Dripping overflow fix in Exeter
Professional dripping overflow fix services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
20-30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Overflow pipe dripping outside? I'll find the cause and fix it properly - usually a dodgy ballcock in under half an hour. No more noise, no more wall staining, job sorted.
Stop That Annoying Drip
There it goes again. Drip... drip... drip... The overflow pipe outside your bathroom window or by the gutter, leaving a dark stain down the wall and driving you mental every time you're in the garden.
The good news? This is usually a quick fix once you know what you're doing.
💡 Pro tip: Your overflow isn't faulty - it's doing exactly what it should. The problem is whatever's letting too much water into your tank in the first place.
What's Actually Happening
| ✅ Normal Operation | ❌ When It Drips |
|---|---|
| Tank fills, ballcock shuts off | Ballcock doesn't shut off properly |
| Overflow stays dry | Tank fills past normal level |
| Silent, no dripping | Water escapes via overflow pipe |
| No water wasted | Constant drip, wasted water, stained walls |
What I'll Do
🔧 Find The Problem
There are a few places overflow pipes come from:
- Toilet cistern (most common)
- Cold water tank in the loft
- Sometimes hot water cylinder overflow
I'll identify which one's dripping, then get up there and sort it.
📦 Fix It Properly
| Issue | The Fix |
|---|---|
| Worn ballcock washer | Replace washer or whole valve if needed |
| Ballcock needs adjusting | Adjust float height to shut off earlier |
| Debris stopping valve closing | Clean out, test operation |
Pricing Guide
| Job | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard overflow fix | 20-30 mins | £60 |
| Multiple tanks to check | 30-45 mins | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Most overflow drips are sorted well within that.
Why It's Worth Fixing Now
⚠️ Water waste - that constant drip adds up on your bill
⚠️ Wall damage - staining leads to damp, algae growth, looks terrible
⚠️ Noise - bloody annoying when you're trying to enjoy your garden
✅ Quick fix - sorted in under an hour, no mess, no drama
Why Choose Us for Dripping overflow fix in Exeter?
Stop annoying drip noise for good
Prevent wall staining and damp damage
Fixed in under 30 minutes
Get to the root cause, not just the symptom
What to Expect
Step 1: Locate The Drip
I'll identify which overflow is dripping and where it's coming from - toilet, loft tank, or elsewhere.
Step 2: Check The Valve
Up to the source to inspect the ballcock. Usually it's either worn out, needs adjusting, or has muck stopping it closing.
Step 3: Fix & Test
Replace or adjust the faulty part, then run the tank through a fill cycle to make sure it shuts off cleanly. Drip sorted.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy having a go yourself? Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Adjustable spanner
- Screwdriver
- Bucket or bowl
- Possibly a replacement ballcock valve
🔍 Finding the problem
- Listen when you flush - does it keep filling longer than normal?
- Lift the lid off your toilet cistern - is water level right up to the overflow?
- Check your loft tank if you have one - same thing, water level too high?
- Once you've found it, you know what to fix
🛠️ The actual fix
- Turn off water supply to that tank (isolation valve or stopcock)
- Flush toilet or drain tank to empty it
- Unscrew the ballcock valve - it usually comes apart in two halves
- Check the washer inside - if it's worn or has grit, that's your problem
- Replace washer or whole valve, reassemble, turn water back on
- Adjust the float so it shuts off before the overflow level
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not turning water off first (messy!)
- Over-tightening connections and cracking plastic
- Adjusting float too high - it needs headroom to shut off cleanly
- Forgetting to check your work - run it through a cycle!
💡 Pro trick: Before taking anything apart, take a photo. Makes reassembly much easier, especially with modern plastic cistern valves that have multiple bits.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Can't get up in the loft? No problem - I've got ladders and don't mind roof spaces.
Old house with ancient plumbing? I work on Exeter's Victorian houses all the time. If your ballcock is properly old school, I might need to source a part, but I'll let you know.
Booking multiple jobs? If you've got a few little bits that need doing, lump them together - much more efficient than separate callouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my overflow pipe dripping?
Usually it's a faulty ballcock in your toilet cistern or loft tank letting too much water in. The overflow is doing its job - stopping your tank overflowing - but the drip shouldn't be constant. Quick fix once I get to the actual problem.
Is a dripping overflow an emergency?
Not immediately, but don't ignore it. You're wasting water, the constant moisture can stain your walls and cause damp, and your water bill is ticking up. Plus it's bloody annoying to listen to. Worth fixing properly.
Can you fix it same day?
Usually yes - it's normally a quick job once I locate which tank is the culprit. I carry common parts so most overflow drips are sorted in one visit. I'll tell you if it needs anything unusual.
Will you need to turn my water off?
Briefly, yes - usually just while I swap out the ballcock or adjust it. Five minutes max. Your water will be back on before you know it's gone.
How much will it cost?
Most overflow drips are fixed inside an hour for the £60 minimum. If it's something more complex when I get up there, I'll let you know before doing anything extra.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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