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Most plumbing emergencies require intervention from experienced plumbing professionals, but, at times, there are some things you can do. If you're dealing with a bad leak or burst pipe, you can stop the water supply from flooding your home by locating and turning off the inside stop valve.

This is usually located by the kitchen sink, though it could also be in your airing cupboard or near the front door. Finding the valve on short notice can be challenging, so it's good to know where it is more generally. Once you locate the inside stop valve, gently rotate it clockwise.

If you can't find the inside valve, keep trying. Persistence is key, and there's probably nothing else you can do to help the situation. What you certainly shouldn't do is try to fix the leak or burst pipe yourself – you could end up causing more severe damage to your property.

Pro tip: find out what you can expect to pay with our guide on UK burst pipe repair costs now.

Whether it’s an emergency or a planned piece of work, payment expectations can vary. For larger projects, some plumbers will expect an upfront deposit. For smaller service requests, it’s normal to pay the full amount once the work is finished. You should always confirm exact payment methods and deposit expectations with your chosen plumber in advance, as well as how plumbing costs are calculated.

If you fail to agree on payment arrangements with your plumber before the work begins but after paying the deposit, you could be left with an incomplete project having already paid a bill. That's the last thing you want.

Clarity is king – find out how much you'll have to pay, when you have to pay, and whether any additional charges might crop up before committing to a professional. This can help you avoid nasty surprises later down the line.

There are many reasons that your property could suffer a water leak, but the most common cause of severe leaks is degrading or corroding pipework. Less severe leaks, like when your taps are leaking, might not cause as much damage to your property, but they can result in expensive utility bills. Some common causes of leaks include:

• Cracked or corroded pipework

• Misuse of household chemicals and cleaning products

• Frozen pipes expanding and bursting

• Excessive water pressure

• Improper fittings, often from DIY installations

• Blockages and clogged drains

• Settling or shifting in the building's foundation

• Tree root infiltration

• Roof leaks and sitting water

• Faulty fixtures (taps, faucets, and showerheads)

Remember, understanding the underlying cause of leaks is just as important as stopping the leak. If you don't make sure the cause is treated, the chances are that you'll have another leak sooner or later. Experienced plumbers will make sure that you get to the root of the problem.

It’s not always obvious if you have a water leak in your property. That's especially true where underground water pipe leaks are concerned!

Even so, there are signs of leaks you always should look out for – vigilance is key. Warning signs include spikes in your water bill, damp patches on your walls, floors, and ceilings, and low water pressure. If your property has any or several of these, there's likely a leak.

Professional plumbers can find where these leaks are located and then take steps to plug them. Finding a leak can be a challenge, since they're often hidden behind walls or underneath floors, among the pipework.

When leaks are in a hard-to-reach spot, it can increase the price of locating and repairing the leak. If you're worried about the cost of repairing a leak, make sure you take quotes from several plumbers before scheduling a callout. It's the easiest way to get the best deal.

It might feel like clogged drains and pipes are inevitable, but you can actually prevent blockages by altering your everyday behaviour. Here are some quick tips for preventing clogged drains and pipes.

• Avoid pouring grease down the drain

Many people pour grease down the sink, yet this is a major mistake. The grease and fat solidify in your pipes, causing blockages. Instead, dispose of grease in a container (a jar, for example) and throw it in the rubbish (learn to deal with blockages with our guide on how to unblock a sink).

• Dispose of food waste properly

Take care to scrape food waste into the appropriate bin instead of rinsing it down the sink. Fibrous and starchy foods are major causes of blockages in drains and pipework. You can also use a drain screen to stop scraps from flowing down your drain while you're doing the washing up.

• Don't flush "non-flushable" items

Wipes, cotton balls, paper towels, and other sanitary products should never be flushed down the toilet, since they won't break down and will eventually cause a blockage. Even some items advertised as "flushable" aren't safe to flush, so it's best to only flush waste and toilet paper. If you don't take care, you could end up having to pay the cost of a clogged toilet repair.

• Clean drains regularly

Proactively clearing your drains of gunk and grime can help you avoid more substantial blockages later down the line. Plungers and drain snakes are both effective for clearing out blockages that would eventually cause problems in your property. When build-up is inevitable, cleaning can help – and save you from having to clear a fully blocked shower drain!

• Consider a water softener

Hard water is present in many places in the UK, and while it's just as safe to drink and use as soft water, it can lead to mineral build-ups in pipework. By installing a water softener, you can prevent this from happening - although this will require help from one of your local plumbers.

If you're having problems, these tips can help you limit how often your property gets blockages moving forward. Beyond that, plumbers can offer professional advice and support in preventing clogged drains and blockages, too.

Pro tip: need professional help with a blocked drain? Before hiring anyone, take a moment to read our guide on how much clogged drain repairs cost.

Unfortunately, despite the name, most wipes labelled as flushable are not fine to flush at all. They can cause blockages and sewage backups, and damage both the environment and water treatment infrastructure.

According to David Doran from Blackstone Plumbing & Heating Ltd, a plumbing expert with 20 years of experience, so-called flushable wipes cause "consumers to inadvertently harm their plumbing and the environment." Why exactly does this happen?

"Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to break down quickly in water, most flushable wipes do not disintegrate easily. They remain largely intact and can cause blockages in pipes and sewers. The term 'flushable' is not strictly regulated, so products labelled as such do not necessarily meet the criteria for safe disposal through flushing."

This means that even if a product is labelled as "flushable", it could still cause harm to your plumbing and lead to expensive repairs. The safest option is to throw unflushable items like wet wipes and baby wipes in your general waste bin.

In most cases, radiators don't heat up because of trapped air. If the radiator is hot at the bottom but not at the top, this is probably the case. This trapped air might seem like a big problem, but it can usually be resolved by bleeding your radiators.

Often, this works, but there's a chance that another issue is causing the problem. You might have a faulty thermostatic radiator valve, an unbalanced system, a sludge build-up, or even problems with your boiler.

If you've tried bleeding your radiators and it doesn't work, hiring a plumber or heating engineer is the best option. They can pinpoint what's causing the problem and get it fixed before it causes any further disruption in your property.

They might choose to flush your radiators, getting rid of the gunk and mineral muck that has built up inside. This kind of service is worthwhile for good central heating installation health, even if you're not experiencing problems.

There are many reasons a boiler might need to be repaired or replaced, but the most obvious reasons are repeated boiler breakdowns and declining performance. If your boiler needs frequent repairs, it's cheaper to replace it in the long run.

Rising energy bills could also indicate your boiler is running inefficiently, while strange noises, odd smells, and leaks could all suggest problems are around the corner. If your pilot light goes out, or if your boiler flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, seeking repair expertise from a boiler technician or gas engineer is essential.

When dealing with minor boiler issues, repairing the unit is probably going to be sufficient. For larger concerns, you can save yourself lots of time, stress, and, eventually, money by replacing your boiler entirely. Whichever option you choose, proactively service your boiler to prevent future issues.

Most professionals advise having your boiler serviced once a year. While this is a cost you might not want to pay, regular servicing makes sure the boiler is working efficiently and safely and can help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future.

You might be tempted to wait longer for newer boilers since they're surely less likely to run into repair problems. But it's still worth arranging a boiler service each year. A proactive approach helps you avoid serious issues, and a robust service record helps when selling your home, too.

There are many different types of boilers and heat pumps in the UK nowadays. To make sure you're getting the best for your unit, pay close attention to the manufacturer's guidance that came through with the initial purchase. This is the easiest way to keep your heating infrastructure in good condition.

Plumbers mainly focus on water systems (pipes, drainage, and fixtures), while heating engineers work on heating systems (boilers, radiators, underfloor heating, and central heating). Many plumbers can work on heating systems, but they must be Gas Safe registered to do so.

Since your plumbing system might be causing issues with your heating, it could make sense to hire a professional who has experience with both plumbing and heating. Due to the close relationship between these systems, many plumbers are Gas Safe registered and capable of handling both.

When you're taking quotes for work on your heating systems, make sure you ask any plumbers and heating engineers for evidence that they're Gas Safe registered. If they're not registered, or not willing to prove their registration, it's a major red flag.