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Burst Water Main in Southampton is No Laughing Matter
Home — Burst Water Main in Southampton is No Laughing Matter
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Home — Burst Water Main in Southampton is No Laughing Matter
Coming home to a burst water pipe is every homeowner’s nightmare and while your kids may enjoy the fun of playing in the jet of water spurting from the water main, you worry about the damage to your property and the belongings you’ve worked so hard to get.
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A burst water pipe in the house is no laughing matter, and it’s essential to get the problem sorted out straight away.
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You can attempt to mend the burst water main yourself, or call in professional help, but before you decide, read to the end of this article and discover exactly why you may have a burst mains water pipe and what you can do to avoid it.
Why Does a Water Pipe Burst?
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There are many reasons you can get a burst water pipe, and each one needs to be dealt with differently. To help you choose the right solution, we’ve listed the main reasons in order of regularity.
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1. Freezing
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If you’ve ever left a styrofoam mug of water outside on a cold winter’s night, you’ll have seen how the water freezes and expands, making the side of the cup bulge and the styrofoam threaten to split.
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It’s the same when water freezes in a pipe, but the rigid pipework offers no room for the water to expand and pressure builds up inside the pipes and they burst, causing damage to the surrounding area and possible flooding.
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To avoid this situation, we advise you to take precautions by:
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Insulating the pipework
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Keeping the house heated
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Preventing cold drafts coming in from outside
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Running the taps regularly to keep them clear of any ice build-up.
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2. High Water Pressure
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Pressure in the pipes can happen at any time of the year, not just in winter, and this high water pressure can also cause a water main burst.
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Typically, this occurs because of:
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Clogged pipes
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High pressure from the utility company
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Improper adjustment of the pressure valves
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If your mains water pipe has burst because of high water pressure, then you should take the following precautions.
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Install a water pressure regulator
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Adjust the water pressure valve
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Replace the affected pipes
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3. External Pressure
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Mains water comes into your house through pipes buried underground, but external pressure on the pipes can damage them as they tend to be located much closer to the surface the closer they are to entering the house.
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This makes them vulnerable to damage from heavy vehicles, landscaping work, or any DIY construction. It’s important to bear this in mind and take steps to protect the pipes from human activity.
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How to Check for a Burst Water Pipe?
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It’s not always obvious when you have a burst water main, as some leakages can come from compromised joints or small holes and water can seep out over time, gradually causing damage.
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It is especially difficult to find the source of any leak when the pipework is inside the house and not easily accessible and you may not know you have a problem until you see damage to the walls, ceiling, or underfloor.
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Checking the mains water pipework yourself is not easy and you will save a lot of time, money, and potential damage to your property if you call in a professional drain unblocker in Southampton to help survey your system to find the source of the leak.
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The best company to contact in Southampton is Pro Blocked Drains which will offer you a fast response and expert service to identify the source of the problem and recommend the best solution.
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It’s not always obvious that you have a water pipe leak in the house and the first sign you have any kind of problem may be when you notice your water bill is much higher than normal or you see water damage on the floor, walls, or ceiling.
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You can take some simple steps to reduce the risk of water damage occurring by regularly checking the condition of your water system.
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How to Check the Condition of Your Water System
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Check your meter reading by switching off all taps and appliances that use water and log the reading. Keep everything switched off for 2 hours, then read the meter again. The reading should be the same. If you see any difference between the two readings, then you know there is a leak in the mains water system.
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Check your garden irrigation system is working properly by looking for any signs of visible leaks, sodden ground, dryness close to the end of the system, or dying plants. If you have an automatic system, check it switches on and off correctly before assuming you have a leak.
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If your instant hot water boiler switches on when the taps are closed, check for leaky taps or dampness in the cupboard below the sink.
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Regularly inspect pipe connections to taps and radiators for any water damage, leaks, mold, or dampness.
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Any sign or smell of dampness in the house, or mold on walls, under carpets, and inside cupboards may often be caused by condensation, but if you are confident your house is well-ventilated and condensation is not the cause, then you may have a leaky pipe that needs to be investigated.
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If you see dampness or a bulge in the ceiling, you may have a burst water pipe. Don’t try to release the water yourself as it could bring down the ceiling and cause a lot of extra damage. Call in Pro Blocked Drains who can advise you on what to do and help you resolve the problem with minimum disruption.
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If you notice any problem with your mains water system, the fastest and most cost-effective way to solve it is to contact Pro Blocked Drains.
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With over 20 years of experience in providing drainage solutions and 24/7 support, this local Southampton family firm will give you peace of mind, an accurate diagnosis, and excellent customer service.
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How to Deal With a Burst Water Main in Southampton
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Before you call in the professionals, there are some steps you can take to control burst water main yourself.
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1. Locate the Leaking Pipe
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Often, it is easy to see where a pipe is leaking, especially those located in cupboards, running to radiators, or at ground level, and you may see water dripping or pooling at the problem area, or even hear the water spraying out.
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The difficulty comes when the pipes are behind walls, in ceilings, and underfloor, as often you can’t pinpoint the exact location of the source of the problem.
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Dampness at the joints between drywall panels will indicate the approximate location of the leak, but bulging panels caused by water build-up, or creeping dampness may have their source some distance away as water can travel along a joist to the opposite end of the house.
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2. Turn Off the Water Valves
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As soon as you discover a leak in your water system, turn off the mains water to prevent further risk of damage. You will normally find an internal stop tap under the kitchen sink, under the stairs, or in the downstairs toilet.
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There will also be an external stop tap in the driveway, garden, grass verge, or under the public footpath.
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Once the water has been turned off, the flow will stop and the leak can be safely repaired without risk of flooding.
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3. Use a Pipe Repair Clamp
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If the damage to the pipe is small, you may be able to repair it simply by applying a repair clamp which you can either buy from a D.I.Y. store or make at home with a strip of rubber and some pipe-sleeve clamps, hose clamps, or C-clamps.
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You must follow the fitting instructions exactly and make sure the clamps are properly tightened to prevent the leak from reappearing. If you are in any doubt about the quality of the repair, call Pro Blocked Drains to give you an assessment and a free quotation for a professional repair.
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4. Apply Epoxy Putty
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Another method of making a temporary repair is applying epoxy putty to the leaking joint.
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It will get you through the emergency and enable you to switch your water back on, but water is insidious and if there is the slightest error in your application of the putty, the leak may return so always call in a professional to make a permanent repair.
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Repairing a Burst Water Main In Southampton Guaranteed To Work
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The best way to repair burst water main and be confident it will work is to call in Pro Blocked Drains professionals. With a local office in Southampton, this reputable and reliable company offers fast call-out and 24/7 support.
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Using state-of-the-art equipment, Pro Blocked Drains will locate the source of the leak and repair it quickly and efficiently to get your house back to normal. We guarantee you a job well done, excellent customer service, high quality of work, and peace of mind for drain clearing services.
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Final Words…
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Having burst water main is never a pleasant experience, but with help from Pro Blocked Drains, you can resolve your water leak quickly and prevent damage to your property.
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Whether you have a leak now or simply want to guard against any future problems, Pro Blocked Drains offers you:
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Fully Qualified Safe Contractor Approved Workers
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Quick Response Time
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Fully Insured Professionals
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Competitive Prices
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24-hour blocked drain or water main system repair services
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No Call Out Fee
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Free Quotations
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5-star rating
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Peace of Mind
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Contact us today, at 0800 611 82 99 to book a survey of your drainage system or keep our number somewhere safe and ready for the day you need our help. Learn more about Best Drain Clearing Services in Fareham.