Pipes and overflows
The water system will not usually cause problems. But it is important that you know what to do if something goes wrong.
Burst pipe
If you have a burst pipe you should:
- Turn off the water at the mains stopcock (this will stop water coming into the pipes)
- Turn on all cold water taps only to drain water from the system
- Turn off boilers and immersion heaters. Gas fires can still be used
- Turn off electricity at the mains switch. As water may have touched the electric system, make sure an electrician checks the whole system before turning the supply back on
- Wrap a cloth or something similarly tight around leaks
- If you are a tenant, contact your managing agent
In an emergency (outside working hours), call the Joint Control Centre on 020 8871 8999.
Do not:
- Turn on hot water taps when draining tanks, as the hot water storage tank may collapse.
Overflows
Overflow pipes are fitted to toilet cisterns and cold water tanks as safety outlets where water continues to pour into water tanks after they are full.
An overflow can be caused by a bit of grit caught behind the valve which should close when the tank is full.
You can try:
- Flushing the toilet
- Pressing the ball valve in the tank gently below the surface of the water and allowing it to rise slowly. Try this 3 or 4 times.
If the overflow is still leaking, tenants should contact their estate manager or RMO. Leaseholders are advised to contact a competent plumber.
Further information
If you are not sure how the water supply to your home works, contact your estate manager or RMO.
Further information on frozen pipes is available from the Thames Water website.