Category Archives: Pipes

Frozen Pipes

Problem:

Frozen pipes.  This is quite common in the roof, or in copper pipes feeding such appliances as washing machines that are kept in outhouses where the weather is likely to affect them.

Diagnosis:

If water won’t flow in cold weather, or a tank refuses to fill there may be a plug of ice in the pipes.  You can wait for it to thaw on its own or you can help it on its way.  Do not use any excessive amounts of heat like boiling water etc because this can cause copper pipes (which are excellent conductors of heat) to expand and perhaps burst.

Solution:

The gentle application of heat works very well indeed using something like a hairdryer passed over the frozen pipe or valve.

In severe cases or in the result of a burst pipe call EPM to arrange a visit.

Office Telephone
01473 396 105
24/7 Engineer Response
01473 396 247

Pipes are creaking

Problem:

Creaking noises are heard coming from the pipe-work.

Diagnosis:

This is caused by the heating and subsequent cooling of the pipes.  When metal is heated it expands and when it cools it goes back to its original position.  When you hear your pipes creaking this is usually the cause.  It can be solved by correctly insulating your pipes and allowing them space to expand when hot water travels through them.  If the problem is bad enough to sort out then it’s a good idea to call a professional to do the job for you.

Solution:

Call EPM to arrange a visit.

Office Telephone
01473 396 105
24/7 Engineer Response
01473 396 247

 

Pipes make whistling noise

Problem:

A whistling noise comes seems to come from the tap when you open the valve to run water.  This is in fact whistling pipes.

Diagnosis:

This is usually caused by sediment building up in the pipe-work when the water is forced to travel through narrow areas; this can also be caused by a faulty valve.

Solution:

Call EPM to arrange a visit.

Office Telephone
01473 396 105
24/7 Engineer Response
01473 396 247

 

Noisy water pipes

Problem:

When taps or other water devices are turned off there is loud banging coming from the water pipes like a hammer.

Diagnosis:

This could be a problem with water pressure when the valve is shut off suddenly, but it could also be due to faulty cushioning of pipes around the water system and throughout the house.

Solution:

Call EPM to arrange a visit.

Office Telephone
01473 396 105
24/7 Engineer Response
01473 396 247

 

Burst Pipe

Problem:

A burst water pipe.  This is potentially dangerous and very costly if the water damages your furniture, carpets etc.  If you can locate where to turn off the water supply to your home do so immediately before calling for assistance.

Diagnosis:

This is often caused by freezing pipes expanding when they warm up causing them to burst.  There are ways to prevent this happening but it would require having your pipes insulated before the winter sets in to keep them from freezing.  Consult an expert to get this done.

Solution:

In the event of a burst water pipe you will no doubt need the help of an emergency plumbing service.

Call EPM to arrange a visit.

Office Telephone
01473 396 105
24/7 Engineer Response
01473 396 247

Rattling Pipes

Problem:

Rattling pipes are a pretty common problem but they are none the less incredibly irritating to listen to.  Many people think there is something seriously wrong with their heating system when it comes to rattling pipes, but this is rarely the case.

Diagnosis:

The good thing is that these rattling pipes can usually be solved by simply cushioning the pipes that are rattling.  They only rattle because they are loose in their pipe clips or wherever they are situated.  The important thing is to prevent the rattle, not only to get a bit of peace, but also to prevent the chance of leaks occuring.

Solution:

It’s often best to enlist the support of an expert when it comes to this sort of problem, if only to rule out any other causes.

Call EPM to arrange a visit.

Office Telephone
01473 396 105
24/7 Engineer Response
01473 396 247