Common Causes Of Burst Pipes
Frozen Pipes In Winter
When water freezes in pipes, it expands. This expansion can crack or burst the pipe. Pipes in lofts, garages, outside walls, and unheated spaces are most vulnerable. When the ice thaws, water pours out through the damaged section. If you've had freezing weather and suddenly discover a leak, this is likely the cause.
Corroded Pipes
Older copper and steel pipes corrode from the inside over decades. Eventually, they develop pinhole leaks or fail completely. If your property is over 40 years old and still has original pipework, corrosion is increasingly likely. We often recommend replacing sections of old pipework preventatively before catastrophic failure occurs.
High Water Pressure
Excessively high water pressure puts constant stress on pipes and joints. Over time, this can cause pipes to split or joints to fail. If you notice loud banging noises when taps are turned off (water hammer), this indicates pressure problems that could lead to burst pipes.
Poor Installation
Badly installed pipework, incorrect pipe clips, or pipes run without adequate support can fail under normal use. DIY plumbing work is a common culprit. Pipes need proper support, correct fittings, and appropriate materials for their location and purpose.
Physical Damage
Pipes can be damaged during building work, by drilling into walls, or through accidental impact. Even minor damage can weaken a pipe, leading to failure weeks or months later.
Immediate Steps When A Pipe Bursts
While you're calling us, take these steps to minimize damage:
- Turn off the main stopcock - Usually under the kitchen sink or where water enters your property. Turn clockwise to close.
- Switch off water heating - Turn off your immersion heater and boiler to prevent damage to heating elements.
- Open all taps - This drains water from the system and relieves pressure on the burst section.
- Contain the water - Use buckets, bowls, and towels to catch leaking water and protect floors and belongings.
- Switch off electrics - If water is near any electrical installations, switch off electricity at the mains.
- Move valuables - Get furniture, electronics, and important documents away from water.
- Document damage - Take photos for insurance purposes.
Our Burst Pipe Repair Process
1. Emergency Response
We aim to reach burst pipe emergencies in Trowbridge within 30-60 minutes. We'll give you advice over the phone about stopping water flow while we're on our way. Our van carries pipe sections, fittings, soldering equipment, and specialist tools for emergency repairs.
2. Assess The Damage
When we arrive, we'll locate the burst section, assess the cause, and check for any other vulnerable areas nearby. We'll also evaluate whether surrounding pipework should be replaced to prevent future failures.
3. Stop The Flow
If you haven't been able to turn off the water supply, we'll locate your stopcock and isolate the water. We can also isolate specific sections if your property has isolation valves, allowing us to restore water to most of the property while we work.
4. Complete The Repair
For burst pipes, we typically cut out the damaged section and install new pipework with compression or soldered fittings. For pinhole leaks, we may be able to make temporary repairs with epoxy, but permanent pipe replacement is usually recommended.
5. Test And Restore
Once repairs are complete, we'll turn the water back on gradually, checking all joints for leaks. We'll test water pressure and flow to ensure everything is working correctly before we leave.
Preventing Future Burst Pipes
- Insulate pipes in cold areas (lofts, garages, outside walls)
- Keep heating on low during freezing weather, even when you're away
- Know where your stopcock is and check it works annually
- Consider replacing old pipework before it fails
- Install a pressure reducing valve if your water pressure is high
- Drain outside taps before winter
- Fix small leaks promptly before they become major failures
Pricing For Burst Pipe Repairs
Emergency call-out: £60 (includes first hour of labour)
Typical pipe replacement: £80-200 depending on location and pipe length
Parts: Charged at cost (typically £10-40 for standard repairs)
Complex repairs involving concealed pipework or extensive replacement will be quoted before we proceed. We never start work without giving you a clear price.
Why Choose Us For Burst Pipe Repairs
- True 24/7 emergency response - we answer the phone immediately
- 30-60 minute response time for Trowbridge emergencies
- Fully stocked vans with pipes, fittings, and repair materials
- 30 years experience with burst pipe repairs
- Upfront pricing - no hidden charges during emergencies
- All work guaranteed
- Insurance work supported - we provide detailed invoices and photos