Basic plumbing that is worth learning

Plumbing intimidates people more than it warrants for simple tasks, and the consequences of not knowing the basics are disproportionate.

Before anything else

Find and test the shut-offs.

The main stopcock, which isolates the whole property.

Generally under the kitchen sink, in a utility area, or near where the supply enters.

Test that it turns, since a stopcock that has not been operated for years frequently seizes, and discovering that during a leak is a serious problem.

Turning it fully closed and open again once or twice a year keeps it working.

Isolation valves on individual fittings, which are small valves on the supply pipes to taps, toilets and appliances, operated with a screwdriver.

These allow work on one fitting without shutting off the house.

The external stop valve, generally at the boundary under a small cover, which the water company uses.

Knowing where these are, and being able to explain to anyone else in the household, is the single most valuable plumbing knowledge available.

The straightforward tasks

A dripping tap, generally a worn washer on traditional taps or a failed cartridge on modern lever taps.

Isolate the supply, open the tap to drain, dismantle the head, replace the component, reassemble.

The main difficulties are identifying the correct replacement part and dealing with fittings that have not been moved in years, for which penetrating oil helps.

A running toilet, generally a failed flush valve or an incorrectly adjusted float.

A running toilet wastes a substantial quantity of water — figures of several hundred litres a day are commonly cited — which makes it worth addressing promptly.

A blocked sink, generally the trap beneath.

Place a bowl underneath, unscrew the trap, clear it, reassemble.

This is unpleasant and simple, and it resolves most kitchen and bathroom blockages without chemicals.

A blocked toilet, for which a plunger designed for toilets and, failing that, a toilet auger are the tools.

Replacing sealant around a bath or basin, which prevents water damage and which is a straightforward if fiddly job.

Replacing a flexible connector or a tap washer, where the fitting allows.

What not to attempt

Worth being clear.

Anything involving gas, which in most jurisdictions must legally be done by a registered person.

Work on a boiler or a heating system beyond bleeding radiators and adjusting controls.

Alterations to soil pipes and drainage, which are regulated.

Anything requiring soldering if you have not done it, since a failed joint inside a wall is expensive.

And anything where you cannot isolate the supply, since a mistake then floods the property.

Chemical drain cleaners

Worth a specific caution.

These are strongly caustic or acidic, cause serious injury on contact with skin and eyes, produce heat, and can damage older pipework and seals.

They are also frequently ineffective against the actual blockage, which is generally physical.

Mechanical clearing — a plunger, a drain snake, or removing the trap — is safer, more effective and does not leave a caustic liquid sitting in a pipe for the next person who opens it.

Preventing problems

The maintenance that matters.

Never pour fat or oil down a drain, which is the primary cause of blockages in both household and public sewers.

Use a hair trap in showers and baths.

Check under sinks periodically for signs of slow leaks, which cause substantial damage before being noticed.

Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas against freezing.

Know how to drain the system if leaving a property empty in winter.

And deal with any leak immediately, since water damage escalates rapidly and is one of the most common household insurance claims.

In an emergency

The sequence.

Turn off the water at the stopcock.

Turn off electricity at the consumer unit if water is anywhere near electrical fittings.

Contain what you can and move what is at risk.

Photograph the damage for any insurance claim.

And call a professional, since an emergency is not the time to learn.

General information only, not professional advice. Gas and regulated plumbing work must be carried out by a qualified person — consult a professional and follow local regulations.