Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to be panicking over this?

23 replies

Purplegecko · 02/04/2019 17:20

My boyfriend drilled a screw into a water pipe last night, he didn't realise and neither did I. I took the screw out today as he'd put it in the wrong place and was hit in the face by a jet of water. (I hadn't asked him to do this nor did I know he had done it until I came home today so it was a shock!).

I turned the water off but I'm now left with a hole in the pipe, and no running water when I've got a toddler and it's 'that time of the month' so really need water for washing machine and showers.

How much roughly will this cost to fix? I know it depends on the extent of the damage to the pipe but an idea of cost if I need a plumber would be appreciated.

I am a student so haven't got a lot of money, so I'm in a total panic really! Can this be sorted easily or am I looking at hundreds for a plumber? I've lived on my own for about 5 years, since I was 17, and never had any kind of plumbing problem and don't know what to do.

I feel really silly for not having a clue Sad

OP posts:
Wintersnowdrop · 02/04/2019 17:24

Where’s your boyfriend now? Can’t he fix it?

gobbynorthernbird · 02/04/2019 17:31

Do you have insurance? And do you own or rent? Any immediate neighbours?

Houseonahill · 02/04/2019 17:32

Are you insured? Insurance may cover it.

www.emergencyplumber.uk.com/plumbing/nail-through-pipe/

That is just a link from Google but it explains a quick fix depending how handy you or your bf are but it's not a permanent solution.

PolarBearDisguisedAsAPenguin · 02/04/2019 17:36

I think you’ll need to get a couple of quotes from plumbers as it’s impossible to know how much damage there is from what you have written. Then you’ll know whether you need to contact your home insurance and see if they will cover it or whether it isn’t worth claiming anyway. Hopefully it is straightforward and cheap to fix.

PutyourtoponTrevor · 02/04/2019 17:38

Your boyfriend should be sorting this!

HoneysuckIejasmine · 02/04/2019 17:39

We did this. Had to cut out a bit of plasterboard, repair the pipe and then repair the plasterboard. I don't recall the cost unfortunately, but it was elevated by the fact it was a weekend evening.

Original poster
Purplegecko · 02/04/2019 18:13

I don't mean to drip feed but boyfriend is saying it isn't his fault and has no money to fix it and got angry at me asking him to help sort it although I think he's just embarrassed.
I have insurance but the excess is equally as scary as the cost of a plumber right now.
I rent and neighbours have all had a look and most have said they have no clue but one helped me shut the water off or the flooding would have been way worse. Luckily all flooring and furniture is okay!

OP posts:
Palominoo · 02/04/2019 18:20

Join this
nextdoor.co.uk

Make a post asking for a cheap but recommended plumber.

On my one there are always local peoplw helping each other out.

Dump the boyfriend.

CaptSkippy · 02/04/2019 18:23

He broke it, therefore its his responsibility to get it fixed.

thatdisorganisedmum · 02/04/2019 18:27

emergency plumbers usually charge a fee for their visits.

I would ask on a local facebook group for plumbers who could look at it and give you a free quote.
Or you could put a photo and ask for quotes based on them, that would give you at least an idea.

aprarl · 02/04/2019 18:30

Disclaimer, I'm not an expert, but could you try this as an emergency fix?

www.amazon.co.uk/Everbuild-2SWELDBK-Silweld-Silicone-Fusing/dp/B007554ZI6?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

I'm also going to tag @pigletjohn to see if he's around for any advice Smile

picklemepopcorn · 02/04/2019 18:30

I put the screw back in.

Kept an eye on the area. No sign of any damp several years later.

Sparklesocks · 02/04/2019 18:33

It’s a bit shit that your boyfriend is refusing to take responsibility for his fuck up, stress isn’t really an excuse - when adults balls up they take control. And getting arsey at you isn’t really on.

Agree with others, look on fb and ask for local plumbers. Unfortunately it might have to be a bite the bullet and pay scenario, with either a plumber or your excess.

Sparklesocks · 02/04/2019 18:34

Also let you landlord know.

Peterpiperpickedwrong · 02/04/2019 18:41

are you saying the pipe is inside the wall? So it’s not going to be just fixing the leak there will be re plastering involved?

Maybe put the screw back in to plug the hole and fill as many buckets/pans/bottles with water as you can then turn it off again. Running the washing machine is not really a priority for tonight. An emergency plumber will be extortionate. Once the water is off then I would phone one in the morning.

When I had a boiler issue I did manage to fully shower with one big pan of water. A bit grim but doable.

You really should let your landlord know ASAP.
Your BF sounds awful btw. Accidents happen but it IS his fault and he should be grovelling not getting angry.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 02/04/2019 18:45

Your insurance might pay of there was any damage but probably wouldn't cover damage to the pipe itself.

Think you need to ring some plumbers and ask for a quote. Or put out a plea on Facebook- anyone know anyone who can fix this (with pic) type of thing

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 02/04/2019 18:48

Oh and your bf is being a dick - anyone can make a mistake and damage someone else's property even when they're trying to help, but saying 'your problem now!' and getting angry when you say that's not right is not acceptable. Amy decent person would be v apologetic and trying to help you get it sorted. Even if he genuinely has no money he can still help you get quotes etc sorted

WhoKnewBeefStew · 02/04/2019 18:50

I’ve just had exactly the same thing happen. Plumber charges me £100 to fix. That’s just the leak tho, not the mess the water made

PotsOfJoy · 02/04/2019 18:50

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

mummmy2017 · 02/04/2019 18:51

If your going to use the wrap put super glue over the hole, repeat four or five times ,till it is a thick layer.
We did this lasted ten years till we redid the kitchen .

Original poster
Purplegecko · 02/04/2019 19:16

Yes Peter the wall has now been cut away but not a huge amount thankfully.

Neighbour I don't know has come to the rescue and cut the wall and is trying to sort it out, hopefully we will avoid the cost of a plumber and I'm panicking a lot less now boyfriend is actually home! Luckily is is just a plastic pipe and not a copper one.

DD is at her daddy's, the life saver, for the night now so she can bathe until its fixed and other neighbours have said we can use their bathrooms and washing machines in the meantime, faith in the meaning of community restored!

I don't have social media bar twitter or that would have been the first port of call. Thanks all for your reassurance and advice.

Problem not fixed yet but will update as and when it is!

OP posts:
unexpectedgifts · 02/04/2019 19:40

I rent through a decent letting agency. Our tenants had a similar leak that was fixed by the agency's plumber. The bill was £65, which I though was very reasonable.

Do you rent through a letting agency? Might be worth calling them as you'd have to inform them anyway.

Babuchak · 02/04/2019 19:53

I don't have social media bar twitter or that would have been the first port of call.

join Facebook, and try to join local groups, parents and neighbours groups. MIne of local info

New posts on this thread. Refresh page