A dripping tap. A toilet that will not stop running. A radiator that stays cold when the rest of the house is warm.
These problems might not seem serious at first, but plumbing issues can become more disruptive when they are left unattended.
At Croston Plumbing & Heating, we carry out a range of plumbing repairs and general plumbing work for homeowners and businesses across Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Wigan and surrounding areas of Lancashire.
Some repairs are straightforward. Others need prompt attention, particularly when there is a significant leak or the risk of further water damage.
If something is leaking, blocked, making an unusual noise, or simply not working as it should, here are some of the common plumbing problems we deal with and what you need to know.
Common Plumbing Repairs We Carry Out
Leaking Taps and Pipes
A dripping tap is easy to ignore, especially when it is only a few drops at a time. However, a tap that continues to leak can be caused by a worn washer, damaged cartridge or another faulty component.
Leaks underneath sinks can also be difficult to spot. You may notice a damp cupboard, a musty smell or water around the pipework before you realise there is a leak.
A small leak does not necessarily mean major plumbing work is required, but it is worth having the problem checked before it causes further damage.
This was reflected in Tom Ford’s Google review, where he said the engineer arrived on time, quickly diagnosed the problem and completed the repair within an hour.
“Excellent service. Arrived on time and quickly diagnosed the problem. Repaired just one hour later. Would not hesitate to recommend them.”
Blocked Sinks, Toilets and Drains
A sink that takes longer than usual to empty, a toilet that struggles to flush or a drain that keeps backing up can all indicate a blockage.
Sometimes the cause is close to the plughole or toilet. In other cases, the blockage may be further along the pipework.
If the problem keeps returning, it is worth finding out what is causing it rather than relying on repeated temporary fixes.
Croston Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing, drainage and leak repair services for a range of common household problems.
Burst and Leaking Pipes
A burst pipe or major leak needs prompt attention.
If you discover a burst pipe, turn off the water supply if it is safe to do so and contact a plumber as soon as possible. You should also move belongings away from the affected area where possible.
Leaks can be particularly disruptive when water is entering a ceiling, wall or floor.
Cathy Kamel’s Google review describes a situation where water from a bath was coming through the ceiling. She said the engineer attended the following day and described the service as prompt, quick and efficient.
“I had a leak from my bath coming through my ceiling. I phoned CPH and spoke to Sarah… The engineer came the next day, very prompt, quick and efficient. I would certainly recommend CPH.”
Frozen pipes can also cause problems during colder weather, particularly where pipework is exposed or poorly protected.
Running Toilets and Cistern Problems
A toilet that continues running after flushing is another common plumbing repair.
The cause could be a faulty fill valve, flush mechanism, seal or another component inside the cistern. While it may not look like an emergency, a toilet that keeps running wastes water and may indicate a fault that needs attention.
If your toilet is constantly running, leaking or not flushing properly, a plumber can identify the cause and repair or replace the faulty component where required.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be frustrating, particularly when your shower suddenly feels weaker than usual or a tap takes longer to fill a sink.
There are several possible causes, including problems with valves, pipework, fittings or the wider water supply.
Rather than replacing fittings without knowing what is causing the problem, it makes sense to have the system checked first. The appropriate solution depends on where the pressure problem is coming from.
Radiator and Heating Plumbing Repairs
Not every plumbing problem involves a tap, toilet or pipe.
If a radiator is leaking, not heating properly or has a faulty valve, it may need attention from a plumbing and heating engineer.
Croston Plumbing & Heating provides radiator installation, replacement and repair services across areas including Preston, Chorley and Leyland. This can include radiator fitting, valve replacement, pipework adjustments and related installation work.
If you are replacing an old radiator, there are different styles and sizes to consider, including column radiators, vertical radiators, horizontal radiators, designer radiators and bathroom towel radiators.
Croston’s radiator showroom also gives customers the opportunity to view different radiator styles and towel rails before arranging installation.
Do You Need a Plumber for a Small Repair?
This is something customers often ask.
A dripping tap, leaking pipe, faulty toilet or blocked sink may seem too small to call a plumber about. However, these are common plumbing problems that can become more disruptive if they are left for too long.
Croston Plumbing & Heating handles smaller plumbing jobs as well as larger plumbing and heating work, including leaking taps, running toilets, blocked sinks, leaks and radiator-related problems.
Robert Baker’s Google review highlights the type of service customers often look for when arranging a plumbing repair.
If you have been putting off a small repair because you think it is not worth calling someone out, it is still worth asking. A quick repair may be simpler than dealing with a more disruptive problem later.
When Is a Plumbing Problem an Emergency?
Not every plumbing fault needs an emergency call-out.
A dripping tap or slightly slow sink can normally be arranged as a routine repair. A burst pipe, major leak, or serious water escape needs more immediate attention.
As a general rule, contact a plumber promptly if:
- Water is escaping from a burst pipe
- You cannot stop a major leak
- Water is coming through a ceiling or wall
- A leak is close to electrical equipment
- A blocked toilet is causing significant disruption, particularly if it is the only usable toilet in the property
- You are concerned that continuing to use the plumbing could cause further damage
Croston Plumbing & Heating provides emergency plumbing call-outs for urgent plumbing problems.
Patrick Barlow’s Facebook review also reflects his experience of using CPH for work across several properties.
Plumbing Repairs in Preston, Leyland, Chorley and Wigan
Finding a plumber who covers your area is often one of the first things customers want to know.
Croston Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing and heating services across Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Wigan and surrounding areas of Lancashire.
The company works with both domestic and commercial customers and provides services ranging from general plumbing and leak repairs to boiler, central heating and bathroom work.
If you are unsure whether your postcode is covered, contact the team directly before booking.
Plumbing in Preston
Looking for plumbing repairs in Preston? Croston Plumbing & Heating provides general plumbing, leak repairs, emergency plumbing and other plumbing services for homes and businesses across Preston and nearby areas.
Plumbing in Leyland
For plumbing repairs in Leyland, Croston Plumbing & Heating can help with everyday plumbing problems, leaks, blocked toilets and sinks, radiator issues and other plumbing requirements.
Plumbing in Chorley
If you need plumbing services in Chorley, Croston Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing repairs, leak detection, emergency plumbing and related heating services for domestic and commercial customers.
Plumbing in Wigan
For plumbing repairs in Wigan, Croston Plumbing & Heating provides general plumbing and emergency plumbing services, helping customers with leaks, blockages, toilet repairs and other common plumbing problems.
What Does a Plumber Usually Check?
It depends on the problem, but an inspection may include:
- Finding the source of a leak
- Checking visible pipework and connections
- Inspecting taps, toilets or valves
- Checking water pressure
- Identifying the cause of a blockage
- Looking at radiator valves and connections
- Checking whether a repair or replacement is more appropriate
The important part is finding the cause rather than simply treating the visible symptom.
For example, replacing a tap may solve the immediate problem, but if the pipework behind it is leaking, that underlying issue may still need attention.
Thomas Ralph Ford’s Facebook review highlights this practical approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Repairs
How quickly can a plumber come out for an emergency in Preston?
For urgent plumbing problems, Croston Plumbing & Heating provides an emergency call-out service. Response times can depend on the nature of the problem, location and engineer availability, so it is best to contact the team directly when you need urgent assistance.
What should I do if a pipe bursts in my house?
If you have a burst pipe, turn off the water supply if you can do so safely and move belongings away from the affected area. Then contact a plumber as soon as possible, particularly if water is entering ceilings, walls or areas near electrical equipment.
Can you fix a leaking tap?
Yes. Leaking taps are a common type of small plumbing repair. The cause may be a worn washer, cartridge, valve or another internal component, so the exact repair depends on the type of tap and the fault.
Can a plumber fix a toilet that keeps running?
Yes. A running toilet can be caused by a problem with the flush mechanism, fill valve, seal or float. The faulty component can be checked and repaired or replaced where necessary.
Do you take on small plumbing jobs?
Yes. Croston Plumbing & Heating handles smaller plumbing repairs as well as larger plumbing and heating work, including leaking taps, running toilets, blocked sinks, leaks and radiator problems.
Do you provide plumbing repairs in Wigan?
Yes. Croston Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing services in Wigan, including general plumbing work and emergency plumbing services.
Do you provide plumbing services in Preston and Leyland?
Yes. Croston Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing services across Preston, Leyland and surrounding areas, including emergency plumbing, drainage and leak repairs, toilet repairs, bathroom installations and other plumbing services.
Can you install or replace radiators?
Yes. Croston Plumbing & Heating provides radiator installation and replacement services, including column, vertical, horizontal, designer and bathroom radiators. The team can also help with radiator valves, pipework adjustments and related installation work.
Do you also carry out bathroom plumbing?
Yes. Croston Plumbing & Heating provides bathroom installation and associated plumbing work, from individual plumbing work through to complete bathroom projects.
Plumbing Problems Are Easier to Deal With When You Catch Them Early
Plumbing repairs are rarely something anyone plans to spend money on. But dealing with a leaking pipe, faulty toilet or blocked sink early can help prevent a small problem from becoming more disruptive.
Whether you need a plumber in Preston, Leyland, Chorley or Wigan, Croston Plumbing & Heating can help with general plumbing repairs, emergency plumbing, radiator services, bathroom plumbing and wider heating requirements.
If you are not sure whether your problem needs a plumber, it is still worth asking. Sometimes a quick conversation is enough to work out what needs doing next.
Need a plumber? Contact Croston Plumbing & Heating to discuss your plumbing repair or arrange a call-out.


