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Dripping taps have annoyed us since the dawn of plumbing. That hypnotic drip drip drip can cause 5500 litres of wasted water in a year if untreated.  And it's usually all the fault of a little rubber washer. Here's a guide on how to fix a leaky tap:

Tools needed…
Adjustable spanner
Screwdriver
Pipe wrench
Cloth
Tap washer (1/2 inch)

A spluttering tap may not be the worst plumbing situation to arise but it is annoying, especially when coupled with clanging pipework and spitting water. Luckily, resolving the issue is just as simply as the problem. With a few basic things you can find in the garden shed and an extra pair of hands to help, free flowing water can be a quick 10 minutes away. 

Before starting:

On the 23rd and 24th of this month, Manchester United FC is housing the PHEX 2007 domestic plumbing & heating exhibition. Supported by many leading manufactures and trade associations, it is targeted primarily for local heating and plumber installers working in the Manchester area and will be show casing all the latest products and allied services associated with domestic plumbing and heating industry. 

To find out more information about the show and to register, click here for the PHEXshow.co.uk.

Tools list:

• Newspaper
• Cloth or kitchen towel
• Plunger
• Wrench
• Approx. 30cm length of thick wire
• Household bleach or disinfectant

Firstly, try to dislodge the blockage with some vigorous action with a plunger:

N.B. Before starting, place newspaper on the floor under and around the sink just in case of unforeseen spillage!

1. Block the overflow of the sink by stuffing it with some wet kitchen towel or a damp cloth to prevent any loss of pressure when you start plunging.

Firstly every home owner should have a pipe repair clamp (see below for stockists). It is the quickest way of stopping a water leak from a burst pipe as it doesn’t require the pipe to be drained before it is fitted. Perfect for saving the day when someone has got a little DIY hammer and nail happy!

Bleeding radiators releases trapped air from your central heating allowing better and more efficient radiation of heat through out your home.

Tools list:

• Radiator bleed key or flat head screw driver

Snap up this Bath and Shower Water Diverter from Natural Collection and there’ll be no need to resort to midnight watering raids when the inevitable drought kicks in this summer. Helping you to save money and reduce water wastage, this diverts used water from your shower or bath to your rain butt for later use in your thirsty garden. The device is controlled from ground level by pull cords, and is easily fitted to existing pipework. The Diverter comes with a full fitting kit and instructions.