What to do when a water pipe bursts | Mayne Gas Heating
Darren Mayne • 19 June 2019
How to deal with a burst pipe quickly and efficiently
The joys of living in the UK means inevitable changes to the weather when you least expect it. All it takes is a bit of a frost and for the weather to heat up again to cause a burst pipe. But what should you do when this happens and is there anything you can do to prevent it?
Act Quickly
If the unfortunate does happen, you need to act quickly to prevent any further damage. In the event of a burst pipe be careful to follow these steps...
- Locate your stopcock, or stop tap as it is often referred to. Our customers often don't know where theirs is and unfortunately you will find that they are found in different locations depending on your home. If you are unsure, the common places they are often found include: under the kitchen sink, your bathroom, cupboard under the stairs, by the gas metre or in a utility room. If you are still struggling, it could be worth asking your neighbour as chances are, it will be in the same place.
- Once you have found it, you need to turn it off immediately. Internal stopcocks can often be turned off by hand. You may need some pliers just to switch if off fully. Turn the tap of the stopcock off in a clockwise direction.
- Turn off your heating and turn on all your taps to drain the system.
- Use towels to soak up any leaking water.
- If you are covered for leaks or pipe bursts on your home insurance they may send out a plumber. If not you will need to contact a plumber .
- If any water has leaked onto your electrics, switch those off at the mains too to avoid any shortages or power outage.
How can I prevent my pipes from bursting?
Fear not, there are lots of things you can do to help prevent burst pipes. From small things you can do around the house to getting the professionals in.
- Insulate your tank and lag pipes (lagging is a material you can pick up from most DIY stores).
- Ensure your taps are working and aren't dripping. Even the smallest drip can cause frozen pipes.
- Leave the heating on low while you are away in the winter or on a timer setting and ask friends and family to check in on the house.
- Have a regular boiler service .
And just in case...
- Make sure you know where your stopcock is in advance, so if the worst does happen you can locate it quickly.
- Keep some bottles of water in the house for drinking should you have to switch the water off.
- Check your insurance in advance to see if you are covered for leaks and water damage.
If you'd like to arrange a boiler service, or need to speak to a member of the team contact us today on 01472 241211 or head to our contact page .
Mayne Gas Heating Ltd is proud to confirm that we are accredited by The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), The Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) and Trustmark to install air source heat pumps (ASHPs) , providing our customers with an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating solution. We are also PAS 2030 compliant which means our Engineers are a highly trained and experienced team, qualified & authorised for servicing , repairing and installing new gas boilers and Air Source Heat Pumps on the government funded ECO4 scheme. As energy prices rise and sustainability becomes a key priority, air source heat pumps are an excellent alternative to traditional gas heating. These systems extract heat from the air, significantly reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy bills. With government incentives available, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that offers a £7500.00 grant towards heat pumps, now is the perfect time to make the switch. At Mayne Gas Heating Ltd, we are committed to delivering high-quality, professional installations . Our accreditation means we meet the highest industry standards, ensuring you receive a reliable, cost-effective, and expertly installed heat pump system. If you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint and cutting heating costs, get in touch with us today to learn more about air source heat pumps and how they can benefit your home. Call us on 01471 241211, or send a website form from our Heat Pumps page for free advice.
A boiler service is an annual maintenance check that should be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. A boiler service is important because it helps to keep your boiler running safely and efficiently. An annual service can also help to identify any potential problems with your boiler before they become serious. Regular maintenance can also help your boiler last longer. 1. How to Get a Boiler Service The best way to get a boiler service is to call a Gas Safe Registered engineer and schedule an appointment. Once the engineer arrives, they will carry out an inspection and service of your boiler and make any necessary adjustments. They will also let you know if there are any potential problems with your boiler that they have identified. During the service, the engineer will: Check the boiler casing for any signs of damage or corrosion. Inspect the flue to check it is not blocked and that there are no signs of leaks. Test the boiler's controls to make sure they are working properly. Inspect the burner and heat exchanger to make sure they are clean and free from debris. Check the boiler's flue terminal to make sure it is not obstructed. Test the boiler's operating pressure and water level to make sure they are within the manufacturer's recommended limits. Inspect the boiler's safety devices to make sure they are functioning correctly. Give you advice on how to keep your boiler running safely and efficiently. After the service is complete, the engineer will provide you with a service certificate which is valid for 12 months. While it is not a legal requirement to have your boiler serviced, it is highly recommended as it can help to extend the lifespan of your boiler and prevent costly breakdowns. Servicing also helps to ensure your boiler is operating safely and efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills. If your boiler is under warranty, missing a service will result in the warranty being voided. 2. How often should you have a boiler service performed, and what are the consequences of not doing so regularly enough? The boiler should be inspected and serviced at least once a year by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. This is to make sure that it’s operating safely and efficiently. If you don’t get your boiler serviced regularly, there is a risk of it breaking down when you need it most – in the middle of winter! Not only that, but an inefficient boiler will end up costing you more money to run, as it won’t be operating at its most efficient. So make sure you get your boiler serviced once a year, to keep yourself and your wallet happy! 3. What are the benefits of having a regular boiler service done - both for your home and for your wallet? Assuming you have a gas boiler, there are several benefits to having a regular service done. Firstly, it helps to keep your boiler running smoothly and efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills. Secondly, it can help to spot any potential problems with your boiler before they become serious, which could prevent costly repairs or even replacements down the line. Finally, a service can also give you peace of mind that your boiler is safe and operating correctly, which is especially important if you have young children or vulnerable family members in your home. Call us on 01472 241211 to book in for your annual boiler service!
A new boiler can be a significant investment for any homeowner in the United Kingdom. It is important to know how much a new boiler will cost before making the decision to purchase one. The average cost of a new boiler in the UK is £2,500 - £3,000; this includes the cost of the boiler itself and the installation costs. However, there are a few things that can affect the price of a new boiler. The type of boiler you choose, the size of your home, and whether or not you need to replace an existing boiler are all factors that will affect the cost. The type of boiler you choose is one of the most important factors in determining the cost of your new boiler. There are three main types of boilers: combi, system, and conventional. Combi boilers are the most popular type of boiler in the UK as they are compact and easy to install. The size of your home is another important factor to consider when determining how much your new boiler will cost. If you have a large home, you will need a larger boiler to heat it effectively. This means that the installation costs will also be higher. Conversely, if you have a small home, you can save money by choosing a smaller boiler. This is something our onsite surveyors will be able to help you with. The average cost of a new boiler in the UK is £2,500 although there are several factors that can affect this price including the type and size of your home as well as whether or not an existing boiler needs to be replaced during installation. Boiler conversions are also an option, and these can range from £2500 to £3500 on average. It is important to consider all of these factors when budgeting for your new boiler purchase. Replacing an old or outdated boiler can be a costly proposition. There are a lot of factors to consider when budgeting for a new boiler, including the type of boiler, the size of boiler, installation costs, and more. Boiler Type: The type of boiler you choose will have a big impact on the price. There are several different types of boilers available on the market, including gas boilers, oil boilers, and electric boilers. Gas boilers tend to be the most expensive, followed by oil boilers. Boiler Size: The size of your boiler will also affect the cost. If you have a large home or business, you'll need a larger boiler to heat it effectively. Smaller homes can get by with a smaller boiler. Installation costs also increase with larger boilers. Installation Costs: Installation costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the installation and whether or not you need to do any work to prepare your home for the new boiler. Simple installations might only cost a few hundred dollars, while more complex installations could cost several thousand dollars. Fuel Costs: The cost of fuel is another important factor to consider when budgeting for a new boiler. Gas and oil prices fluctuate regularly, so it's important to keep an eye on these costs when shopping for a new boiler. Electric rates are often more stable, but they can still fluctuate from time to time. Location: The location of your home or business can also affect the cost of your new boiler replacement. Boilers located in areas with cold winters will typically be more expensive than those located in warmer climates. This is due to the fact that cold weather requires more energy to heat buildings effectively. Age of Current Boiler: The age of your current boiler is also a factor that affects replacement cost. Older boilers are often less energy-efficient than newer models, so replacing an older model with a newer one can lead to significant savings in fuel costs over time. Efficiency Ratings: When shopping for a new boiler, it's important to compare efficiency ratings carefully. More efficient boilers will typically cost more upfront, but they'll also save you money on fuel bills over time. These savings can quickly offset the initial investment in a more efficient model. Price is always an important consideration when making any major purchase, and that includes buying a new boiler. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure that you're getting the best possible deal on your new boiler replacement. Contact us today on 01472 241211 for the best advice and to book in for a free quote!
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