How would you access this leak ???

bryanb

ibz75 wrote: »

This is the pipe from the mains supply to the tank. I am assuming that this pipe is still full of water apart from a few inches between the tank and stop valve. I can then keep the mains supply on fully and all cold taps including electric shower can be run, without any leaks.

Its only if the storage tank begins to fill that the leaking starts i.e. when the water begins to leave the tank. I have access to cold water taps, but not hot water ones because the hot water cylinder is no longer being filled (pipe from tank).

Sorry didn't realise you had emptied the storage tank.

ibz75

Plumber came out this evening. He suspected the pipe/connection behind the electric shower was leaking. I explained that the leak only occurs when the storage tank is filling. So after quickly checking the shower, he agreed it was coming from a pipe in the partition. He decided the best way to gain access was to break a large tile in the centre of the shower cubicle.

He found 2 burst pipes about 3/4 of the way up, luckily in reach. Both pipes had a bulge and a small split like a stab wound. The reason for this seems to be the large void in the partition - perfect conditions for a fridge/freezer effect in freezing weather. I will now insulate these pipes as far as possible. I will also use my exploratory hole in the ceiling below to fix an air vent so hopefully warm air from the room/s below will keep this area less cold.

In the end I will only have to replace 1 tile, when I was expecting to replace a whole side.

Thanks for all your advice/comments :T (until the next big freeze).