Plumber Views and News

Fully qualified Plumber wherever you are

Based in the south west we offer in addition to all local areas the outer parts of the city.: Telephone: 0117 239 1217

No problem for us

Are there unpleasant smells coming from the sink? If the sink in the kitchen is giving off bad smells then this could be a good time to get the pipes flushed through before they block with grime and waste. Don’t ignore those bad smells – flush the drains. After a nightmare plumbing situation you might end up needing some assistance so make sure we take the stress out of your plumbing woes.  If the water is running away slowly it could be that the pipes problematic or the external soil stack cracked?

Eventually most slow running water will start to spill over – avoid this happening and let your deal with those jobs you’d rather not do! We are more than happy to deal with small plumbing jobs around the area. Is the bathroom in need of some attention. Perhaps a new bathroom suite to give a fresh clean look.  We are happy to advise you in relation to your plumbing requirements.  We have years of experience to make sure you get the right plumber. Call now for a quality plumber to get the job done efficiently, professionally and affordably.

Kitchen or bathroom?

Have some free advice.  If the kitchen or bathroom sink is full you might like to try filling a 2 litre plastic bottle of water and squeezing it as hard as possible down the sink – often works! Or go to my page for other  DIY plumber’s tips including video. If this doesn’t work then it might be time to give us a call.

Unblocking Drains

I am often called to plumbing jobs around the area.  This might be an outside drain, a bathroom drain or a kitchen drain. Maybe it’s a garden tap or the drain in the garden. Usually this is a result of grime building up in the drains and a lack of drain maintenance that would usually involve regular flushing to keep the drains clear. But let’s be honest, who usually remembers to flush the drains with all of the other things we have to do? 

But don’t despair. I have lots of experience of unblocking internal and external drains and will make sure yours are dealt with efficiently and quickly. I can often unblock most external drains much cheaper than some of the larger drain unblocking companies who seem to charge a real premium for this plumber’s service.  Call me before calling a more expensive drain unblocking company and you could save hundreds!

Local for local plumbing jobs

Make sure you choose a local plumber. Support the local economy and businesses. A local plumber will also travel less distance resulting in less mileage.

How to clear a Blocked kitchen drain

If you have a blocked drain the chances are you are going to try and fix it by yourself before calling a professional. And that is more than OK! There are many easy home remedies for blocked drains which we at Bristol Plumber are about to share with you. But if none of these work for you, or you think the problem is particularly large, then it’s definitely time to call in the professionals and not have to face the horrors of plumbing alone. Whether your blocked drain is the kitchen sink, or a shower drain, try the following methods to remove the blockage.

Caustic Soda can be poured down a drain to help remove any buildup inside it. Be cautious here and follow the instructions and warnings on the package as this chemical is corrosive, and do not let children near while you are doing this. Another method you can try is to simply plunge the drain.

Easy access to the pipes

Make sure you cover the overflow to allow the plunger to work to maximum benefit, and plunge away at the drain. This may dislodge the blockage but may result in the blockage simply moving further down the pipe, so do this at your own risk. If you have easy access to the pipes from the drain, for example the U-bend for your sink, then in some cases you can unscrew the pipe and manually remove the blockage.

This only works with blockages in the U-bend themselves, most often seen in kitchens and caused by a buildup of food. But watch out, as whatever nasty stuff is causing the blockage (and any backed up water) will come shooting out once you remove the U-bend! In order to not face this possibility, it is best to call a professional to do the dirty work for you. If none of these have worked then it is time to call, and we will have your drains unblocked in no time.

Your local has high pressure water jetting

High pressure water jetting has been around and used since the late 1800s, with it’s use predominantly being for cleaning purposes in the coal mines. Since then it has since been modified by other business sectors, the most notable of these coming in the 1930s when high pressure water jetting was modified to cut steel.

Nowadays high pressure water jetting, while being an expensive piece of equipment is still widely used across different sectors such a the fossil fuel industry, for cleaning equipment in hard to reach or dangerous areas where other methods may prove more difficult or even impossible. Your local is also equipped with high pressure water jetting, sure to tear through any blockage in no time.

Complete the job without rearranging your bathroom

When you find a blockage what should you do? You could try and attempt the job yourself with house hold unblocking solutions, but these are highly corrosive and bad for the environment, not to mention most house hold products can’t guarantee to remove the whole blockage which is vital in the prevention of further blockages. Plus the fact that most of these jobs are often smelly and time consuming.

You could call out your local plumber, but after paying a hefty call out fee you could find he hasn’t got the specialist equipment to complete the job without rearranging your bathroom. We want to save you that hassle by telling you about our 24/7 call out service with no call out charge where we can use the latest in CCTV and High pressure water jetting to clear any blockage no matter how big or small it may be.

Why don’t you give us a call and ask us about high pressure water jetting or any of our equipment or any of the other services we provide! We’re always here to take your call and if we miss it we’ll make sure to return it as soon as possible. Your local Bristol Plumber is here for you!

Water Filtration for your Water

Have you considered plumbing in a water filter. Have you noticed that your water is causing dryness to your hair and skin resulting in extra visits. Regardless of the results, many people do not like the taste of the water and believe it is still too contaminated. There are various water filter systems available.

Do your research.  I have placed a video on the right and there is lots of information on the internet.  Once you’ve decided which system suits you best, give me a call and I can plumb it in for you. Many people are rightly concerned by the quality of their water supply as it often contains impurities. A water filter can remove many of these unwanted impurities such as chlorine, lead and mercury. Don’t get locked out of the best drinking water. The taste of the water can also be improved.

There are several systems available, for example, an under the sink, whole mains supply systems that filter all of your water or shower head filters that simply screw on to the shower head.. I am more than happy to install the system of your choice.

Unblocking a drain with baking soda

It’s an old trick that baking soda can be used to unblock drains. While this doesn’t work in every case, and may not work if your blockage is particularly bad, we here at Bristol Plumber have some handy tips and a quick guide to this drain unblocking method.

If the sink is full of water, first you want to put a bucket under the P-trap (underneath the sink in the cupboard) and open the P-trap to let the water out. Warning – this can splash a lot and be messy! Once that is done, replace the P-trap and ensure it is sealed. Empty the bucket and put the empty bucket back underneath, in case you did not reseal the trap correctly.

Boiling water helps with blockages

Now boil an entire kettle full of water, and pour this down the sink. For a light clog you may want to do this multiple times. The boiling water helps dissolve any oils and congealed substances causing the blockage. Once you’ve poured the water in, add powdered baking soda to the sink. We recommends a half cup, but follow the instructions on the package. Always ensure you are safe with baking soda, as it is a chemical and will require medical attention if it gets into your eyes or lungs. Do not touch it with your bare hands. Once this pours down into the drain, ensure that you plug the drain and create a tight seal.

After around 10-30 minutes flush the system again with boiling water. If the water still refuses to go through the system easily, or you couldn’t complete any of the steps ass the sink wouldn’t drain at all, then it’s time to call in the professionals as you have a big blockage on your hands. Look no further as we specialise in blockages of all shapes and sizes.

The Perfect Shower

If you’re in the market for a new shower, there may be more things to consider than you’ve first thought about, and that’s why we want to offer you some great advice straight from our team themselves.

Firstly you’ll want to consider whether you want an electric or a mixer shower. Electric showers take water from your system and heat it via a heating unit in the shower itself, meaning that you’ll never run out of how water. They also tend to be quite economical with their water usage, as the water is hot from the moment you turn the shower on.

Mixer showers take hot and cold water from your boiler itself and mix these to create the different temperatures – of course, here you will have to wait for the boiler to heat more water if you’ve run out, and so may waste some water at the start of the shower.

It’s worth the investment

There are then additional shower features to consider. For example, you can get thermostatic showers which prevent irregular temperature spikes (i.e. scalding or freezing) when someone, for example, turns on a tap somewhere else in the house. This is a particularly useful feature for homes with children or elderly family members and is available in both electric and mixer showers.

There are also many economic showers available, that use less water and save you money on bills in the future – these are often worth the investment as they tend to be not much more expensive than regular showers. In a new installation you should also look for a quality shower tray, as poor quality trays can lead to cracks and water damage in the future. Whichever shower you choose, be sure to book a fast, professional installation.

News About Plumbing and Heating: Keeping You Informed and Warm

your plumbers silver fitting

In the ever-evolving world of plumbing and heating, staying up-to-date with the latest news and innovations is crucial. Whether you’re a homeowner, a professional in the industry, or simply curious about the world of pipes and radiators, this article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of recent developments and trends in the plumbing and heating sector. So, let’s dive into the world of hot water and cozy interiors.

The Importance of Plumbing and Heating

1. Essential Services

Plumbing and heating systems are the unsung heroes of our daily lives. We rely on them for clean water, warm showers, and comfortable indoor temperatures.

2. Health and Hygiene

Proper plumbing ensures the removal of wastewater, which is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment.

3. Energy Efficiency

Heating systems are central to energy efficiency in buildings. Innovations in this field can significantly impact energy consumption and costs.

Recent Advancements in Plumbing

4. Smart Plumbing Solutions

The integration of IoT technology into plumbing systems is revolutionizing the way we manage water usage and detect leaks.

5. Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly materials like PEX piping are gaining popularity due to their durability and reduced environmental impact.

6. Water Quality Improvements

Innovative filtration systems are enhancing the quality of tap water, ensuring it’s safe for consumption.

The Latest in Heating Technology

7. High-Efficiency Furnaces

Modern furnaces are designed for maximum efficiency, providing warmth while minimizing energy consumption.

8. Radiant Floor Heating

This eco-friendly heating solution is gaining traction for its even heat distribution and energy efficiency.

9. Heat Pump Innovations

Advanced heat pump systems are now capable of both heating and cooling, offering year-round comfort.

Plumbing and Heating in a Sustainable World

10. Green Building Practices

Sustainability is at the forefront of construction, with green building standards incorporating efficient plumbing and heating solutions.

11. Solar Water Heating

Harnessing solar energy for water heating reduces reliance on traditional energy sources.

12. Geothermal Heating

Utilizing the Earth’s natural heat, geothermal systems offer an eco-friendly alternative for indoor climate control.

The Future of Plumbing and Heating

13. Artificial Intelligence Integration

AI-powered systems will optimize plumbing and heating operations, making them more efficient and cost-effective.

14. Hydrogen-Powered Heating

Exploring the potential of hydrogen as a clean fuel for heating systems is an exciting development.

15. Virtual Reality Training

Training plumbers and heating technicians through VR simulations will enhance their skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

Staying informed about the latest news and innovations in plumbing and heating is essential for homeowners and industry professionals like plumbers Bristol alike. As we move towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, the world of plumbing and heating is poised for exciting changes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How often should I service my heating system?

Regular annual servicing is recommended to ensure optimal performance and safety.

2. What is the average lifespan of plumbing pipes?

The lifespan of plumbing pipes varies depending on material, but copper pipes can last 50+ years.

3. Are there government incentives for eco-friendly heating systems?

Yes, many governments offer incentives and rebates for installing energy-efficient heating systems.

4. Can I install a radiant floor heating system in an existing home?

Yes, it is possible to retrofit a radiant floor heating system into an existing home, but it can be more challenging than installing it during construction.

5. How can I detect a water leak in my home?

Modern smart leak detection systems can alert you to leaks in real-time, preventing potential damage.

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