Plumbing in Southmead

Southmead grew up around large council estates. The first part, often known as the old estate, went up during the 1930s, more housing followed north of Southmead Road, and further homes were added after the Second World War. Southmead Hospital, which began life as a workhouse infirmary and is now a major regional hospital, is the area’s best-known landmark. The district borders Filton, Horfield, Henleaze and Westbury-on-Trym. With the hospital on its doorstep, the area is busy throughout the day, and it sits close to Filton and the main routes north out of Bristol.

Since right to buy, many of Southmead’s homes have become owner-occupied, so what you find inside varies a lot from one house to the next. Some have had every pipe renewed, while others still have older supply pipework, original drain runs and heating laid out decades ago. Pre-war houses in particular may still have their original outside soil pipes, gullies and clay drains, which can crack or collect roots as they age. Hard Bristol water also takes its toll on taps, cisterns and heating systems throughout the area. Where a bathroom has been refitted but the old supply pipe left in place, low pressure upstairs is a common complaint. Older stop taps on these houses are often stiff too, and it pays to check yours works before you need it in a hurry.

Common Southmead jobs

• Blocked toilets and shared drains
• Leaking stop taps and supply pipes
• Replacing tired bathroom fittings
• Radiators and heating pipework (no gas work)
• Kitchen taps and appliance connections

Shared drains: who is responsible?

Terraced and semi-detached council houses often share a drain run with their neighbours before it reaches the public sewer. If your toilet backs up and next door has the same problem, the blockage may be in that shared section. Since October 2011, shared sewers and lateral drains have been the responsibility of Wessex Water rather than the homeowners. The drain that serves only your house is still yours. We can find where the problem is, clear blocked drains on your side, and tell you if it’s one for Wessex Water. That way you don’t pay for work on a pipe that isn’t your responsibility. If you’re not sure, call and describe what’s happening, and we’ll talk it through.

Plumbing services in Southmead

• Emergency plumbing: burst pipes and serious leaks, aiming to arrive within the hour
• Blocked drains: sinks, toilets, gullies and manholes
• Leak repair: pipes, joints and appliance connections
• Radiators and heating: valves, cold spots and system pressure (no gas work)
• Taps and toilets: drips, running cisterns and replacements
• Bathroom and kitchen plumbing