A toilet keeps running after flushing when water can’t stop flowing through the cistern. The usual culprits are a float set too high, a fill valve that won’t shut off, or a leaking flush valve seal letting water trickle into the bowl. Most fixes are simple, but a running toilet can waste up to 400 […]
There’s a lot to love about autumn. The crunch of leaves underfoot, the return of proper jumpers, the smug feeling of finally putting the heating on. But while you’re enjoying a warm brew, those same falling leaves are quietly plotting against your drains. We’re ALK Emergency Plumbers, and every autumn we get the same call […]
The safest way to remove hair from a shower drain is to lift the drain cover, put on rubber gloves, and pull the hair out manually using a zip tool or drain snake. For mild build-up, a baking soda and vinegar flush can help. Avoid boiling water on plastic pipes and never mix chemical cleaners. […]
Ignoring a dripping tap wastes about 1,825 litres of water a year, quietly pushes up your water bill, and can turn a small fault into water damage, mould, and a much bigger repair bill. A drip often points to a worn seal or faulty cartridge that will not improve on its own, so fixing it […]
Quick answer: A gurgling plughole is caused by trapped air being forced through the water in your U-bend, usually due to a partial blockage, a venting problem, or an issue further down the drain. Most single-fixture gurgles can be fixed at home, but gurgling across multiple drains—or anything accompanied by sewage smells—needs a professional. That […]
Quick answer: Your internal stopcock is most commonly found under the kitchen sink, though it can also be in an airing cupboard, under the stairs, or near the front door. Your external stop tap sits outside the property boundary, usually beneath a small cover marked “WATER” or “W.” If you’re dealing with an active leak […]
Quick answer: The most common hidden bathroom costs include strip-out surprises like rotted floors or mould, unplanned plumbing changes, waterproofing, electrical compliance work, subfloor levelling, and waste removal. Adding a 10–20% contingency to your budget and getting a thorough plumbing review before work starts can save you a significant amount. You sat down with a […]
Quick answer: The most common signs your bathroom plumbing is failing include slow drains, gurgling sounds, a toilet that keeps running, low shower pressure, damp patches, musty smells, ceiling stains below the bathroom, and an unexplained rise in your water bill. Catching these early can save you hundreds—sometimes thousands—in repair costs. Bathrooms have an uncanny […]
Waking up at 2 AM to the sound of running water where there shouldn’t be any is a uniquely stressful experience. Your first instinct is to panic about the damage to your home, but the very next thought is almost always about the money. How much is it going to cost to get someone out […]
Why taps, toilets and showers lose pressure & how plumbers fix it A dribbling shower is a miserable way to start any morning. You step in expecting an invigorating blast to wake you up, and instead, you get a sad trickle that barely washes the shampoo out of your hair. Then you flush the toilet, […]
We’ve all been there. You walk into your bathroom, bleary-eyed on a Tuesday morning, and stare at the avocado green bathtub that has haunted your home since the late 1980s. Maybe the tap has a slow, persistent drip that sounds like a ticking clock, or the grout has taken on a mystery shade of grey. […]
You’re sitting on your sofa, enjoying a cup of tea and watching your favourite television show, when you hear a soft, rhythmic sound. Drip. Drip. Drip. You look up, hoping it is just your imagination. Unfortunately, the large, spreading damp patch above your head confirms your worst fears. Your ceiling is crying, and your living […]