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Burst Water Main In Bristol: Why You Shouldn’t Take It Lightly

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    As a homeowner, one of your worst nightmares is to come home to burst water main. The mess, the smell, the damage to all those memories you have collected over the years. You switch off the water to stop any further damage from happening then need to find the location of the burst mains water pipe.

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    Maybe the water pipe burst in the house, or maybe the damage is outside and the wastewater is flowing back inside. Either way, you need to act quickly to resolve the burst water main.

    Burst Water Main In Bristol Why You Shouldn't Take It Lightly

    If you live in Bristol and have a burst water main, you can simply contact Pro Blocked Drains, local professionals who will find the problem, and quickly and easily resolve the burst water main issue.

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    Alternatively, you may want to attempt the repair yourself, first. In this article, we will discuss how you can check a leak in the water main and when you should contact the professionals.

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    So let’s get started.

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    What Are the Main Causes of Leaks in the Water Main?

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    Having a water pipe burst in the house is usually preventable if you understand the main causes and how to avoid them.

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    1. Freezing Pipes

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    The temperature in Bristol is usually fairly mild with temperatures ranging between 3 deg.C and 21 deg.C., but every so often a cold spell brings freezing temperatures which may catch homeowners in Bristol by surprise.

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    Sub-zero temperatures cause water to freeze and expand. If the water in the pipes freezes, this expansion creates pressure inside the pipe and it bursts. To avoid this situation, you should take precautions by:

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    • Insulating the pipes
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    • Keeping the house heated
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    • Preventing cold drafts from outside
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    • Running the taps regularly
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    2. High Water Pressure

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    High water pressure can also burst water pipes. Typically, It occurs due to the water utility company needing to increase the pressure to reach homes in hilly areas or where there are tall buildings, and in Bristol, there are both.

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    Improper adjustment of pressure valves may also cause pipes to burst so you need to adjust the pressure to a safe limit. Some houses have a pressure-reducing valve near the main stopcock which is usually located outside.

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    If you don’t have one you can use a water pressure gauge which is easily attached to the pipework under the sink (as close to the main water supply as possible) and will show you the pressure your water is flowing at. It should be between 40 – 45 psi and if it’s over 60 psi then there is likely a problem.

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    Pressure can also build up if pipes become clogged. If you are unable to unblock them, you may need to replace the affected pipes. If you don’t know how to unblock them then find Bristol’s best professionals drain unblocker to meet your needs.

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    3. External Pressure

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    Mains water pipes are buried underground, but surface activity can damage them, especially where the protective soil above has eroded or the pipes have been laid at a shallow depth as they rise into the house.

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    Construction equipment, heavy traffic, and digging around the pipes can lead to damage so care should always be taken to locate the path of the mains water pipe before doing any building work on the property and its grounds to lessen any chances of problems occurring.

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    How to Check for Leaks in the Water Main?

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    Often you will only notice there is a leak in the water main when your utility bill is higher than normal, but if you ignore this early warning, you will see wastewater on the floor, ceiling, or walls as the problem increases.

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    To avoid this situation, regularly check the condition of the mains water system.

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    1. Check outside irrigation systems for unusual green patches or visible leaks on grassy areas.
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    3. If applicable, check automatic irrigation systems to ensure the system is set to turn on and off at specific times.
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    5. If toilets are connected to the water main, check them for any leaks in the cistern and bowl.
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    7. If the recycled water is connected to the rainwater tank, make sure that the tank level is correctly set, and that it is not overflowing.
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    9. Make sure to check the meter reading. To do this, when the water is not being used, read the water meter and then, after 2 hours, read it again. If you see any difference in the two readings, then you know there is a leak in the mains water system.
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    If you notice any leaks in the water main, then it is always better to contact Pro Blocked Drains in Bristol, as soon as possible as they will be able to identify the exact reason for the leak and find the location of the problem, enabling them to resolve the leak easily and quickly.

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    But if you decide to mend the system yourself, you can use homemade solutions.

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    How to Handle a Burst Water Main in Bristol

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    You can efficiently control burst water main, yourself, by using the following tips:

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    1. Locate the Leaking Pipe

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    When you see an increase in your water bill or unwanted water on the floor then it means the pipe is leaking. The leaking pipe may be inside the wall or above the ceiling and you may even be able to hear water spraying inside the ceiling or wall cavity.

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    Leaks in the pipes will dampen the drywall which will become wet at the joints between the panels and water will begin to pool at the base. If you notice that water is staining or dripping from the ceiling then the leakage is in the roof. This is the worst-case scenario as water can travel along a joist and can stain the wall or other areas.

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    If you can not see the stains properly then you should use a flashlight. You can even touch the walls to feel the moisture.

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    2. Turn Off the Water Valves

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    When you have a leaky pipe, the first thing to do is to turn off the mains water valve. These valves are usually located with the water tank through which the whole house gets its water supply.

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    By turning off this valve, you stop the water flow from the tank and the leak will stop, too. This makes it easier to repair the damaged pipes without getting wet.

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    3. Use a Pipe Repair Clamp

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    After turning off the water source, the next step is to repair the damaged pipe. To do so use a pipe repair clamp. You can easily get one from a D.I.Y. store. To apply the pipe repair clamp, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

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    You can also make a pipe repair clamp at home if you do not have a sleeve clamp. All you have to do is to wrap the burst section of the water pipe with a strip of rubber. Then clamp this rubber wrap with an adjustable pipe-sleeve clamp, hose clamp, or C-clamp, whichever you have available at the time.

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    4. Apply Epoxy Putty

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    As a temporary repair, you can apply epoxy putty if the leak is near a joint. Afterward, get help from a professional plumber if you are unable to replace the damaged section yourself.

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    Calling Pro Blocked Drains for an assessment and quotation to repair the damaged water pipes is your best option. As highly experienced professionals, they know all the tricks of the trade and will be able to repair your burst pipes in the shortest time.

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    By contacting them, you can save money, time, and effort, and prevent further damage to your home and belongings.

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    Repairing a Burst Water Main In Bristol 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 Bristol, this reputable and reliable company offers fast call-out and 24/7 support. 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.

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    We guarantee you a job well done, excellent customer service, high quality of work, and peace of mind.

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    Final Words…

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    Having a burst water main is never a pleasant experience, but with help from professionals, you can resolve your water leak quickly and prevent damage to your property. 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 CCTV Drain Survey in Taunton.