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Cistern Problems

First Call Plumber — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:15:08 +0000

There can be quite a few problems with thecCistern. It does not flush when handle/chain is operated, it fills very slowly, water comes out of the cistern overflow outlet, the flush does not clean the pan or even that there is condensation on the outside of the cistern.

If a syphon type of cistern has never flushed properly, the likelihood is that the water level is too low - it should be about 12mm (half inch) below the overflow outlet. To correct this, raise the height of the float, the method depends upon the type of valve/ball fitted.

If a linkage has become detached within the cistern, this should be fairly obvious as the handle/chain will loose its normal ‘feel’ - i.e. the handle or chain won’t return to its normal position. Most linkages which have come loose can just be refitted and tightened after removing the top of the cistern.
# If the cistern is a direct action type syphon type, the flexible diaphragm on top of the perforated disc may have become torn.

If a cistern fills very slowly, more than 2 minutes,

This problem would normally be associated with the ball valve which fills the cistern with water, possible causes include:

The wrong type of valve nozzle is fitted, a mains valve nozzle fitted where the valve is fed from a water tank - most valves are supplied with both nozzles, the appropriate one needs fitting at the time of installation.
Low water pressure in the feed pipe - either a valve has not been turned fully on or there is an obstruction in the pipe.
The valve itself may have become clogged by scale or muck in the water supply.

If a cistern does not flush when handle/chain is operated and if a syphon type of cistern has never flushed properly, the likelihood is that the water level is too low - it should be about 12mm (half inch) below the overflow outlet. To correct this, raise the height of the float, the method depends upon the type of valve/ball fitted. On some set-ups there is a hinge in the arm between the valve and the ball with a lock nut/screw - loosen off the nut/screw and adjust the hinge. The final arrangement is where there is a solid brass rod between the valve and ball without any adjustment; in this case, the rod needs to be physically bent.

If you have any problems at all with your cistern, call First Call Plumbers on 0131 669 1007. If you have problems with pipes, burst pipes or even CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

Problems with Toilets

First Call Plumber — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:03:22 +0000

As one of the most used items in a household, toilets are bound to have problems at some time. Below you will find some some common problems you may have with toilets, as well as simple steps of how to solve the problem yourself.

One of the most common problems with toilets is a handle that sticks or is loose when you go to flush it. If you’re experiencing this problem, remove the tank cover of your toilet and check the mounting nut. This is located on the inside of the toilet behind the handle. It may need tightening or cleaned, as lime can build up on it. The lime will come off fairly easy using a small brush and some vinegar. If the mounting nut does not appear to be the problem, check the chain that connects the flapper valve and the lift arm. The chain should have only about one inch of slack in it. If it’s too loose remove a link or two of the chain or hook a different hole. Of course if the chain is broken replacing it will fix the problem.

Another common problem is the toilet will not flush. Again you will want to remove the tank cover. Check to make sure that all the pieces, the handle, lift arm, flapper valve, and chain, are connected and working. Check the handle to make sure it is not too loose or too tight and causing the toilet not to flush. You should check the lift arm to make sure it is not broken or bent. Also check that the lift arm and lift chain are connected and not out of adjustment, as this would cause the flapper valve to not open enough to flush the toilet.

Everyone at some point has had a toilet overflow or clog up on them. To solve this problem you might try using a plunger to loosen any clog that may be stuck, and should that not work you can use a snake to work down through the plumbing. If the problem is that the toilet keeps overflowing there is most likely a solid object in the toilet such as keys or a small toy. If more than one toilet is overflowing or clogging up in your house, it usually indicates a water line or septic system problem.

The toilet running constantly is also another common problem. Many people temporarily fix this by jiggling the handle. Most times the flapper valve needs replaced, as it is failing to seal the tank after flushing. That is why jiggling the handle temporarily fixes the problem. Replacing the flapper valve is an easy and cheap repair to make.

If you are experiencing a toilet problem different from those listed above or you need professional experience contact First Call Plumbing on 0131 669 1007 who can solve any of your plumbing problems.

If you have problems with CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, LEAKS, BURST PIPES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, WASTE PIPES, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

Problems with Taps

First Call Plumber — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:57:38 +0000

There is nothing more annoying than hearing the steady drip of a leaking tap. A leaking or dripping tap is one of the most common plumbing problems. Fortunately for you, this can be an easy repair that you may be able to do yourself for a fairly cheap price.

A tap that is leaking or dripping is usually a sign that a part of the tap is worn out and needs to be replaced. Often times it is a washer or a seal, as these parts wear out due to water pressure. These parts can easily be purchased at any hardware or plumbing store and are relatively easy to fix for even those with little home repair experience.

Fixing leaking or dripping taps should be a priority. While this doesn’t seem like a major problem, it can cost you over time. A slow leaking tap can waste between 15 and 20 gallons of water each day. In addition, it can corrode the tap or fixtures, stain sink bowls or basins, and ruin cabinets or floors if it is leaking on to them.

Another common problem with taps is the amount of water flowing through the spout. Water contains minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in varying degrees depending on whether you have hard or soft water. Over time, these minerals can build up in the tap aerator, where the water comes out of the tap fixture. This piece can normally be taken apart from the tap by unscrewing it or twisting it off. You may be able to do this by hand, or you might need a wrench to give you a grip and help loosen it. Once you have it off, check it for mineral buildup or clogs. If minerals are built up in the aerator, you can remove them using a toothpick or a small brush, such as a toothbrush. To aid in cleaning you might also use some vinegar to loosen the minerals from the metal. Once you have it cleaned, return the part to the tap, and your water flow should be normal again.

Next time you are experiencing tap problems, remember that a leaking or dripping tap is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners like yourself experience. Usually this problem can be easily fixed for a relatively cheap price, but should you run into problems or not have time to do it, contact your plumber who will be happy to come and fix it for you.

If you are unable or unwilling to do this then call First Call Plumbers on 0131 669 1007

Lead, Copper & PVC Pipe Work Repair

First Call Plumber — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:07:14 +0000

All a property’s waste pipework can be either renewed or up-graded by First Call Plumbing by calling 0131 669 1007.

Household plumbing pipe seems invisible. You don’t really see it, until it bursts in the basement or under a kitchen sink. Then you need to know something about pipe–and quickly!

Household plumbing pipes are installed in walls and under floors during construction. They carry fresh water to kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and so on. A separate system carries waste water from a sink or toilet to the main drain and out of the house to the sewer or septic system.

Pipe is available in cast-iron, brass, copper, galvanised steel, and plastic. Fittings are connections between pipes that allow pipes to turn or attach to a fixture such as a tap or water heater.

How the fittings are installed on pipe depends on the material. For example, copper pipes are soldered together or joined with compression or flare fittings. Plastic pipes are joined with plastic screw-on fittings or PVC cement. In addition, transition fittings can be used to join plastic and metal pipes.

Pipe doesn’t move, nor is it subject to wear. So the greatest cause of pipe problems is age (pipes become brittle or corrode, fittings fail) or damage from freezing.

Lead piping
Lead piping in domestic properties is prohibited today for health reasons. Drinking water lying in a lead pipe for some time absorbs toxins from the metal. (If lead piping supplies the drinking water, always run the water for a short time before using it). Thousands of homes still have a lead rising main connected to a modernised system. When the occasion arises lead pipes should be replaced rather than repaired with either copper or plastic piping.

If you have problems with pipes, burst pipes or even CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

Changing Washers

First Call Plumber — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:03:17 +0000

Water tap washers can fail at any time and the result is a constant dripping and loss of water. Washers are used every time taps are used and eventually become worn or chewed, especially if the tap valve is worn.

When using water taps it is a good idea not to over tighten them when turning them off. This can damage the tap washers. Just turn taps off enough to stop any drips.

If washers need replacing frequently the valve seats of the respective taps may be worn or damaged and may need reaming out. This is done with a special tool that screws into the tap body.

Changing washers is a good time to think about other things in your wet areas. Is water draining away well? Maybe you need to clean your drainage plugs and pipes. Sink drainage plugs and pipes, for example, can get clogged with things like hair and soap slime.

Call 0131 669 1007.

If you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

Low Water Pressure

First Call Plumber — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:55:45 +0000

Water pressure is the force pushing water through pipes. If pressure is too low the flow can reduce to a trickle, and it will take some time to fill a kettle or a cistern. Companies are required to supply water at a constant pressure which will reach the upper floors of houses. This does not apply to buildings that use pumped systems, such as blocks of flats.

What should I do if I have a problem with water pressure?

If you have a problem with low water pressure you should check that there is not a problem with the plumbing in your own property, such as a partially closed internal stop tap (if fitted) or a water leak. If you cannot find a problem, you should contact your water company who can take pressure and flow measurements and determine whether the problem lies in the company’s or your own pipes.

What causes low water pressure?

Low pressure can have a number of causes. For example, when demand for water is high (such as in the morning or early evenings) pressure can be lower than during the rest of the day. There can also be problems during dry spells when people use hosepipes or sprinklers to water their gardens.

Other courses of low pressure can include:

inadequate pumping facilities
water mains that are too small; and
reduced pressure from the water main as a result of leakage, equipment failures or blocked service pipes.

What causes high water pressure?

Occasionally, high pressure can occur in some parts of the water supply network. This could be seen as a strong spurt of water when the cold tap is running. The main causes of high water pressure are listed below.

Trapped air in your water pipes, which can temporarily increase water pressure. Run your taps for a few minutes to release this air.

Re-configuring the water supply network when water is moved round to wherever it is needed, sometimes changing the supply route. Normal supply will be returned very quickly in most cases.

You’ve just moved to the area if you are new to the area, your water pressure may feel higher than you were previously used to.

If you have a problem with water pressure give us a call on 0131 660 1007.

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *