Plumbing & Water
General Plumbing Repairs
Day-to-day plumbing repairs — from dripping taps and running toilets to leaks, blockages and minor pipework issues — carried out by an experienced plumber.
Not every plumbing problem needs a full installation or a major project — sometimes you just need a reliable plumber to fix a dripping tap, sort out a running toilet, or track down a small leak before it causes damage. Adrian provides general plumbing repairs for homeowners across Grays and nearby areas, handling the everyday issues that crop up in homes of all ages. With over 20 years' experience, Adrian diagnoses problems quickly and carries out lasting repairs using quality materials — so the job's done right the first time.
What general plumbing repairs cover
General plumbing repairs are the day-to-day fixes that keep your home's plumbing working properly. That includes:
- Repair of dripping or leaking taps — replacing washers, cartridges, O-rings or the tap itself
- Fixing running toilets — replacing fill valves, flush valves, flappers and diaphragms
- Repair of toilets that won't flush, flush weakly, or flush on their own
- Fixing leaks from pipework, joints, valves and flexible connectors
- Clearing minor blockages in sinks, basins, baths and showers
- Repair of waste pipes and traps — replacing corroded or leaking sections
- Fixing radiators that leak from valves or the body of the radiator
- Replacement of faulty isolation valves and stopcock repairs
- Repair of shower valves that drip, leak or have temperature/flow issues
- Fixing pipework that's corroded, sweating or showing signs of wear
Taps and toilets
Dripping taps and running toilets are among the most common plumbing problems in any home. A tap that drips continuously can waste a surprising amount of water over time, and a running toilet can do the same. In many cases, the fix is straightforward — replacing a worn washer, cartridge or valve — but identifying the right part is essential, especially with modern mixer taps that use ceramic cartridges rather than traditional washers. Adrian carries a range of common parts and can usually identify and source what's needed quickly. If a tap or toilet is beyond economical repair, he'll let you know and can arrange a replacement.
Leaks and blockages
Leaks can appear anywhere in your plumbing system — under sinks, behind toilets, at pipe joints, or from appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. The key is finding the source, not just the visible drip, because water can travel along pipework and surfaces before it appears. Adrian traces leaks methodically and carries out a proper repair rather than a temporary patch. For minor blockages in sinks, basins and baths, Adrian clears the waste and checks the trap and pipework for underlying issues — such as build-up or a partially collapsed pipe — that could cause the problem to return.
Common reasons homeowners need a plumbing repair
Plumbing problems are part of life in any home, and most can be fixed quickly if caught early. Here are the most common reasons homeowners call Adrian for a general plumbing repair:
- A tap is dripping and won't stop, no matter how hard you tighten it
- The toilet keeps running after flushing, or won't flush at all
- There's a visible leak under the sink, behind the toilet or from a pipe
- A sink, basin or bath is draining slowly or not at all
- A radiator valve is weeping or dripping onto the floor
- An isolation valve won't turn or has seized in one position
- A flexible connector to a washing machine or dishwasher has started leaking
- You can hear water running but can't find where it's coming from
- A shower valve drips after use or has inconsistent temperature
- You've noticed damp or a water stain on a wall or ceiling and suspect a pipe
Why plumbing repairs should be done properly
Even a small plumbing problem can cause significant damage if it's left unattended or repaired incorrectly. A slow drip under a sink can rot the cabinet and floor beneath it. A running toilet can waste hundreds of litres of water. And a leak behind a wall can cause structural damage and mould before you even know it's there. Adrian has over 20 years' experience and takes the time to identify the actual cause of a problem — not just the symptom — and carries out a proper repair using quality materials. After the repair, the area is checked and tested to confirm the issue is resolved.
- All plumbing repairs are carried out by an experienced plumber with over 20 years' experience
- Adrian identifies the root cause of the problem, not just the visible symptom
- Quality materials are used for every repair — no temporary patches
- The repair is tested before sign-off to confirm the issue is resolved
- Where a repair reveals a larger problem, Adrian explains the situation and advises on options
How the process works
Get in touch
Call or request a callback. Describe the problem — what's happening, where, and when it started.
Diagnose the issue
Adrian inspects the problem, identifies the cause, and explains what needs to be done to fix it.
Repair and test
Adrian carries out the repair using appropriate parts and materials, then tests to confirm it's fixed.
Advice and sign-off
Adrian confirms the repair is complete, tidies up, and advises on anything to watch for in future.
What you can prepare
To help Adrian diagnose and fix the problem efficiently, please have the following ready before he arrives:
- A clear description of the problem — what's happening, where, and how long it's been going on
- If it's a tap or toilet issue, the make and model if you know it (often on the fixture or in documentation)
- Clear access to the affected area — clear items from under sinks, around toilets, or near appliances
- Access to your main water stopcock in case the supply needs to be isolated
- If there's a leak, try to note where the water first appears and whether it's constant or intermittent
- If you've noticed any related issues — such as low pressure or discoloured water — mention those too
Areas we cover
Adrian Plumbing & Heating is based near Grays and generally covers locations within around 10 miles, including:
Not sure if we cover your postcode? Request a callback and Adrian can confirm.
Need general plumbing repairs?
Request a callback and Adrian will discuss the job with you.

