Call a plumber when a leak keeps coming back, when a damp patch spreads, when water pressure drops in one place and no valve explains it, or when a drain stays slow after a simple clean. Turn off the water at the stop valve first if you can reach it safely, and keep water away from switches and sockets.
Dripping taps, pipes and flush tanks
A steady drip adds up. A flush tank that keeps refilling or trickling into the bowl wastes water all day without anyone noticing.
- Taps. Usually a worn internal part. It is a small repair if done early.
- Pipe joints. A joint that weeps when the water is on may have loosened or aged. Wipe it dry and watch whether it wets again.
- Flush tanks. If you hear water running after the tank has filled, something inside is not sealing.
If the same fitting leaks again after a repair, ask the plumber why, not only to fix it again.
Low water pressure
Work out where it is low before guessing why.
Low in one place
One tap or one shower is weak while the rest are fine. The cause is usually local: a part-closed valve, a clogged tap outlet or a restriction in that branch.
Low everywhere
If every tap is weak, look at the shared parts: the overhead tank level, the motor and the main supply line. Pipes can also narrow inside over time where water leaves deposits. Water quality varies from one part of Chennai to another, so ask your plumber what they find in your pipes instead of assuming.
Slow drains and smells
A basin or floor drain that empties slowly is usually partly blocked by hair, soap, food waste or fine dirt. Clean the visible strainer first.
If it is still slow, or if several drains are slow together, the blockage may be further down the line. Avoid pouring strong drain chemicals again and again. They can damage fittings and are unpleasant for whoever has to work on the drain afterwards.
A persistent smell from a drain can mean a dry trap or a problem with ventilation in the line. A plumber can tell which.
Damp patches on walls and ceilings
A damp patch is not always a plumbing fault. It can come from rain seeping in, a leaking pipe inside the wall or water from the flat above.
- If it grows even when it has not rained, a pipe may be leaking.
- If it appears below a bathroom, water may be escaping from the floor or a waste pipe.
- If it is near a switch, socket or the distribution board, keep away from it and treat it as a safety matter.
Cutting open a wall to look is a decision for after inspection. A good plumber will try to work out the line of the leak first.
Tanks, motors and supply connections
Many Chennai homes depend on a sump, an overhead tank and a motor. Overflowing tanks, a motor that runs too long and a tank that never seems to fill are all worth a check. Remember that a motor is an electrical device. If it trips the breaker or hums without pumping, call someone who can look at both the pump and the supply.
Heavy rain and the monsoon
During the northeast monsoon, water can find its way into places it normally does not. Check that terrace outlets and balcony drains are clear before the rains, and watch for new damp patches afterwards. Keep water away from wiring, and do not touch wet electrical fittings.
When to call a plumber and when you can wait
| What you see | Reasonable first step | Call a plumber when |
|---|---|---|
| Dripping tap | Close it fully and watch | It keeps dripping |
| Weak shower only | Check the shower head and the tap valve | It stays weak |
| Slow basin | Clean the visible strainer | Still slow afterwards |
| Wet patch on a wall | Note the size, photograph it | It spreads or is near wiring |
| Water on the floor now | Close the stop valve if safe | Immediately, or if you cannot find the source |
For details of the plumbing work we describe, see our plumbing services page. Whether a visit is possible at your address is something we confirm when you contact us. This website does not promise emergency or out-of-hours plumbing.
Key takeaways
- A dripping tap or flush tank wastes water every day. Fix it early.
- Low pressure in one bathroom points to that line. Low pressure everywhere points to the tank, motor or supply.
- A spreading damp patch on a wall or ceiling needs a proper look, and water near wiring is a safety issue.
- Pouring strong chemicals into a slow drain can make things worse.
- Plan plumbing before you tile, not after.
