1 Locate frozen pipe
Repair burst pipe
3Shut off water supply
4 Repair joint
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HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCIES
BURST PIPE
1 Locate frozen pipe
• Water expands as it freezes, which can cause old pipes to split open or a compression joint( where two lengths of copper piping are joined) to push apart.
• If you have copper pipes, check the compression joints to see if any have been pushed apart.
• If you have lead pipes, look for ice where the pipe wall has cracked.
• Water pipes will freeze only in an uninsulated roof space, outside, or in a house with no central heating.
2
Repair burst pipe
• If the pipe wall is damaged, wrap pipe repair tape around the crack.
• Thaw pipe( see box below) if necessary.
• Call a plumber to make a permanent repair.
Wrap pipe repair tape around the damaged pipe to seal it
3Shut off water supply
• If a compression joint is destroyed, it will need to be replaced.
• If the joint is damaged, shut off the water supply to the pipe by closing
the gate valve. If the pipe does not have one, turn off the main and drain the entire water system by turning on all the faucets.
4 Repair joint
• Thaw the joint( see box below).
• Unscrew the joint, wrap teglon tape around the threaded parts,
then refasten the joint.
!
The teglon tape will strengthen the seal
THAWING FROZEN PIPES
• If, during winter, you turn on a faucet and no water
comes out, the pipe may be frozen.
• Find the pipe that feeds it, and tap it gently with a
mallet; you will hear a dull thud at the frozen section, which may be bulging under the pressure of the ice.
• Check the pipe carefully for any cracks.
• If there are cracks, then proceed to step 2 above
before thawing the pipe.
• Use a hot-water bottle, hot cloths, or a hairdryer to
gently heat the pipe or joint. If the water inside boils, the pipe may burst.
• Do not use a blowtorch to thaw any type of
pipework: the intense heat is likely cause damage.
Apply gentle heat to the frozen area