Boiler leaking water

[vinoandbrie]

So our boiler is leaking quite heavily. It must have been doing this for a good few days, but I've stupidly only now looked at the boiler in the cellar, which is not quite pouring water, but dripping very heavily.

I've called British Gas and am stressed in case they can't fix it.

I'm also stressed about the tanked out cellar that now has water soaked into some of the carpet. How do I dry this out?

I know nothing about boilers, leaks or damp, am by myself with a baby this afternoon, and am stressing out a lot.

Any advice? Many thanks in advance.

You have to lift the carpet to dry it (or throw it away) but your insurance will pay for the drying out and the cost of repairing the water damage (but not the cost of repairing the leak). Phone them today.

If it is condensate leak (grrrrrr) it is about as acidic as tomato juice, which is not much but in time will erode concrete, marble and limestone.

If you have any kitchen units or furniture made of chipboard or MDF, it will be ruined by wet. The insurance will cover it. They will have assessors and approved local contractors, it is a very common job.

Turn off the water to the boiler, there may be a blue T handle on a 25mm copper pipe underneath it, if not, turn off the main stop cock.

The shops will be shut by now, but if you know any keen DYers they might have a wet-and-dry canister vacuum you can borrow. They suck water into their bucket. If you buy one, look at the Screwfix website, at the £65 Titan which holds two gallons. You will not be able to lift a very big one when full. Budget tool brands are OK when you are expecting to use them heavily before the guaranteed runs out.

Thank you, thank you.

British Gas should respond in day.