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April 25th, 2012 by steph

We’ve all been there; whether you’ve left the bath running too long or you have a clogged drain, overflowing bath pose a number of problems for homeowners. If it wasn’t your own neglect that caused your tub to overflow then Joe from Staunch and Flow Plumbers says it’s time to get your hands dirty and unclog that congested tub!

mouse in bath plughole

The worst kind of plughole blockage?

Bathtubs offer you a relaxing way of cleaning yourself and are generally very easy to clean and maintain. A bathtub is fantastic, except for when it starts to overflow. However, overflow is quite a common issue for many bath owners and the key is knowing how to fix it fast and effectively can be vital before the overflow causes any lasting damage to your bathtub.

If your tub is overflowing, you can usually attribute it to a faulty or clogged bath tub overflow (usually covered with a chrome plated cover above the tub drain near the top of the tub level). It functions to allow water to drain out of the bathtub in the event that the water is left on or the level of water gets too high when someone gets in and the water is displaced. Either that or a clogged drain will likely explain why your bath is failing to drain as it should.

There are a multitude of issues you could be encountering which could explain why your bath might be overflowing. The ideal thing to do is to take out whatever is blocking the tub’s drainage system before the problem gets any worse and you have to call in a plumber.

If you notice that soap suds or water is oozing out of your bath’s overflow as your bath drains out, there are a few things you need to do in order to resolve the issue. Try removing the screen in your tub and use thin pliers to help de-clog what’s wrapped around the metal inside. Usually it will be a thick mass of hair that will have been caught in the overflow mechanisms. You will then need to perform the somewhat disgusting job of removing all of this build-up and if you prefer a less messy way, try to use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

If that fails to work then try using a drain snake. Your clog might be deeper than expected and it can be used to pull out what’s clogging the drain. The final step you can try is to pour a strong acid solution into the clogged overflow, however you have to be careful as most acid will eat away at iron pipes and this step should only be considered if you are confident in the knowledge that your pipes are made from UPVC.

If none of these steps help to make your tub drain as it should, then you may want to consider calling in a plumber to help solve your overflow problems.

Joe Dart writes for Staunch and Flow Plumbers who are plumbers in London, working across the capital.

July 15th, 2011 by steph

Even the most ambitious DIY enthusiasts require occasional help from a professional tradesman. In some cases the involvement of a plumber is paramount to quickly restoring bathroom functionality. Bathrooms are a necessity in the household and can be costly if repairs are neglected and an ambitious handyman could cause minor problems to escalate into a catastrophe.

Many people are reluctant to hire a plumber because of the high costs and bad reputation that tradesmen are tarred with. Many television programmes highlight rogue tradesmen, raising scam awareness and result in reluctance to hire a plumber. In actual fact, there are many legitimate, skilled plumbers out there; it’s all about finding a reliable plumber who you can then rely on indefinitely.

How to Source a Reputable Plumber

Step 1: Gather Opinions you Value

Many people trust their close relatives and friends’ judgements over testimonials from people they don’t know. Rather than reading online testimonials which are sketchy and vague, ask around friends and family members for any plumbers they’ve used who were hard-working and reliable and those whose work they found unsatisfactory. Aim to have a list of 5 plumbers to compare between that are highly commended and make note of any deemed unsuitable.

Step 2: Do your Online Research

Before asking for a quote, perform some background research. Has anyone had a bad experience with one of your recommended plumbers? Every homeowner’s standards are different so it’s worth researching how others have rated your listed plumbers’ work. If you find a complaint and think “I wouldn’t be happy with that level of work” then eliminate them from your list.

Some plumbers will boast how long they’ve been in the trade for, obviously the longer the better. Try to search who’s been established the longest and what plumbing qualifications they have acquired which support their skill claims.

Step 3: Enquire In-depth

Many people simply ask the cost of the work and available start date before hiring a plumber. This is generally why people are unsatisfied with the outcome. There are many questions to ask before agreements and payments are made. Here are some questions to think about:

Will the plumber charge for travel? This is particularly important if your plumber isn’t based locally. Some plumbers charge for the commute, to avoid any additional hidden costs on your bill question their rules concerning travel charges.

Will the plumber charge for the time spent buying tools and parts?

This is one of the most common plumber-related complaints. Many people are unsatisfied that their plumber charges for leaving their home to buy tools and parts required for the job. They are also frequently unhappy with the time they take to visit the store, particularly if a plumber charges an hourly rate. Enquire if the plumber charges for visits and eliminate them if you find this unsuitable.

Once your Plumber has Been Chosen

Once you have your overall quote you can make an informed decision as to which plumber will prove best value for money. When the plumber is working, be sure to regularly monitor them to inform them of anything you’re not happy with. Some who have been paid may not return as urgently as expected to amend issues you’re not happy with.

If you’re happy with your plumber’s work then recommend them to other people. Some plumbers even offer rewards for customer referrals and testimonials. Always call a plumber for bathroom suite problems that are out of your depth. It’s better to pay a reputable plumber than to risk worsening the problem.