Plumbing problems are expected, usually at the most unexpected and somewhat inconvenient time. Some plumbing issues are common in almost every home. It may be minor or major plumbing problems, but for some reasons, these issues are commonly experienced by a lot of people.

If you run into any plumbing problems and you require the help of a professional, do not hesitate to contact us. We have a team of trained and experienced plumbers who are skilled at handling different plumbing issues no matter how complex; we are also equipped with the right tools and most modern technology to deliver professional plumbing services.  Give us a call whenever those plumbing emergencies occur, and we will be right at your doorstep to fix your plumbing issue within the shortest time possible. 

Anyway, back to the blog. We've put together just 3 of the most common plumbing questions and their solutions, for your convenience. Keep reading to learn what they are.

Why Is The Water Cloudy, And How Can I Fix It?

Turning on the tap and seeing cloudy/ milky water rush out of it can certainly be alarming. However, you should not panic, there are several different factors that can cause this to occur, and some of them include:

• Bubbles are one of the most common causes of cloudy water. As simple as it may sound, air bubbles can often be responsible for murky water, especially during the colder months of the year - the changes in temperature and pressure combine to create air bubbles in the water. This air bubbles are harmless and will rise to the top and disappear if the water is left in an open container or glass for a period of time.
• Sulphur is the likely cause if there's a rotten egg smell and a cloudy water look. If the smell is present, it means hydrogen sulfide is present in the water. The sulphur bacteria thrives in plumbing areas with little oxygen and rotten organic matter. The bacteria produce the hydrogen sulfide gas, and it can get trapped in the water system. Sulphur is not a threat to human health, but it is advised you have your water tested to be sure it is safe. NOTE: Before the odour and cloudy appearance are removed, the source of the bacteria must be found. Sometimes, the chemicals in the water heater can be the cause. If so, the heater should be serviced by a plumber. If the water heater is not the cause, then the water source should be provided with enough ventilation. Also, a home infiltration unit should be installed to eliminate sulphur bacteria.
• Dirt or tiny particles can find its way into your water supply and cause cloudiness. The cloudy look may be caused when particles of sand or dust are suspended in the water. Although the water may look unhealthy, it may be drinkable and harmless. To clear up the water, try treating it with a sediment filter, or you can place a call to Emergency Plumber London for help.
  
  

Why Is My Water Bill So High?

A hike in the water bills is never pleasant news. You may have created a budget for the month only for the water bill to come in at a certain price. But what could be the cause if you don't think you've used more water than usual? A ridiculously high water bill can be the result of any of the factors below:

• Leaky taps/ faucets are the most common cause of water bills increasing. It has been noted to waste more than 3,000 gallons of water yearly - that is insane. So make sure none of the taps in your home are leaking.
• Leaking toilets account for around 24% of the water we use daily, you can imagine the damage it can cause if there's a leak. It has been estimated that a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. So, again, make sure there isn't a leak - if there is, you can try fix it yourself or we recommend you give us a call.
• Inefficient/ outdated plumbing fixtures are sometimes the causes of leaks and other plumbing problems that occur in a home. If you are watching your water bills increase each month, it may be time to have the outdated plumbing in your home replaced as soon as possible.
• A leaky line can cause an increase in your water bills but how? Well, the underground water pipes in your home can start leaking or become loose for a few different reasons - tree root growth, animal activity, or even earthquakes.
• And finally, water waste. Don't rule out the possibility that your water bills may be high because you've used more water/ the water has been used recklessly. It could be as simple as you showering more because it's the hotter months of the year, you've possibly overwatering your plants or you're letting the tap run as your brushing your teeth. Look at your own habits when it comes to water usage and see if that's what's causing the water bills to rise.
  

Should I Turn Off The Water If I Go On Holiday?

The safest thing to do before you go away is to turn off the water supply completely. It might not stop water that’s already in the pipes from escaping, but it will limit the risk of a flooded home. According to the AA,  water leaks are the most common domestic disaster for returning holidaymakers and only 18% turn off the stopcock before they go away.

It’s easy to turn off your water. You can turn off the incoming water supply by turning the stopcock valve to the closed position (usually clockwise). Your stopcock is usually found under the kitchen sink, but it might also be located in an airing cupboard or in the hallway, under the stairs.

Also make sure to turn off any appliances you have that use water, such as the dishwasher and washing machine. We do recommend leaving the heating on if you’re going away during the colder months of the year though. Yes, whilst turning your heating off before you go away will keep your energy bills down, it’s perhaps not worth the risk during winter. Pipes exposed to sub-zero temperatures are at greater risk of bursting, if they freeze. So set the heating to come on at regular intervals with a timer. The thermostat should be set to at least 13oC (55oF) so the water in the pipes won’t get cold enough to freeze.