Radiators & taps
Radiator & Tap Repairs in Southampton
A leaking radiator or a dripping tap rarely fixes itself. We'll tell you honestly what's a quick repair and what needs replacing — fast response, typically within the hour across Southampton.
Leaking radiators
Where the leak is coming from decides whether it's a straightforward repair or a case for replacement.
Leaking valve
Usually fixable on the spot — a worn washer, a loose union, or a valve that needs reseating rather than replacing.
Leaking gland
The gland around the valve spindle can dry out over time. Often repairable by repacking or replacing the gland nut.
Pinhole leak in the radiator
Corrosion from the inside out. Small pinholes can sometimes be sealed, but a radiator riddled with them is usually best replaced.
Cold radiators & balancing
A radiator that's cold at the top usually needs bleeding to release trapped air. Cold at the bottom points to sludge build-up restricting flow. And if one room never quite heats up while others do, the system may simply need balancing — adjusting the valves so heat is distributed evenly across the whole house rather than favouring the radiators nearest the boiler.
Dripping taps
What a drip really costs
A steadily dripping tap can waste well over 5,000 litres a year — that's money and water going straight down the drain for something usually cheap to fix.
Washer, cartridge, or replacement?
Older tap designs just need a new washer. Modern mixer taps usually use a ceramic disc cartridge — a quick swap once we've identified the right part. If the tap body itself is worn or corroded, replacement is the more sensible fix.
Outside taps & isolation valves
Outside taps are exposed to frost and knocks, and a common source of winter leaks. We repair or replace outside taps and fit isolation valves so you can shut off outdoor supply without affecting the rest of the house.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop a radiator leak myself?
You can usually slow it down — towels underneath, and turning the valve fully closed at both ends if accessible. That buys time but doesn't fix the underlying fault, so it's worth getting it looked at before it gets worse or the surrounding floor and skirting take damage.
Is a dripping tap an emergency?
Not usually — but it's worth booking in promptly. A drip wastes water continuously, can stain fittings, and sometimes signals a washer or cartridge that's about to fail completely, which can turn a simple job into a bigger leak.
Why is one radiator cold?
Most often trapped air (bleed it), sludge restricting flow, or a system that's out of balance so heat favours other radiators. Occasionally it's a stuck valve. We can diagnose which it is and fix or rebalance the system accordingly.