Being able to tackle your own plumbing installations and repairs can save you the cost of hiring professionals, and that can amount to a substantial sum of money. It also avoids the distress and inconvenience of ruined decorations, and the expense of replacing rotted household timbers where a slow leak has gone undetected. Then there’s the saving in water. A dripping tap wastes litres of water a day, and if it’s hot water, there’s the additional expense of eating it. A little of your time and a few pence spent on a washer can save you pounds. A South Kensington Plumber is experienced with both systems.


Water systems.

Generally, domestic plumbing incorporates two systems. One is the supply of fresh water from the mains, and the other is the waste or drainage system.

Stored water system (indirect).

The storage tank in the loft and the cool water tap in the kitchen are fed directly from the mains so possibly are, your washing machine, electric shower and outside tap. Water for baths, wash basins, flushing WCs and sometimes a shower is drawn from the storage tank, which should be covered with a purpose made lid to protect the water from contamination. Cold water from the storage tank is fed to a hot water cylinder which is indirectly heated by a boiler or immersion heater to supply the hot taps. South Kensington Plumbers can work on indirect systems.

Mains fed system. (Direct).

Many homes now take all the water directly from the mains, all the taps are under high pressure, and they’ll provide water that is suitable for drinking. This has come about as a result of limited loft space that precludes a storage tank and the introduction of non-return check valves, which prevent drinking water being contaminated. Hot water is supplied by a combination boiler or a multipoint heater, these instantaneous heaters are unable to maintain a constant flow of hot water if too many taps are running at once. A mains fed system is cheaper to install than an indirect one. Other advantages include mains pressure and drinking water at all taps. With a mains fed system there’s no plumbing in the loft to freeze.