water pipe repairs

[bede456]

Hi

I am looking for advice for repairing a busted water pipe under the house.

The pipe itself runs from the mains. I wish to cut the ruptured part
out and use alternative piping. The problem is that I have heard of people being electrocuted when doing so. Q. Is this a earth wire that
runs through the pipe, or is it the cutting tool that causes the shock.
Were should I place the earth before cutting, would the car jumper
leads do the trick.

Any input would be great

Thankyou

 

[Cpplumber]

Water mains often form a earth bond from your house electrics, as does your gas main.

I've heard story's of people getting belted when they haven't cross bonded a gas pipe when cutting it out. I think it is incredibly rare.

In the gas game, we use what are essentially car jump leads. The gas procedure (I see no reason why this isn't the same as water)

Connect lead upstream of repair area (mains side) then connect down stream of the repair are (your house side). Make the repair and disconnect earth bond on the downstream side first (building side) then the upstream side.

To be honest, it's overkill what side you do first but that's how we do a temporary bond. I'd consult an electrician to test it for you if you're concerned.

Carl

 

[ChrisR]

Pretty simple multimeter measurements could tell you if your water pipe has volts on it ( which would be a nasty fault!)
A better place to ask would be the "Electrics outside the UK" forum
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=9

there's significant ozzie input there from people who'd know more about any special features your nation's electricians might have left you with