Burst pipes are a serious issue, as they can cause real damage to your home’s structural and electrical systems. Burst pipes can leave homes or businesses without running water for days. In fact, burst pipes are considered plumbing emergencies. Burst pipes occur due to extremely cold weather, as water expands by up to 10% when it freezes, and the resulting pressure can cause pipes to burst.
The first thing you should do if your pipes have burst is turn off the stopcock. In most homes, this is under the kitchen sink. After that, it is important to turn on all sources of running water – taps, baths, showers, flushing toilets etc. This will drain the water system. Heating systems and electrical systems should also be turned off, but turning off electrical systems can be dangerous if they have come into contact with water. If any of the switches are wet, it is vital to call an electrician and not attempt to turn it off yourself.
Burst pipes can sometimes be fixed by tightening loose screw fittings, but very often it will be necessary to call a plumber. According to statistics, fixing burst pipes can cost into the thousands, depending on how bad the damage is. It is vital to call a plumber as soon as you notice that the pipes have burst, as allowing the problem to continue could cause irreparable damage to your home and belongings.
Domestic Plumber
These services can include a variety of tasks such as installing and repairing pipes, fixtures, and plumbed appliances.
Commercial Plumber
Cape Town's go-to commercial plumber for major retailers and established companies that need a reliable local plumber.
Compliance Certificates
City of Cape Town bylaws mandate that a plumbing compliance certificate needs to be issued by a licenced plumber.
Most standard types of home insurance include fixing burst pipes, but it is important to check your policy to make sure that you are insured against burst pipes, especially if you live in a climate with drastic seasonal temperature changes. Building insurance will ensure that your home is protected in case of damage due to burst pipes, and contents insurance will insure the goods in your home in case of damage.
Some of the best ways to prevent pipes bursting include keeping pipes insulated and knowing where your stopcock is and how to turn it off in case of burst pipes. If your pipe has already burst, it is important to move close by furniture and possessions to a safe area.
- Bathroom Renovations
- Bidets
- Blocked Toilets
- Blocked Sinks
- Blocked Pipes
- Blocked Drains
- Burst Pipes
- Flooding Issues
- Gutters & Downpipes
- Geyser Installations
- Hot Water Problems
- Immersion Heaters
- Kitchen Renovations
- Leak Fixes
- Overflows
- Pipework Replacement
- Appliance Installations
- Pumps
- Plumbing Repairs
- Showers & Pressure Adjustments
- Stopcock Install/Repair
- Tap Installation / Repair
- Toilet Installation / Repair
- Water Heater Repairs & Installs
- Water Tanks
- Bathroom Utilities Refurbishment
- Outdoor Bath / Shower
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- Isabel G - 1 July 2023
- Jonathan H - 1 July 2023
- Miriam J - 1 July 2023