isolated.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSFix a dripping overflow pipe outsideTrace the drip to a worn float valve, isolate the water, fix or replace it, then test the overflow.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSFix a dripping shower headDiagnose a dripping shower head, clean or replace its washer, then test the fix before tidying up.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSFix a dripping tap by replacing the washerStop a dripping tap by turning off the water, taking the tap apart, and fitting a new washer.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSFix a dripping tap with a ceramic disc cartridgeReplace a worn ceramic disc cartridge to stop a dripping tap, working safely with the water isolated throughout.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSFix a gurgling sinkClear a gurgling sink by cleaning the trap, checking the air valve and clearing the waste pipe.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSFix a leak between the cistern and the panIsolate the water, remove the cistern, replace the failed washer, then reassemble and test for leaks.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSFix a leak from the base of a mixer tapTrace a dripping tap base to worn seals or a loose nut, then isolate the water, replace parts, and test for leaks.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSFix a leaking compression jointStop a dripping compression joint by isolating the water, checking the olive, and retightening or renewing the joint correctly.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSFix a leaking flexible tap connectorReplace a leaking flexible tap connector safely by isolating the water first, then fitting and testing a new one.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSFix a leaking push-fit jointIsolate the water, take the push-fit joint apart, check the pipe and O-ring, then reconnect and test.

PLUMBING · 11 STEPSFix a leaking sink wasteFind where a sink waste leaks, drain the trap, fit new washers or sealant, then test the joint properly.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSFix a leaking washing machine standpipeStop a leaking washing machine standpipe by finding the leak, fixing it, and securely reclipping the pipe to your wall.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSFix a pinhole leak in a copper pipeIsolate the water, cut out the damaged section of copper pipe, and fit a repair coupling to stop the leak.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSFix a shower that runs hot and coldFind out why your shower's temperature swings between hot and cold, then fix the cause safely and test it properly.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSFix a spluttering tapFind out why your tap splutters, clean or replace the parts causing it, and stop the noise for good.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSFix a stiff tapDiagnose why your tap is stiff, then service or replace the internal parts to get it turning smoothly again.

PLUMBING · 11 STEPSFix a tap that whistles or bangsStop a whistling or banging tap by isolating the water, replacing the worn washer or cartridge, and checking loose pipes.

PLUMBING · 7 STEPSFix a toilet cistern that fills noisilyStop a noisy filling cistern by isolating the water, fitting a new quiet-fill valve, and setting the water level correctly.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSFix a toilet cistern that's slow to fillDiagnose and fix a slow-filling toilet cistern by checking the valve, filter and float, replacing the fill valve if needed.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSFix a toilet that flushes by itselfFind out why your toilet keeps refilling itself, then replace the worn syphon or valve seal causing the leak.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSFix a toilet that keeps runningDiagnose and fix a running toilet cistern by isolating the water, draining it, and replacing the worn valve or siphon washer.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSFix a toilet that rocks on the floorFind why your toilet rocks, refix it securely to the floor, then reseal the base for a solid, leak-free fit.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSFix a toilet that won't flush properlyDiagnose why your toilet won't flush, fix the siphon or valve mechanism, adjust the water level, and test it works.

PLUMBING · 11 STEPSFix low pressure in a showerDiagnose and clear common causes of weak shower pressure, from limescale to airlocks, before calling a plumber.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSFree a stiff or seized stopcockFree a seized stopcock safely using penetrating oil and gentle force, then check it seals and doesn't leak.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSGet rid of smelly drains indoorsTrack down smelly indoor drains, clean traps and gullies, refill dry traps, and deodorise safely without harsh chemicals.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSImprove low water pressure in the houseFind out why your water pressure is low, fix common causes yourself, and know when to call your water supplier.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSPlumb in a dishwasherConnect a dishwasher to your water, waste and power supply safely, checking for leaks before running a full test cycle.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSPlumb in a washing machineConnect your washing machine to the water, waste and power safely, then test it before pushing it back into place.