Why is my tap dripping?
Identify where the water is coming from, understand the likely causes and know when not to dismantle the tap yourself.
Read the dripping-tap guide →Home / Advice
Plain-English plumbing help
Useful advice for your home
Practical guidance on common plumbing problems, what you can safely check yourself, and when it is time to call a professional.
Latest guide
Start with the safest next step
Our articles are written for homeowners and landlords—not plumbers. They focus on preventing damage, spotting problems early and making sensible choices.
Condensation or a water leak? How to tell
Use safe, practical checks to work out whether moisture on a pipe or damp patch could be an active plumbing leak.
Read the leak-check guide →Where is my stopcock? Find it before a leak
Learn where to look, how to test the valve gently and why you should never force a seized stopcock.
Read the stopcock guide →Found a water leak? Do these five things first
A calm, practical checklist for limiting damage, turning off the water safely and gathering the information a plumber needs.
Read the leak guide →How to help prevent frozen and burst pipes
Locate the stopcock, protect vulnerable pipework and prepare an empty property for cold weather.
Prepare for winter →Simple ways to help your heating work efficiently
Controls, radiator checks and sensible maintenance that can reduce wasted heat without compromising comfort.
Improve heating efficiency →Common toilet problems and what causes them
Why toilets keep running, flush weakly, block repeatedly or leak—and which warning signs should not be ignored.
Understand the problem →Keep the bath or replace it with a shower?
Weigh up space, accessibility, family life and future resale before changing the only bath in your home.
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