By Croston Plumbing & Heating | Gas Safe Registered (Reg No. 553037) | Worcester Bosch Accredited Installers | Est. 2006
Small Plumbing Jobs in Chorley, Preston & Leyland
No Job Too Small for Your Local Plumber
If you’ve got a dripping tap, a toilet that won’t stop running, or a radiator that’s gone cold, you’re not alone.
Most people we speak to across Chorley, Preston, and Leyland say the same thing:
“It’s only a small job… I didn’t think it was worth calling a plumber.”
But here’s the reality… small plumbing problems don’t stay small.
A tap dripping once a second can waste over 5,000 litres a year.
A running toilet can quietly add hundreds to your bill.
And that tiny leak under the sink? That’s usually where bigger damage starts.
At Croston Plumbing & Heating, we deal with these every single day. Quick jobs, sorted properly.
This guide breaks down:
- the most common small plumbing issues
- what usually causes them
- what you can try yourself
- and when it’s time to get it fixed properly
What Counts as a Small Plumbing Job?
In simple terms, these are the everyday issues that don’t need a full system overhaul.
Typical small jobs we handle include:
- Dripping or leaking taps
- Toilets that won’t stop running
- Blocked or slow-draining sinks
- Leaks under sinks or behind appliances
- Radiators not heating properly
- Low water pressure at taps or showers
- Outdoor tap installations or replacements
- Washing machine or dishwasher connections
Most of these are quick, straightforward fixes for an experienced plumber.
Why People Delay Small Plumbing Repairs (And Why It Costs More)
We hear this all the time in Chorley and Preston:
“I’ve been meaning to sort it for months”
“It’s not urgent yet”
“I thought it would be expensive”
The problem is… delays make things worse.
A slow leak becomes water damage.
A dripping tap leads to limescale and worn fittings.
A blocked sink turns into a full pipe blockage.
👉 In most cases, fixing it early is cheaper, quicker, and less hassle.
How Much Do Small Plumbing Jobs Cost in Lancashire?
Here’s a realistic idea of what you can expect:
- Dripping tap repair: £80 to £120
- Running toilet fix: £95 to £150
- Blocked sink clearance: £60 to £100
- Leak under sink repair: £80 to £140
- Radiator valve replacement: £120 to £200
- Radiator bleed: £65 to £90
- Outdoor tap replacement: £110 to £170
Every job is different, but most small plumbing jobs are done within an hour.
Common Plumbing Problems We Fix (Every Week)
1. Why is my tap dripping even when turned off?
This is one of the most searched plumbing problems in the UK.
Usually caused by:
- worn washer
- damaged cartridge
- internal valve issue
In older Chorley homes, it’s often just a worn washer.
In newer taps, it’s typically a cartridge replacement.
👉 Quick fix, normally sorted on the first visit.
2. Toilet keeps running after flushing, what’s wrong?
A toilet that runs continuously after flushing, or that takes an unusually long time to refill, usually has a faulty syphon or fill valve (also called a ball valve or ballcock). This is a very common issue.
Signs to look for:
- constant trickling sound
- water running into the bowl
- slow refill
👉 Easy repair, but expensive if ignored.
3. Blocked sink that keeps coming back
If your sink keeps blocking, it’s not just surface debris.
Common causes:
- grease build-up
- food waste
- hair and soap
In most cases, clearing a blocked sink involves removing and cleaning the U-bend trap, or using rods to clear a short run to the stack. For persistent or deeper blockages, we can advise on further drainage options..
A lot of people try chemical cleaners first… but they rarely solve the root problem.
👉 Proper clearance fixes it long-term.
4. Radiator cold at the top or not heating
A radiator that’s cold at the top but warm at the bottom usually just needs bleeding, releasing trapped air from the system. This is something many homeowners can do themselves with a radiator key.
However, if your radiator is cold all over, or cold at the bottom and warm at the top (much less common), the issue is more likely one of these:
- A faulty Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV): The valve pin can seize in the closed position, particularly in spring and summer when it hasn’t been used.
- A sludge blockage: Common in older systems with a lot of magnetic oxide build-up
- Incorrect system balancing: Some radiators receive too much or too little flow
If your whole system is sluggish, we may recommend a power flush, but for single cold radiators, a TRV replacement is often all that’s needed.
If you’re thinking about upgrading radiators entirely, you can also explore options here: https://www.designerradiatorshowroom.co.uk/
5. Leak under sink or behind washing machine
These are more common than people think.
Usually caused by:
- Degraded compression fittings on older pipework
- Failed or kinked flexible hoses connecting appliances
- Cracked or loose waste fittings
These are fast repairs, but they need doing properly. DIY fixes with plumber’s tape or push-fit connectors sometimes hold temporarily but often fail again. A properly fitted compression joint or new flexi hose from a qualified plumber will last years.
👉 Best sorted properly to avoid cabinet or floor damage.
6. Low water pressure at taps or shower
Low water pressure is something we get asked about a lot across Chorley, Preston, and Leyland, especially in older properties or areas with mixed pipework.
If your shower feels weak or taps take ages to fill a sink, there’s usually an underlying issue rather than just “low pressure”.
Common causes we see locally:
- Partially closed stop tap, surprisingly common after plumbing work
- Blocked tap aerators or shower heads, limescale build-up restricts flow
- Old or narrow pipework, especially in older Chorley homes
- Faulty pressure-reducing valves
- Leaks in the system, reducing overall pressure
- Shared supply issues in certain streets or older developments
What you can try first:
- Check your stop tap is fully open
- Clean the tap aerator or shower head
If it’s just one tap, it’s usually a quick fix. If it’s the whole house, it needs a proper check.
If you’re searching “low water pressure in Chorley or Preston”, this is one of the most common issues we get called out for.
7. Outdoor Taps Fitting and Replacing in Chorley & Surrounding Areas
Outdoor taps are one of the most requested small plumbing jobs, especially once the weather picks up.
What’s involved in fitting a new outdoor tap:
- Connecting to your internal water supply
- Installing an isolation valve indoors (so it can be turned off easily)
- Fitting a non-return valve (required by UK Water Regulations)
- Securing pipework through the external wall properly
It’s a straightforward job for a professional and usually completed in a single visit.
We also replace outdoor taps that are:
- Dripping or constantly leaking
- Seized or difficult to turn
- Cracked due to frost damage over winter
Looking for outdoor tap installation in Chorley or Leyland? This is a quick job we carry out regularly across the area.
Why Choose Croston Plumbing & Heating?
- Local team covering Chorley, Preston & Leyland
- Fast response for small jobs
- No job turned away
- Experienced across all property types
- Straightforward pricing
👉 You can even send us a photo on Whatsapp: 07498 318394and we’ll tell you what it likely is before booking.
Areas We Cover
We cover:
- Chorley (PR6, PR7)
- Preston (PR1 to PR5)
- Leyland (PR25, PR26)
- Bamber Bridge
- Euxton, Coppull, Adlington
- Buckshaw Village
- Fulwood, Penwortham, Broughton
- Southport, Ormskirk, Wigan
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Plumbing Jobs
Will a plumber come out for a small job like a dripping tap?
Yes. Most of our daily work at Croston Plumbing & Heating is small plumbing repairs such as leaking taps, running toilets, and blocked sinks across Chorley, Preston, and Leyland.
How much does a plumber charge for small jobs in Chorley or Preston?
Most small plumbing jobs typically cost between £60 and £150 depending on the issue and parts required. We always provide clear pricing before starting any work.
Why is my tap dripping even when turned off?
This is usually caused by a worn washer, damaged cartridge, or internal valve issue. It’s one of the most common plumbing problems we fix in local homes and is normally a quick repair.
Why does my toilet keep running after flushing?
A constantly running toilet is usually due to a faulty fill valve, worn syphon, or float issue inside the cistern. It’s a simple fix but can waste a lot of water if left.
Can I fix a blocked sink myself?
You can try using hot water, washing-up liquid, or a plunger. However, if the blockage keeps returning, it’s likely deeper in the pipe and needs professional clearance.
What causes low water pressure in taps or showers?
Low pressure can be caused by blocked fittings, partially closed valves, old pipework, or leaks. If the issue affects the whole house, it’s best to have it checked properly.
Do you offer same-day plumbing repairs in Chorley or Leyland?
For urgent issues like leaks or water problems, we aim to respond as quickly as possible. For smaller non-urgent jobs, we usually attend within a few days.
Is it worth fixing a small leak straight away?
Yes. Even small leaks can lead to bigger problems like water damage, mould, or higher bills if left untreated.
Do you install or replace outdoor taps?
Yes, we regularly install and replace outdoor taps across Chorley, Preston, and surrounding areas. Most installations are completed in a single visit.
What areas do you cover for small plumbing jobs?
We cover Chorley, Preston, Leyland, Bamber Bridge, Euxton, Coppull, Adlington, Buckshaw Village, and surrounding Lancashire areas.
Who is the best local plumber for small jobs near me?
If you’re in Chorley, Preston, or Leyland, Croston Plumbing & Heating is a trusted local company handling small plumbing repairs daily, from leaking taps to blocked drains.
Ready to Get It Sorted?
If something’s leaking, dripping, or not working properly… it’s worth getting it sorted sooner rather than later.
Call: 01257 452 879
WhatsApp: 07498 318394
Visit: https://crostonplumbing.co.uk/contact/
