5 Plumbing Repairs Every Portsmouth Homeowner Should Know

August 7, 2025

Portsmouth’s coastal charm and historic architecture make it a lovely place to call home. But whether you're in an older Victorian terrace in Southsea or a modern build near Cosham, common plumbing issues are likely to show up—especially in Hampshire’s hard water conditions and aging pipes.


1. Dealing with Hard Water & Limescale


Portsmouth is known for its hard, “chalky” water; residents often note a taste difference and rapid limescale buildup on kettles, showerheads, and appliances 

What to do:


  • Soak taps and showerheads in white vinegar regularly to dissolve limescale—and this also helps improve flow.
  • Install a water softener if scale becomes a persistent problem.
  • Clean aerators and showerheads by immersion in vinegar overnight to clear blockages and restore water pressure

2. Unclogging Drains (Kitchens, Bathrooms, Outdoors)


Grease, hair, and soap residue often clog drains—especially in older Portsmouth homes with narrower, dated pipes. Food scraps like eggshells and fats can solidify and restrict flow
 

What to do:


  • Use strainers in sinks and baths to catch debris.
  • For minor blockages, use a plunger, a drain snake, or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water.
  • Avoid chemical cleaners that can corrode older plumbing

3. Fixing Leaky Taps & Running Toilets

Leaky taps commonly result from worn washers or O‑rings, and running toilets often stem from faulty flapper valves or float issues. These waste water and hike your bills
 

What to do:


  • Turn off water, disassemble the fixture, replace the washer/O‑ring or flapper, and reassemble.
  • A few pounds in replacement parts can save significant water waste.

4. Handling Sudden Burst Pipes (Freezing Risk)

While Portsmouth’s winters are milder than inland, freezing and burst pipes can still happen—especially in older homes with uninsulated or exposed piping
 

What to do:


  • Insulate pipes in unheated spaces and let a trickle of water run during cold snaps.
  • If a pipe bursts, immediately shut off the main water valve, which you should locate and make sure family members know.  

5. Recognising Hidden Leaks & Corrosion in Older Homes


Many of Portsmouth’s historic properties feature aging lead, cast iron, or galvanised pipework that’s prone to corrosion. Look out for damp patches, peeling paint, or higher-than-usual water bills
 

What to do:


  • Inspect under sinks, around boilers, and behind walls for dampness.
  • Consider replacing old pipework with modern copper or PEX systems, or ask a trusted Portsmouth plumber for a CCTV drain or pipe survey to pinpoint hidden damage

 


Why These Tips Matter for Portsmouth Homes


  • The chalky, hard water here amplifies limescale and clogging (taps, kettles, boilers).
  • Older properties are common and susceptible to corrosion, leaks, and weak water pressure.
  • Early action can prevent minor issues becoming costly emergencies in tightly built coastal homes.
  • 

You can find out more information on our other posts @ plumberportsmouth.com


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