Plumbing in Haydon Wick

Yes. Everything runs at mains pressure, so a leak can release more water than on a tank-fed system. Close the stop tap straight away if a pipe or connector fails. The upside is that a single stop tap isolates both the hot and cold supply.

Mixer taps have separate cartridges or valves for hot and cold, so one can wear before the other. Hot water tends to speed up scale build-up. A dripping tap is often down to a worn cartridge, and where parts are no longer available the whole tap may need changing. A photo of the tap helps.

The least disruptive route usually comes first, such as a bath panel or an access hatch. If pipes are fully boxed in, opening a small section near the likely leak is better than the whole run, so mention any boxing-in when you get in touch.

At mains pressure, a loose tap fixing, a worn cartridge or a partly closed isolating valve can make taps vibrate or hum. Unclipped pipes under the sink can add to it. The cause is usually in the tap or the pipework below, and whatever it is needs securing or replacing.

Bar mixer valves often suffer from scale or a worn thermostatic cartridge, causing temperature swings or drips. Cleaning the inlet filters can sometimes help. Send a photo and the brand name if you can see one and I'll say what I can help with.

Yes. Haydon Wick, Blunsdon, Purton and Lydiard Millicent are all close together and all within my area. I'm based in Highworth, about 5 miles away. Send your postcode and the details, and I'll get back to you.

Generally, yes. Many modern homes use plastic pipe for at least part of the system because it's straightforward to fit and doesn't corrode. It's reliable when installed well, but it needs proper support and correctly made joints. Copper is still usual close to the boiler.

Look for the small isolating valve on the pipe feeding the cistern and turn the slot a quarter turn with a flat screwdriver so it sits across the pipe. If there isn't one, or it won't close, use the main stop tap.

Describe the plans and send photos of the existing pipework, and I'll say what I can help with. Sorting out early where the water supplies and isolating valves will sit helps the plumbing side come together when the units go in.

It can. If a hot tap is left trickling or doesn't shut off properly, the combi may keep firing to heat that flow. Fixing the tap saves water and gas and stops the boiler running unnecessarily. If you notice this, mention it when you get in touch.