Emergency Birmingham Plumbers Plumbing 4 You - your peace of mind is guaranteed when you use any of our services call 07919345474

Useful Information

Emergency Pipe Repair

It is not always practical to carry out a permanent repair immediately on a leaking pipe. Here are two emergency procedures you may wish to try until you get the chance to call a plumber.

Pipe repair using hose and clips

Isolate the pipe and drain down the excess water Use a piece of garden hose of sufficient diameter that fits round the pipe.

Cut it lengthways and place it over the damage. Fasten with at least three jubilee clips, one in the centre and one at either end.

By tightening these sufficiently, you should be able to seal the hose against the pipe so that no further water escapes.

Pipe repair using epoxy putty

Isolate the pipe and drain down the excess water. Clean and dry the area of pipe either side of the damage, with emery cloth or the putty may not stick. Mix the two components together as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Press the compound into place over the damage and smooth it out to a thickness of 12mm and allow it to dry until solid. Slowly re-open the water supply to flow through the pipe again, checking periodically for leaks.

Removing an air lock

To remove an air lock, attach a length of hosepipe to the affected tap and connect the other end to a working direct feed tap. In most cases this will be the cold tap on the kitchen sink.

Open both taps to allow the pressure of the mains water to force the air back out of the pipes. Leave to settle for several minutes, then turn off the air locked tap first.

It may be necessary to repeat this a few times to release the lock and allow water to run properly.

When finished, undo the hose from the higher of the two taps, before releasing the lower and allowing the water in the hose to drain into the sink.