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Is there a way you plumbers can detect leaks without turning the water back on?

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Discuss Is there a way you plumbers can detect leaks without turning the water back on? in the Bathroom Advice area at Plumbers Forums

W

Waterfall

I am in the most God awful predicament. I shall be brief.

Bungalow.

Major bursts. Water came though kitchen ceiling in about five places. Utility room two. Bathroom two.

Boiler pipes expanded and have left connections.

Gas off and water off. Boiler wasn't working anyway. Was using an immersion heater but don't know if this was affected by bursts.

I don't know if pipes to the washing machine were affected either.

Dishwasher caught fire the week before.

I want to know if a plumber could come into the loft space and find the leaks, fix them and maybe change my boiler for a combi without having to go through the house.
 
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Yes - you can pressure test it. I use a bicycle pump with a pressure gauge on it. Shouldn't pressure test a hot water cylinder though, although it's fine to pressure test the heating pipes/coil that goes through it.
 
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If you have had that many problems and asked me to come along to have a look, I wouldn't be happy if I couldn't inspect all the plumbing to cure all the problems.

The issue you have if:

Access can be gained to the loft without entering your bungalow and the plumber was willing to work in the loft to do those repairs he/she would only gurantee the work they've done and nothing else.

The system would be untested because of lack of access.

I would not want to take this job on with such limited access..
 
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my tried and trusted method.....rub the pipes with banana skins while singing a elvis song, turn the water on as your man slave waves a white rag
out of the front bedroom window shouting "im a lady don,t you know"...never had a leak !!!
 
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depends on the nature of the leaks! the easiest way to find the location of the leaks is with the water on, however if the loft hasn't dried out yet it should be possible for a competent person to find and repair the cause of the leaks
 
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No the leaks are several months old and the loft is probably dry by now. The cold water storage tank is above the main bedroom and there are large brown stains on the ceiling even though I don't think the water actually leaked in there.
 
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did the pipes burst in winter? if so the split in the pipes should be straight forward enough to find.

failing that the water will need to be turned on for a few seconds then turned off again and the leaks will be easy to spot.
 
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i think you need to find someone you trust to come and sort out your leaks, maybe ask friends for recommendations. im not sure why you are worried about people going in your house, we are not all like the guys from rogue traders
 
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