Common Plumbing Emergencies in Tonbridge Homes (and How to Prevent Them)
Plumbing problems can strike at any time, and when they do, they can cause serious damage — especially if they aren’t dealt with quickly. Homeowners across Tonbridge, from Hildenborough and Southborough to Higham Lane and Judd School areas, often experience similar emergency plumbing issues due to the mix of older homes, high water pressure zones and ageing pipework in the region.
Here are the most common plumbing emergencies in Tonbridge homes, along with tips on how to prevent them before they become costly problems.
1. Burst or Leaking Pipes
A burst pipe is one of the most serious and fast-spreading plumbing emergencies.
What causes it?
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- Frozen pipes during colder months
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- Corroded or old pipework
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- High pressure in the system
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- Loose joints or DIY alterations
How to prevent it:
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- Insulate exposed pipes
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- Have your system checked annually
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- Fix small leaks before they worsen
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- Keep heating on low during winter cold spells
2. Blocked Drains and Toilets
Blocked drains are extremely common in Tonbridge, especially in older terraced homes with ageing waste pipes.
Causes include:
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- Wet wipes and sanitary products
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- Food fat and grease
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- Hair buildup
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- Tree roots in outdoor pipes
Prevention tips:
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- Use strainers on sinks and baths
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- Never flush wipes (even “flushable” ones)
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- Avoid pouring oils or fats down the sink
- Book drain cleaning if you notice slow drainage
3. Boiler Breakdowns and No Hot Water
A sudden loss of hot water is one of the most disruptive household emergencies.
Common causes:
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- Low boiler pressure
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- Faulty components (valves, pumps, sensors)
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- Frozen condensate pipes
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- Lack of servicing
How to reduce the risk:
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- Check pressure regularly
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- Keep outdoor pipework insulated
- Replace older systems before they fail completely
4. Overflowing Toilets
An overflowing toilet can lead to water damage very quickly.
What causes it?
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- Blockages within the pan or pipe
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- Faulty float valve
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- Problems in the external drain line
Prevention:
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- Avoid flushing foreign objects
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- Fix slow-filling or constantly running toilets early
- Get a professional to investigate recurring blockages
5. Leaking or Broken Taps
Although less dramatic, leaking taps waste water and can cause damage over time.
Typical reasons:
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- Worn washers
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- Corroded tap components
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- High-pressure surges
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- Poor-quality fittings
Prevention:
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- Install quality fixtures
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- Address leaks immediately
- Have pressure regulated if it’s consistently high
When Should You Call an Emergency Plumber in Tonbridge?
Call a professional immediately if:
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- Water is leaking uncontrollably
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- You smell gas or suspect a boiler fault
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- Your toilet is overflowing
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- You have no hot water or heating in winter
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- A pipe has burst or frozen
Fast action reduces damage, repair costs and disruption.