Top 5 common home repairs in London flats — and how to prevent them
Living in a London flat has its perks: location, character, and a buzzing city on your doorstep. But it also comes with challenges. Older buildings, compact layouts, and the good old British weather mean certain repair issues crop up again and again.
Here we’ll look at the five most common home repairs we deal with in London flats, why they happen, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent them.
1. Leaking taps and blocked sinks
Why it happens
London’s water is hard — full of limescale. Over time, this builds up in taps and pipes. Add in grease and food scraps from kitchen sinks, and blockages are inevitable.
How to prevent it
- Fit a simple mesh strainer in your kitchen sink to catch food.
- Never pour oils or fats down the drain.
- Clean taps and showerheads regularly to reduce limescale.
- Know where your stopcock is in case of leaks.
💡 Tip: A blocked sink often starts with slow draining. Deal with it early before it becomes a bigger job.
2. Cracked plaster and damp walls
Why it happens
Many London flats are in Victorian or Georgian buildings where plaster and brickwork are decades old. Combine that with our damp climate and poor ventilation, and cracks or damp patches are common.
How to prevent it
- Keep rooms ventilated, especially kitchens and bathrooms.
- Use dehumidifiers in problem areas.
- Check and maintain external pointing and guttering.
- Repair hairline cracks quickly before they spread.
💡 Tip: Paint bubbling or peeling is often an early sign of damp. Don’t ignore it — treat the source, not just the surface.
3. Sticking or misaligned doors
Why it happens
Changes in humidity cause timber doors to swell or shrink. In older blocks, shifting frames or years of paint build-up also make doors stick.
How to prevent it
- Keep humidity levels stable with ventilation.
- Avoid painting over hinges or edges too many times.
- Sand down swollen spots if doors start sticking.
💡 Tip: A door that suddenly sticks could indicate a bigger structural movement — keep an eye out for cracks nearby.
4. Faulty electrics and loose fittings
Why it happens
Loose sockets, flickering lights, or buzzing switches are often the result of wear and tear — or poorly done DIY jobs. Many London flats still have ageing wiring that struggles with today’s appliances.
How to prevent it
- Don’t overload sockets with extensions.
- Get regular electrical safety checks, especially in rentals.
- Call a professional for any repair beyond changing a bulb.
💡 Tip: A burning smell, sparks, or heat from a socket is an emergency. Turn off the circuit and call for help immediately.
5. Peeling paint and tired décor
Why it happens
London flats deal with high humidity, limited natural light, and heavy daily use. Paint peels when surfaces weren’t prepared properly or moisture creeps in.
How to prevent it
- Always use primer on bare walls.
- Choose high-quality, washable paints in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Repaint every 3–5 years to keep walls fresh.
💡 Tip: Regular touch-ups keep a flat looking cared for, which is especially important for landlords and tenants alike.
When prevention isn’t enough
Even with the best maintenance, problems happen. Cracks spread, sinks clog, or electrics fail without warning. That’s when calling a reliable handyman makes sense — someone who can handle multiple jobs in one visit.
At Dr HandyMan, we’ve been fixing London flats for over 19 years. From plumbing and electrics to painting and refurbishments, we know the common issues inside out — and how to solve them quickly.
📞 Call 07598 282186 or [Book Your Handyman Online] for a free, no-obligation quote.
Conclusion
London flats may be full of character, but they also come with maintenance challenges. The most common repairs we see are:
- Leaking taps and blocked sinks
- Cracked plaster and damp walls
- Sticking or misaligned doors
- Faulty electrics and loose fittings
- Peeling paint and tired décor
The good news? Most of these issues can be prevented with a little care and regular maintenance. And when you need professional help, Dr HandyMan is here for fast, reliable service across all London boroughs.
👉 [Book your handyman today] or call 07598 282186.
