I'm in PANIC mode: CH radiator pipes leaking within concrete slab!!

gutovicky

Hello there,
I'm in a bit of a panic - can anyone offer some comforting advice....

A very large water stain has appeared on my lounge carpet (over concrete slab) in the last couple of days.
The CH radiator pipes (copper, decades old) are buried within the slab - so I suspect a leak from these pipes; presumably a 'catastrophic' blow-out.

I have 2x pretty URGENT questions:

1.  If I turn my water OFF at the main stop-!!!!!!, will that stop the water leaking from CH radiator pipes? 
Please note, I have an open-vented CH system - so I'm wondering whether the leaking will still carry on regardless until the tank in the loft is empty!!

2.  How should I approach my Insurance Company - specifically to get help with the cost of re-routing new radiator pipes??   
Please note: I am quite nervous about approaching my House Insurance provider since I have the impression that they could reject my claim if I happen to say the wrong thing when I contact them..... 

Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers, Vicky

MikeJXE

1.  If I turn my water OFF at the main stop-!!!!!!, will that stop the water leaking from CH radiator pipes?  
Please note, I have an open-vented CH system - so I'm wondering whether the leaking will still carry on regardless until the tank in the loft is empty!!

There may be a stop valve under the tank in the loft 

flashg67

Without lying, it's best to say as little as possible - just describe teh issue in brief  and let the insurance assessor/plumber decide.?

molerat

1.  If I turn my water OFF at the main stop-!!!!!!, will that stop the water leaking from CH radiator pipes? 
Please note, I have an open-vented CH system - so I'm wondering whether the leaking will still carry on regardless until the tank in the loft is empty!!

Even if you shut off the main stop valve it will not stop leaking until it has used all the water in the system above the level of the leak, you will also stop all the water to the house..  You need to turn the boiler off and turn off the stop valve to the heating header tank and drain down the whole system. 

You need to carefully read your insurance policy as this is unlikely a "catastrophic blowout" but a gradual deterioration of the pipe so may not be covered.  Cheap copper pipe buried in direct contact with concrete is a recipe for (eventual) disaster.

youth_leader

So sorry to read this, I hope you managed to get a plumber out.  

gutovicky

Morning,
Oh dear...   cheeky questions... please forgive me..

Do you think that there is any chance at all that my (reputable) Home Insurance provider would help me with the cost of re-routing radiator pipes to stop this leak into the concrete floor??
That's assuming the pipes are causing the leak...

Does anyone have experience of asking for/receiving the "Trace & Access" benefits of their Home Insurance policy??

Thank you very much for any feedback.
Cheers, Vicky

youth_leader

I got amazing help on the House Insurance forum gutovicky, definitely worth posting on there.

gutovicky

Will do youth_leader!!
Thanks, V