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Water leak! Urgent help needed

We have a leak from the pipe that feeds out toilet - but we can't turn the water off.

This pipe is fed from the attic and the stop valves are located in the airing cupboard - this has been turned off but there is obviously something wrong with that valve and it will only turn it off to about 95%.

The other 5% is now making a mess of the ceiling downstairs.

I have phoned 15 plumbers and only 1 answered and can't get here until christmas! Even British gas are saying 3 days.

Comments

  • phil24_7
    phil24_7 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Is there a header tank in the loft? Is there a ball valve in there?

    If so the go and adjust it so that no water is going in to the tank. Then I suggest that you tie this up and get a couple of buckets to empty the tank out. Get as much out as possible then get a cup or something to help get the remainder out. For the last bit you may need to soak it up with towels or something.
  • phil24_7
    phil24_7 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    There may also be an isolation valve after the tank somewhere so trace the pipe. This would be the easiest way to sort things.

    You can also shut the water off in the street, this wont stop water from the tank leaking but will stop water getting to the tank.
  • ST1991
    ST1991 Posts: 515 Forumite
    Fourth Anniversary 100 Posts
    Can you contact your home/contents insurance in an emergency? They usually cover escape of water...
  • phil24_7
    phil24_7 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Is there an inline isolation valve anywhere near/behind the toilet?

    You can get some self sealing silicone/rubber tape that will affect a temporary repair on your pipe.
  • Thanks - we have 2 massive tanks in the loft and a smaller one with a ball valve inside. There are no stopcocks on the pipes upstairs in the loft unfortunately.
  • No - we have 3 toilets and this is the only one without a stop valve
  • phil24_7
    phil24_7 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Turn the water off in the street and flush the toilet that it leaking until it's tank is empty. Mop up any dregs in the tank and then isolate the feed to this tank. If it is the ball c**k then tie this up so that it thinks the tank is full. Once this is done you can turn your water back on.
  • patthecat wrote: »
    We have a leak from the pipe that feeds out toilet - but we can't turn the water off.

    This pipe is fed from the attic and the stop valves are located in the airing cupboard - this has been turned off but there is obviously something wrong with that valve and it will only turn it off to about 95%.

    The other 5% is now making a mess of the ceiling downstairs.

    I have phoned 15 plumbers and only 1 answered and can't get here until christmas! Even British gas are saying 3 days.

    any photo? Can you see the leak?
    EU expat working in London
  • Mr.Generous
    Mr.Generous Posts: 4,015 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    stick your location down, if your local someone may help. Turn off the stopcock under the sink and open all cold taps.
    Mr Generous - Landlord for more than 10 years. Generous? - Possibly but sarcastic more likely.
  • phil24_7
    phil24_7 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    In the meantime wrap a rag/towel/old jumper around the leak and dangle in/over a bucket to catch the leak.
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