How to solve plumbing emergency
This article tells you how to deal with common plumbing emergencies. Plumbing problems, such as burst pipes, can cause a lot of damage to your home and properties around you. If you can, turn the water off. Once you have fixed the problem, you should make sure everything is dry before you start to put back any floor boards, furniture or floor coverings.
What do i do if my overflow is leaking?
Water dripping from a pipe in the wall or under the eaves is probably coming from a w.c. overflow. If you can safely get access to the tank or cistern, lift the lid and check the condition of the ball valve. When the water in the tank is high enough, the ball float should rise, lifting the arm enough to close a valve and stop more water coming in. If the float has sunk in the water, it might have a leak in it. If this is the case you can rest a piece of wood across the top of the tank to hold the ball out of the water. Make a hole to let out any water and seal a plastic bag over the ball to stop it filling up again. Floats can usually be screwed off the valve arm.
However, if the ball is floating properly, then check to see if there is an adjustment screw that allows you to set the ball lower and stop the water coming up as high. (2cms or an inch below the overflow outlet level is about right.)
In older systems with a metal arm on the ball valve, you may be able to bend the arm holding the ball. Be careful not to break it.
How to deal with a leak from the property above
Try to make sure you have contact details of flats above and below your flat and to give your details to your neighbours for use in an emergency.
In the event of a leak contact your neighbour. If they are not in leave a note. If the flat above has an individual water stopcock and your neighbour is not in you could turn this off
What if i find damp patches?
Try to find the source of the leak first. It may be coming from leaking gutters, slipped slates, pinhole leaks in a pipe or a broken appliance. Whatever the cause, get it fixed first and the make sure everything is well dried out. (See Burst Pipes and Gutters and Downpipes elsewhere in this leaflet.)
Your plasterwork may still be damaged even after the dampness has dried out so you should seal it before repainting. You can often just use ordinary gloss paint.
What if my pipes are blocked?
Most drains and waste pipes have Unbends (water traps) fitted. A water trap is used to make sure there is always a section of pipe filled with water, which stops smells coming up from the drains.
The trap or drain can become blocked with bits of food or soap residue. Sometimes, using a plunger will deal with the problem. To help stop your pipes becoming blocked try not to let any food go down your sink, regularly check the filter in your washing machine and run your dishwasher whilst empty.
Sinks usually have a removable trap under them. If you think your pipe is blocked at the water trap and would like to try and clear the blockage then put the plug in the sink and put a bucket under the trap. Unscrew the trap and clean it out. Flush the whole system through with hot water and washing soda. Do not use chemical pipe cleaners as these can cause damage. Always check the label first.
Outdoor drains also have traps and these may need to be cleaned out. You can do this by hand or by using a piece of wire coat hanger or similar. Use good quality rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you think there may be needles or sharp objects in the trap, do not try to clean the trap yourself - call a plumber. If unblocking the trap does not work, you may need to access the pipe elsewhere and use rods or a water jet to remove the blockage. Call a plumber or get more advice before you attempt this.
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What if my outside pipes are blocked?
Blocked gutters can lead to water spilling over which soaks walls and causes damp patches. Clean your gutters yearly to prevent this happening. If you have trees nearby, you may need to clean the gutters more than once a year. Fit wire balls or specially manufactured leaf guards at the top of the outlet pipe from the gutter to help prevent blockages occurring.
Gutters and downpipes can also split and lead to damp patches. Broken sections of pipe should be replaced, but you may be able to make a temporary repair with a patching solution from your DIY store. Get the correct kind for the type of pipe that you have (plastic, aluminium or iron). If you do not think it is safe to do yourself, get a professional in. Finding a plumber Try and get recommendations for a plumber before your emergency happens.
If you need to get someone from a list, it is recommended that you use someone who is a member of TRUSTED HANDY GUY.
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