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A G Jacob & Son Plumbers
A narrow street in a quaint town with charming brick and stone buildings on both sides. A few pedestrians and a car attest to the day's calm. The sky is partly cloudy, while streetlights stand guard over green trash bins, hinting at the nearby property services bustling with shower repairs and bathroom installations.

Radiators in Bicester

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The Dos and Don’ts of Keeping Plumbing Problem-free

The team at A G Jacob & Son Plumbers has been serving Bicester for over 70 years, offering up our expertise in the form of bathroom installations, plumbing repairs, shower repairs and the installation/maintenance of radiators, amongst other services you’ll see across our website. As a plumber staffed by City & Guilds and NVQ-qualified professionals, we offer trusted, fully insured services for domestic, commercial and industrial properties alike.

But many of the situations we are called with are entirely preventable. They can be a real headache and avoided with a little bit of care and attention.  So with that in mind, here are our top dos and don’ts for keeping your plumbing running smoothly year-round.

House entrance hall with period feature victorian tiles and radiator

The Dos of Good Plumbing Maintenance

  1. Regularly Check for Leaks – Leaks can start small but quickly become a costly problem. Regularly inspect under sinks, around radiators and near bathroom installations for damp patches, mould or drips. Spotting issues early can prevent bigger plumbing repairs down the line.
  2. Maintain Your Shower and Taps – Over time, limescale can build up, particularly in hard water areas like Bicester. Clean your showerheads and taps regularly to prevent blockages and reduce wear. If you notice weak water pressure or irregular spray patterns, it might be time for professional shower repairs.
  3. Bleed Your Radiators – If your radiators aren’t heating up properly, there could be trapped air inside. Bleeding them regularly ensures they work efficiently, keeping your home warm without overworking your boiler.
  4. Know Where Your Stopcock Is – In an emergency, being able to shut off the water supply quickly can prevent major damage. Every homeowner and business should know where their stopcock is located and ensure it’s accessible.
  5. Use Drain Strainers – A simple way to prevent blockages is by using strainers in sinks and showers. These catch hair, food debris and other bits that can clog your pipes, saving you from unnecessary plumbing repairs.
  6. Schedule Professional Maintenance – Even if everything seems to be working fine, booking an occasional check-up with a qualified plumber can help catch potential problems before they escalate. As the Bicester area’s trusted plumber, handling everything from fitting new radiators to full bathroom installations, the team at A G Jacob & Son Plumbers is always on hand to ensure everything is running as it should.

The Don’ts That Can Lead to Plumbing Problems

  1. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Sink – Grease and fat solidify in your pipes, causing stubborn blockages. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the bin.
  2. Don’t Ignore Small Issues – A dripping tap, a slow-draining sink or a slight rattle from your radiators might not seem urgent, but these small problems can quickly lead to bigger, costlier issues if ignored.
  3. Don’t Use Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners – Chemical cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but they can damage your pipes over time. Instead, try a plunger or natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar.
  4. Don’t Flush the Wrong Things – Toilets are designed for toilet paper and human waste—nothing else. Flushing wipes, cotton buds or sanitary products can cause serious blockages that require professional plumbing repairs.
  5. Don’t Attempt DIY Plumbing Without Experience – While it’s a tempting idea for DIY-loving Bicester residents to tackle minor plumbing issues themselves, incorrect repairs can lead to bigger problems. If in doubt, call in a professional plumber to get the job done right.
  6. Don’t Overload Your Radiators – Hanging heavy clothes on your radiators can block heat distribution and even damage the unit. Use airers instead to dry your laundry without putting unnecessary strain on your heating system.
Old vintage heating radiator with valve, selective focus

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Even with the best maintenance, plumbing issues can arise. If you experience persistent leaks, poor water pressure or problems with bathroom installations, it’s time to call in a plumber. A G Jacob & Son Plumbers has an in-house team of highly recommended, trusted plumbers ready to assist. Whether you need shower repairs, plumbing repairs or help with radiators, we provide expert services across Bicester. Give us a call on 07975 770961 and we’ll be happy to help.