Toru SOS blog — plumbing, blocked drains and pipe maintenance

Practical guides on plumbing work, drain unblocking, CCTV pipe inspection, high-pressure jetting and leak detection — written for Estonian buildings and climate.

Repairs & water leaks

Dripping mixer tap – is a new seal enough to fix it?

Mixer tap dripping even with the lever off? See when a seal or cartridge helps, and when a new tap is the only sensible fix.

When should you replace a kitchen mixer tap?

Replacing a kitchen mixer tap pays off before a leak starts under the cabinet. Wear signs, hose lifespan, and what to measure before buying.

Why is a heated towel rail dripping or seeping?

Heated towel rail dripping from a connection or bleed valve? See the causes, what to check yourself, and when to shut off the riser.

Why does a radiator make a knocking or banging noise?

Radiator knocking, banging or clicking? See the difference between thermal expansion, trapped air and water hammer, and when noise signals a fault.

Radiator thermostatic head is stuck – what should you do?

Thermostatic head turns but the radiator doesn't respond? See how to identify a stuck pin, free it, and when the head needs replacing.

Heating system pressure too high – what to check

Gauge reading over 2.5 bar and the safety valve dripping? Here's why heating pressure rises and what to check before calling a technician.

Why does a heating system expansion vessel need checking?

An expansion vessel keeps heating pressure stable. Here's how to check its pre-charge, spot a torn membrane, and know when to replace it.

Signs a house heating system needs flushing

Black heating water, lukewarm radiators and a noisy pump are signs of sludge. Here's how to assess your house heating system's condition yourself.

Why isn't underfloor heating warming one room?

One room stays cold while the rest of your underfloor heating works fine? Here's how to check manifold flow rates, actuators, air, and more.

Why does hot water temperature fluctuate in the shower?

Shower water swings between hot and cold? Here's the role of the cylinder, heat exchanger, mixer and circulation, and what you can check yourself.