Pipework repairs and replacement in Soundwell

Pipe repairs

Pipes fail in a few common ways. Joints work loose, old fittings corrode, pipes split in a freeze or get pierced by a nail or screw during DIY. We cut out the damaged section and replace it with a sound joint, using fittings that suit the pipe that is already there.

Stop taps and isolation valves

Every home needs a stop tap that actually works. Old ones, especially in houses that have been standing a long time, often seize or only partly close. Replacing one is a short job and makes any future emergency much easier to handle.

Isolation valves on the pipes to taps, toilets and appliances let you shut off one fitting without turning off the whole house. If yours do not have them, we can fit them.

Lead and older pipework

Homes built before the 1970s could have lead pipework, most often in the supply pipe from the pavement into the house. You can sometimes spot lead where the pipe enters near the stop tap: it is dull grey, soft, and shows a shiny silver colour if gently scratched. If you think you have lead pipes, we can replace the section that is yours. The pipe up to the stop tap in the pavement belongs to the water company.

Rerouting and extending

Moving a sink, adding an outside tap or connecting a new appliance usually means extending or rerouting pipes. We plan the route so pipes are accessible, protected and easy to isolate, and we explain where they will run before we start.

Protecting pipes in winter

Pipes in lofts, garages, outside walls and under suspended floors are most at risk in a cold snap. Lagging exposed pipes and fixing dripping outside taps helps prevent a frozen pipe splitting. If a pipe does freeze, turn off the water and call us before it thaws.