Burst pipe after freezing — emergency steps and repair
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Most likely cause & what to check
IMMEDIATELY turn off the main stopcock. This is the most important step — limiting the water that can escape. Every second the water is on, more damage is done.
Turn off the electricity at the consumer unit if water is near any light fittings, sockets, or electrics. Water and electricity are lethal.
Open all taps to drain the system and relieve pressure. Run the cold kitchen tap to empty the rising main. Flush toilets to empty cisterns.
Once the flow has stopped, find the split in the pipe. Frozen pipes usually split along their length rather than at joints — the expanding ice splits the pipe wall.
For a temporary fix: pipe repair clamps are available at DIY shops and most plumbers' merchants. Slide the rubber-lined clamp over the split and tighten the screws — this can hold for days or weeks at low pressure.
For a permanent repair on copper pipe: cut out the damaged section with a pipe cutter, cutting back at least 20mm beyond the split on each side. Fit a straight push-fit connector or make up a new section of copper with end-feed or compression fittings.
Before restoring the supply, check the entire pipe run for other cracks — a freeze severe enough to split one section may have weakened others. Inspect all exposed pipework carefully.
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