How to Prevent a Burst Pipe from Ruining Your Home

No matter how well maintained your pipes are, whether they are new or old, the chances are your home is just as susceptible to a burst water pipe as any other. If you notice a burst water pipe it must be treated as an emergency to prevent severe damage to your home and belongings, which could cost thousands to rectify.

But why do pipes burst and is there anything that can be done to help prevent such a disaster? What should you do when faced with a burst water pipe?

Why do pipes burst?

Water pipes generally burst when water freezes inside them. The water expands and puts additional pressure onto the pipe. Whether the material of the pipe is lead or PVC, or any other material, all are at risk. Some pipes can withstand the odd frozen day; but if it happens continually the pipe will weaken and eventually burst.

A Water Pipe Has Burst in my Home – What Should I Do?

If you are faced with a burst pipe the first thing to do is to shut off the water supply via the main stopcock which is usually located under the kitchen sink. Knowing in advance where this stopcock is located will save valuable time and prevent unnecessary damage if faced with a burst pipe emergency. Let the pipe drain out the water by turning on all cold taps. All leaks should stop once there is no more water running from the taps.

Whilst this is being performed, call a professional plumber. They will be able to fix the problem, and will be aided if you perform the above actions. If you do not know where your stopcock is located or do not feel confident in getting involved, leave it to a professional plumber.

Professional Help

A 24 hour emergency plumber will be able to locate, fix and replace a broken or burst pipe. Whilst many people try to fix a water pipe themselves, it is best left to a professional who has the experience, tools and qualifications to do so. Many homes are left with thousands of pounds worth of damage after a burst water pipe incident. The only way to prevent this from reoccurring is to utilise the expertise of a local plumbing and heating engineer.

With winter approaching, the risk of a burst water pipe will increase. Make sure you identify a reputable plumber and have their number to hand in case the worst does happen. It could save you precious time and money.

How a Power Flush Could Save you Thousands

No matter how well maintained your pipes are, whether they are new or old, the chances are your home is just as susceptible to a burst water pipe as any other. If you notice a burst water pipe it must be treated as an emergency to prevent severe damage to your home and belongings, which could cost thousands to rectify.

But why do pipes burst and is there anything that can be done to help prevent such a disaster? What should you do when faced with a burst water pipe?

Why do pipes burst?

Water pipes generally burst when water freezes inside them. The water expands and puts additional pressure onto the pipe. Whether the material of the pipe is lead or PVC, or any other material, all are at risk. Some pipes can withstand the odd frozen day; but if it happens continually the pipe will weaken and eventually burst.

A Water Pipe Has Burst in my Home – What Should I Do?

If you are faced with a burst pipe the first thing to do is to shut off the water supply via the main stopcock which is usually located under the kitchen sink. Knowing in advance where this stopcock is located will save valuable time and prevent unnecessary damage if faced with a burst pipe emergency. Let the pipe drain out the water by turning on all cold taps. All leaks should stop once there is no more water running from the taps.

Whilst this is being performed, call a professional plumber. They will be able to fix the problem, and will be aided if you perform the above actions. If you do not know where your stopcock is located or do not feel confident in getting involved, leave it to a professional plumber.

Professional Help

A 24 hour emergency plumber will be able to locate, fix and replace a broken or burst pipe. Whilst many people try to fix a water pipe themselves, it is best left to a professional who has the experience, tools and qualifications to do so. Many homes are left with thousands of pounds worth of damage after a burst water pipe incident. The only way to prevent this from reoccurring is to utilise the expertise of a local plumbing and heating engineer.

With winter approaching, the risk of a burst water pipe will increase. Make sure you identify a reputable plumber and have their number to hand in case the worst does happen. It could save you precious time and money.

What is the Best Type of Boiler for Your Home?

Knowing that your home is being heated efficiently and effectively always gives peace of mind. There are a number of heating systems and boilers that can be installed by Gas Safe registered heating engineers, all of which have advantages and disadvantages.

But what is the best boiler for your home? What are the different systems available and what are the pros and cons of each?

Combination Boilers

Combi boilers as they are known can provide almost instant hot water and heat to the home. These types of boilers are very popular in smaller properties as they do not take up much room, thanks to not requiring any additional tanks or components.

However, one drawback of a combination boiler is that for homes with two or more bathrooms, simultaneously running taps results in reduced water pressure and the combination boiler will not be able to heat the home at the same time. Although for the majority of homes where bathroom usage is not constant or where there is a maximum of two bathrooms, this will not be much of a problem.

Not all gas and heating companies can supply a combination boiler installation service. Make sure you identify a reputable heating engineer who is qualified to do the job.

System Boiler

A system boiler bears all the hallmarks of a low water content system, just with extra components fitted to allow a fully pumped system to be built in. They are cheap to run and relatively reliable, and also enjoy a long lifespan. However they take up more room than a combination boiler and can be expensive to replace and install.

Speak to a professional central heating installation company about system boilers in more detail before deciding whether this is the best option for your home.

Conventional Boilers

Also known as regular boilers, these systems allow for a better hot water flow than that associated with combination boilers, as the hot water is stored within the hot water cylinder ready for use rather than being heated on demand. However the installation and running costs can be high when compared to other boilers which could add up to a lot in the long run.

Boilers can be complex. Only a fully trained and Gas Safe registered heating engineer will know the best option for your home. Remember, boilers that are not installed by a reputable heating and gas engineer could have catastrophic consequences. Only use someone you can trust and always ask for evidence of their Gas Safe status before agreeing to the work.