Troubleshooting
Dripping taps
Why is my tap dripping?
- Worn washers or O-rings: Over time, these small rubber seals inside the tap wear out, allowing water to leak through even when the tap is off.
- Damaged cartridges (in mixer taps): Modern taps often use a cartridge instead of washers. If this becomes worn or cracked, it can cause a steady drip.
- Limescale or debris build-up: Hard water can cause limescale to form inside the tap, preventing it from closing properly.
- Loose or worn valve seats: The metal seating where the washer sits can become pitted or corroded, leading to a poor seal.
What you can do:
- Turn off the water supply before attempting any repairs.
- Check the tap type (traditional, mixer, or ceramic disc) — different designs require different replacement parts.
- Replace the washer, O-ring, or cartridge if you’re confident doing so.
- If the drip continues, or you’re unsure which part needs replacing, give Melexia Plumbing and Heating a call and we'll be happy to help.
Burst Pipes
Don't panic!
Step 1: Turn off your water supply
Locate your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or near the front of your property) and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. If you have a modern isolation valve, turn the screw a quarter turn.
Step 2: Switch off your heating system
Turn off your boiler and central heating to prevent further pressure on the system and avoid damage to your boiler.
Step 3: Open all taps
This will help empty any water pipes and stem the flow
Step 4: Call Melexia Plumbing and Heating
We will be with you as soon as we can
Running or constantly filling toilet
A toilet that keeps running or constantly fills after flushing is not only annoying but can also waste hundreds of litres of water every day.
Common causes:
- Worn or damaged flush valve seal: This rubber seal stops water flowing from the cistern to the bowl. If it’s perished or misaligned, water will keep leaking through.
- Faulty fill valve (ball valve or inlet valve): When this valve fails, it allows too much water into the cistern, causing it to overflow into the toilet bowl or outside through the overflow pipe
- Float set too high: If the float inside the cistern is adjusted incorrectly, it won’t shut off the water at the right level.
- Debris or limescale build-up: Dirt or scale can stop valves from sealing properly, leading to a constant trickle of water.
What you can do:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet — usually via an isolation valve near the cistern.
- Remove the cistern lid and check for obvious signs of water flowing into the overflow or bowl.
- Inspect the float and valve mechanisms for wear, limescale, or incorrect adjustment.
- Clean or replace faulty parts if you’re confident doing so
- If the issue continues, or you’re unsure of the cause, contact Melexia Plumbing and Heating and we'll be with you as soon as we can
Cold Radiators
If your radiators aren’t heating up properly, it’s usually a sign of trapped air, imbalance, or a circulation issue in your central heating system.
Common causes:
- Trapped air: One of the most common reasons for a cold radiator. Air pockets stop hot water from circulating, leaving the top or entire radiator cold.
- Radiator balancing issues: If some radiators heat up while others stay cool, your system may need balancing to ensure hot water flows evenly throughout.
- Sludge or debris build-up: Over time, rust and dirt can collect inside radiators, restricting flow and reducing heat output.
- Faulty radiator valves: A stuck or closed thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) can block hot water from entering the radiator.
- Boiler or pump problems: If multiple radiators are cold, your boiler pressure or circulation pump may need attention.
What you can do:
- Check the boiler pressure — it should usually be between 1 and 2 bar.
- Bleed your radiators to release trapped air (start with the ones furthest from the boiler).
- Ensure radiator valves are open and TRVs are set to the correct temperature.
- If only one or two radiators are affected, the system may need balancing or flushing.
- If none are heating, there may be a bigger issue at hand.
- Whatever the problem Melexia Plumbing and Heating can provide clear guidance and support with next steps