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Home & garden · DIY & repairs

Fix It Yourself: A Practical Guide to Basic Plumbing Problem Solving

Learn to confidently tackle common household plumbing issues, from a dripping tap to a blocked toilet, without calling a plumber. This hands-on course covers essential tools, safety, and step-by-step fixes for the problems you're most likely to face at home.

540 min12 modulesBeginner friendly
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Free to take. This course does not use any Learning Credits.

What you’ll be able to do

By the end of this course, you will be able to identify, diagnose, and safely resolve at least five common household plumbing problems using basic tools and techniques, and know when to call a professional.

Course outline

A clear route from first principles to practical confidence

  1. 01

    Module 1: Getting Started – Plumbing Basics and Safety

    • How your home's water system works: pipes, stopcocks, and valves
    • Essential tools for the beginner: what you need and what you don't
    • Safety first: turning off water, avoiding burns, and electrical hazards
    • Understanding pipe materials: copper, plastic, and lead
    • Where to find your stopcock and how to isolate a specific tap
  2. 02

    Module 2: The Dripping Tap – Fixing a Common Annoyance

    • Why taps drip: washers, O-rings, and valve seats
    • How to turn off the water supply to a tap
    • Taking apart a standard pillar tap step by step
    • Replacing a washer and O-ring
    • Reassembling and testing for leaks
  3. 03

    Module 3: Blocked Sinks and Drains – Clearing the Way

    • Common causes of blockages in kitchen and bathroom sinks
    • Using a plunger effectively
    • Removing and cleaning a sink trap (U-bend)
    • Using a drain snake or wire for stubborn blockages
    • Preventing future blockages with simple habits
  4. 04

    Module 4: Toilet Troubles – Fixing a Running or Blocked Toilet

    • How a toilet cistern works: the float, fill valve, and flush valve
    • Fixing a constantly running toilet
    • Replacing a faulty flush valve or flapper
    • Clearing a blocked toilet without a plumber
    • When to call a professional for toilet issues
  5. 05

    Module 5: Leaky Pipes and Joints – Stopping the Drip

    • Finding the source of a leak: visual checks and listening
    • Temporary fixes: pipe repair tape and epoxy putty
    • Tightening a loose compression joint
    • Replacing a section of plastic pipe with a push-fit connector
    • Knowing when a leak needs a professional repair
  6. 06

    Module 6: Low Water Pressure – Boosting Your Flow

    • Understanding water pressure: mains vs. gravity-fed systems
    • Checking for a partially closed stopcock or valve
    • Cleaning aerators and shower heads
    • Identifying a blocked pipe or scale buildup
    • When low pressure indicates a bigger problem
  7. 07

    Module 7: Outside Taps and Hoses – Winter-Proofing and Repairs

    • Types of outside taps: standard and frost-proof
    • Fixing a dripping outside tap
    • Replacing a hose connector or washer
    • Winterising your outside tap to prevent burst pipes
    • Dealing with a frozen outside tap safely
  8. 08

    Module 8: Radiator and Heating System Basics

    • How a central heating system works: boiler, radiators, and pipes
    • Bleeding a radiator to release trapped air
    • Checking and repressurising a combi boiler
    • Balancing radiators for even heat
    • When to call a heating engineer
  9. 09

    Module 9: Waste Traps and Overflows – Keeping Things Clear

    • Understanding waste traps: bottle traps, P-traps, and S-traps
    • Cleaning a smelly or slow-draining trap
    • Fixing a leaking overflow pipe from a toilet or tank
    • Replacing a worn trap seal
    • Preventing odours from drains
  10. 10

    Module 10: Emergency Plumbing – What to Do When Things Go Wrong

    • The first step: turning off the water and electricity
    • Dealing with a burst pipe
    • Managing a flooded floor: mopping and drying
    • Emergency repairs for a leaking toilet or sink
    • Creating a home emergency plumbing kit
  11. 11

    Module 11: Tools and Materials – Building Your Plumbing Kit

    • Must-have tools: spanners, pliers, and a pipe cutter
    • Choosing the right sealant: PTFE tape, jointing compound, and silicone
    • Understanding fittings: compression, push-fit, and soldered
    • Where to buy plumbing supplies and what to look for
    • Storing and maintaining your tools
  12. 12

    Module 12: Knowing Your Limits – When to Call a Professional

    • Signs of a serious problem: water damage, gas smells, or major leaks
    • Jobs that require a certified professional: gas work, major pipework
    • How to find a reliable plumber and what to ask
    • Understanding quotes and avoiding common scams
    • Course recap: your new skills and next steps