Leaky Faucets
If the taps are dripping from the spout the washer may need replacing. Washers are inexpensive and easily fitted. A re-seating tool may also be needed to cut a new seat for the washer to sit on.
If taps drip from under the handle then either the packing or rubber "o"ring will need replacing. If the taps are dripping from the spout the washer may need replacing. Washers are inexpensive and easily fitted. A re-seating tool may also be needed to cut a new seat for the washer to sit on. If taps drip from under the handle then either the packing or rubber "o"ring will need replacing.
Pipe Burst
The first thing to do is to prevent water passing the point of the leak. Turn off all stop valves (sometimes called stop cocks) which are often sited under the kitchen sink.
If there isn't an internal valve, turn off the water at the external valve which may be under a cover in your garden or path.
If the escaping water cannot be controlled immediately, open all cold water taps so that the pipework and storage system drains quickly.
DO NOT TURN ON HOT TAPS. Turn off the central heating system and, if it uses a solid fuel boiler, allow the fire to die out. Switch off any electric immersion heater, then call us.
If any damage has occurred to your home it is also advisable to contact your household insurance company.
If there has been any water damage to any electrics in your home - Do not touch any wet electrical fittings – call in an electrician.
If the pipe is leaking from a joint and is quite bad then turn off the water at the stop cock. If the joint has nuts then it will confirm a compression joint. Tightening of the nuts carefully can help but can only be attempted when the water has been turned off. If the joint is soldered a plumber will be required for repair. If you are unsure call Rice Plumbing Sewer & Drain.
If a pipe freezes, turn off the mains water supply at the stop valve inside your home. If the frozen pipe runs from a storage cistern and is not controlled by a valve, check that it hasn’t split. If it has, empty the cold water storage cistern by opening the cold water taps and flushing the WC. If you know how to, you could siphon the water from the cistern with a hose pipe, then call a professional plumber. If the pipe isn’t split, thaw it out by applying hot water bottles. Be careful as although water may be flowing from taps, other parts of the system may still be frozen.
- Don’t try to thaw it too quickly as there may be splits in the pipe which are not immediately noticeable.
- Never use a naked flame to thaw a pipe.
- Always start thawing a pipe at the end nearest the tap.
Toilets
Overflow pipes normally lead to the outside although some that are more modern lead water back into the wc pan. If the overflow is leaking then it could be that the ball cock has water ingress and is not operating correctly. Alternatively, the ball cock may have been set too high and needs re-adjustment or it could be that the washer needs replacing or the washer 'seat' needs re-seating.
Note: All advice given is correct to the best of our knowledge, we cannot be held responsible in any way for any problems that may occur, should you choose to follow these tips. If you are unsure please call us for assistance at 816.254.5210 or 816.356.6538.
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