Just drilled through a water pipe!! eek help

[Fleeg]

I have just accidentally put a drill through one of the copper water pipes leading to my upstairs radiator!

Action so far:

Turned off water at main by front door.
Opened downstairs hot and cold taps.
Opened the vent on the downstairs radiator and drained it into a bowl.

The above has stopped the leak but I am looking for some advice if possible about effecting a repair. I guess I am looking at putting some sort of joiner in the pipe to cover the hole? I have no idea how to go about refilling the central heating system afterwards.

*Sitting here hitting refresh and hoping for a kind soul to post some words*

 

[nickso]

you will need to cut the section of pipe out and replace with a new bit for a proper repair.

 

[Fleeg]

Had a chat with a mate and he's going to solder a piece in for me tomorrow. Off to the shops now to buy some inhibitor to refill the system.

Any hints or tips on refilling systems gratefully recieved

It's a combi boiler.

 

[stem]

Probably the easiest way for you to make a repair is to buy a flexible section of pipe with pushfit connectors. Cut the damaged section of pipe out and push on the flexible section.

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=101316&ts=33034&id=14767

Or use a 15mm compression fitting which can be tightened with spanners.

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=100122&ts=33107&id=18457

You beat me by 3 minutes!

 

[JohnD]

If it is in a straight piece of 15mm, that would be a good fix.

Soldering pipes that are not perfectly dry does not work. It is surprisingly difficult to dry out pipes that are in place and have had water in them.

When you drained it, was the water black with sediment in it? If so, this is a good opportunity to give it a chemical clean and flush before you refill with inhibitor.

edited

you also need a pipeslice or other small-space cutter

 

[Fleeg]

The boiler was replaced about 6 months ago so nice clean (slightly yellow) water.

 

[JohnD]

(slightly yellow) water.

Plumber in the loft, eh?

 

[Nige F]

........he said it`s a combi.......nice one tho`

 

[Soggy_weetabix]

Surely a small hole can be soldered over, as long as the copper is clean.

And before the purists moan, I saw one my old man did for my uncle 35 years ago and its still absolutely fine.

You cant do that with plastic!

If its tight and you dont wanna patch it, make up a slip socket (end feed).


Dave