One of the most common and alarming emergencies in any home is a burst pipe. The sudden rush of water can easily turn into a disaster, but with quick thinking and the right steps, you can minimize the damage.
If the pipe burst because you accidentally drove a nail through it, do not remove the nail! By the time you read this, you may have already pulled the nail out—it's an instinctive reaction, but unfortunately, it's the wrong move. Removing the nail can turn a small dribble of water into a gushing fountain.
To get things under control as quickly as possible, follow these steps:
Open All Your Taps: This might stop the leak immediately, or at least reduce the flow if it's in a hot or cold water pipe.
Close the Cold Water Mains Stop Tap: This will prevent more water from flowing into the system.
Turn Off Stored Hot and Cold Water: If you’ve been following along with previous instructions, you should already know how to do this. Go ahead and turn off the water. If the leak was in a hot or cold water pipe, it should have stopped by now.
If the leak persists, it’s likely you have a problem with the central heating pipework. Central heating water usually has a slight chemical smell and is often dark or black in color. To deal with a leak in the central heating system, you’ll need to drain it.
Important Safety Warning: Maintaining Electrical Earthing
In older homes, all the pipework was typically made from copper or steel, both of which conduct electricity. This means that if there was any electrical fault, you could potentially receive an electric shock by touching the metal pipes. To prevent this, the pipework was connected to the main earth of the home, with secondary continuity cables fitted at various points to link all the pipes together, ensuring continuous earthing.
In modern homes, however, most pipework is plastic, which doesn’t conduct electricity, so earthing isn’t an issue. However, if you're working on metallic pipework, it’s crucial to understand this legacy system.
If you cut a portion of metallic pipework, it's vital to maintain the earthing. You should fit a temporary link between the two sides of the cut pipe to ensure the continuity of earthing protection.
If you're replacing the broken metallic pipe with a plastic section, you will need to bridge this section with a permanent earthing cable.
Repairing the Leak
Once you've got the water under control and ensured earthing continuity, it's time to repair the leak. Here are some common methods:
Temporary Repairs:
Leak Repair Tapes & Compounds: These are useful because you don't have to cut the pipe. You can even apply the tape while the pipe is still leaking, though it's a good idea to reduce the pressure first. Unfortunately, these repairs are often tricky, especially if the pipe is under floorboards or near other pipes. Also, keep in mind that this is a temporary fix.
Clamp Repair Kits: These kits are relatively easy to use, especially in tight spaces where other pipes are nearby. Like tape, this is also a temporary solution, but it can last for a few days to a couple of weeks.
Permanent Repairs:
Before starting any permanent repair, ensure your system is fully drained.
For Copper Pipes: You'll need a push-fit repair kit, a tape measure, pipe cutters, and abrasive strips.
For Plastic Pipes: A push-fit repair kit, a tape measure, pipe cutters, and pipe strengtheners are required.
Remember, the key to managing a burst pipe is quick action and having the right tools on hand. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the location of your stop taps and how to isolate different water supplies in your home before an emergency occurs.
For more complex or extensive damage, it’s best to call a professional plumber to ensure that repairs are done safely and effectively.
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