These plumbing tips for homeowners are here to help you decide whether you need to hire a professional plumber. If you have an emergency plumbing failure or perhaps a persistent problem, it's time to call the experts to deal with the problem safely and efficiently.

Here are some of the most frequent call out requests.

Low boiler pressure: Although low boiler pressure is not dangerous, there are some common problems. Warming your house can cost more due to low pressure, or showers can fail to work.

The hot water isn't working: When you have no hot water, the first thing to check is whether your fuse box has tripped. Then double-check that your thermostat is high enough. Try a boiler reset if you are confident you've read the boiler instructions carefully. If you still have a hot water problem, you need a professional plumbing service.

A burst pipe: If pipes become too cold during winter, trapped water freezes, expands and cracks the pipework. Try to identify the leak and repair any broken pipe before major flooding. Call a plumber immediately if you suspect a crack. Be aware of waterlogged areas in your garden, as leaks can be underground.

Signs of a sewage problem: Perhaps it's terrible smells coming from your drain, stains on ceilings or patches of dampness on floors. A blockage somewhere in sewage drains is one of the most common plumbing problems. However, check to see whether rainwater is finding its way through gaps around your pipework.

Blocked drains: Poor foul water drainage is the most common cause of drain smells, toilet flush problems or blocked sinks. The reason could be perhaps a tree root growing into a drain. However, the most common cause is putting inappropriate waste into a drain. Not everything can be flushed away, even if labels say so. Disposing of the wrong items in toilets or sinks can cause serious problems, as things stick together to block pipes and lead to flooding. Use a bin to dispose of sanitary products, grease, fats, oils, hair, wipes - even 'flushable' wipes. Wipes and other products don't disintegrate in the same way that toilet paper. Incorrect disposal of wipes can allow tiny plastic fibres to enter the human food chain.

Dripping and gurgling noises: There may be an apparent leak or perhaps something that you can't see. Don't ignore plumbing noises, as they can indicate a problem. A dripping tap uses more water, so it increases your water bill. Get it fixed as soon as you can.

Mould: If areas around a shower or other water appliances are damp, there could be a leak somewhere. Mould can be black, grey, green or yellow and spread if left untreated.

Pipes banging: Rushing water - with nowhere to go - generates shockwaves of clogged water. Call a plumber to arrange a plumbing inspection visit if you hear pipes bang regularly.

Be prepared! Know how to operate shut-off valves

In a plumbing emergency - such as flooding - you need to know how to shut off your water supply. Find stop valves, or stop taps, both inside your home and outside. The internal stop tap is usually under your kitchen sink, in an airing cupboard or under floorboards in the hallway. Perhaps the outside stop valve is in your drive or under the pavement close to your property. Once located, check that you can turn the valve clockwise to stop the water supply. Sometimes they cease up over time. If you can't turn the inside stop tap, the external stop valve is your next option. Be aware that turning the outside valve could disrupt your neighbour's water supply. You may also need permission from your water supplier company. Always contact a professional plumber immediately to identify and fix problems.

Are you moving to a new home? Here are some tips for a new home.

• Moving house is stressful, so make sure the plumbing-related work goes smoothly, and make written notes before moving in:
• Where are the stop taps - both inside and out?
• When did a Gas Safe registered engineer last service the boiler?
• Does the property have lead pipes? How is the illegal use of lead piping to be replaced?
• Who is the water supplier? Do they have specific domestic restrictions or regulations?

Need help?

If you're unsure or inexperienced with pipes and boilers, always get a plumber in London, tradespeople or building company to do jobs properly. Our expert team can fix plumbing problems, service a boiler and install appliances. Please do get in touch to find out more.