If you live in the UK and are looking for a builder, how can you ensure you employ a good builder who is competent and trustworthy? Finding builders or tradesmen is generally quite easy. You can find a number of trades and craftsmen like electricians, plumber's roofers in local papers or the yellow pages or on the internet. But a list of companies is just not enough. Because builders have a bad reputation it is important to find a company that isn't likely to turn up on one of the television programs exposed as a poor con artist. The trouble is, anyone can set them self up as a builder so finding a seasoned expert rather than an ex window cleaner should be foremost in your mind. You also want a company that can accommodate you budge and do a professional job.
So I started calling plumbers. And there was one name that immediately came to mind: Godot (not his real name). I have lived here in Gilford for eight years and have seen his advertisements at least daily ever since I moved in. His ads are in the local papers, on the local internet sites, he's got an expensive full page ad in several telephone directories, I believe I even received a personal direct mail piece from him when I bought my home.
Some bathtub valves do not take washers and therefore you cannot repair them. If you have a washerless shut-off valve that leaks it will need to be replaced. You will need: a propane torch, solder, flux, sandcloth, a wire fitting brush, a small section of copper pipe (most likely 3/4" I.D.), a slip coupling (again probably 3/4") and a shut-off valve. I would highly recommend installing a ball valve with a drain on it as opposed to a washer style valve. If you purchase a decent quality ball valve it will last a very long time.
If you're ready to appoint one of the Trustworthy plumber, but want to do one last check beforehand, doing a little bit of online research on the company name and the individuals you've spoken to may present some reviews or comments from previous customers.
Third, if you dissemble things, do you know how to put it back and not cause further damage? This is something that commonly happens. Some people attempt to fix the problem and end up causing a lot more damage! Then they try to do something else, which causes even more problems and by the time they call the Local plumber, the problem is much worse and now, they not only have to pay for the service but may even to pay a higher amount for the double repair.
Kitchen sink drains are usually plugged by food particles. Discretion should be exercised in using a garbage disposal. Tough and fibrous food like corn husks and onion skins should not be run through the disposal. Large amounts of potato peelings can also cause problems by forming a thick slurry.
Without a knowledge of this home improvement area, you run the risk of creating more of a problem than you began with. You don't want to make things worse and you don't want to create any more damage, so take a step back and call a knowledgeable plumbing service to come in and take over the project.