Pipes can burst at any time, but the most likely cause of a pipe bursting is ice that has formed in a pipe, usually in winter of course. Whilst frozen you could argue it is not too bad, but it is when the ice thaws that the problems begin. Once this occurs you have little time to act. A professional service such as Swiss Cottage Plumbers will give expert advice on all emergencies.


Some precautions you can take to try and prevent this:

a). Make sure that plumbing problems like dripping taps are addressed with repair as they can freeze.
b). On cold days open up the loft door and allow warm air from below to circulate.
c). Insulate all visible water supply pipes.
d). Isolate the water supply to your house and drain the pipework if you are going away for a while. Finally, insulate the loft.


If the pipe is losing water:

1). Isolate the water supply to the house completely. Do this at the stopcock which should under the kitchen sink or under the stairs depending on your property. Drain the system, by turning on all your cold taps and flushing the toilet to lose the stored water. If the water is in danger of coming into contact with your electrical system or electrical appliances, isolate the electrical mains as well, as quickly as possible to avoid electrocution. If the mains switch is wet, DO NOT touch it or you could risk a nasty shock or worse. Switch off the central heating, immersion heater, and any other water heating system. If water has leaked for a while and the ceiling(s) are bulging, room(s) may not be safe to enter. Should the ceiling bulge and you know that there is no danger, pop the bulge with a screwdriver or sharp tool and let the water drain away into a bucket if possible. If you’re at all unsure about fixing a burst pipe by yourself, call in an expert like a Swiss Cottage Plumber to repair the problem.