How did burst water pipes lead to home renovation? At DL Gas & Maintenance, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier gas engineering, plumbing and construction services. Our recent project in North London is a perfect example of how our expertise ensures not only the safety of a property but also enhances its overall functionality. Faced with a client’s burst copper pipe and the challenge of rerouting it securely under concrete, we provided a robust solution that guarantees long-term reliability, safety and piece of mind. In addition, we managed a full-scale construction upgrade, ensuring that every element—from gas and water pipes to concrete flooring and underfloor heating—was installed to the highest industry standards.

The Challenge: Copper Pipes

During renovations carried out by another company, a worker accidentally damaged the customer’s water copper pipe, resulting in the customer reaching out to us in search of a long-term solution for water and gas pipes. The primary concern was ensuring that the new installation would be both safe and compliant with Gas Safe and  Building Regulations. If pipework requires burial under concrete, traditional copper is not an ideal solution. Copper pipes require fittings between each pipe length significantly increasing the risk of potential leaks. Moreover, fittings are not permitted to be buried.

The Solution: Gas Flex System (GFS) Corrugated Stainless Steel Pipes

After a thorough on-site assessment, we determined that the best and safest method for rerunning the gas pipes was using the Gas Flex System (GFS) corrugated stainless steel pipes.

GFS features an integrated containment sleeve which wraps around the inner GFS CSST, a stainless steel metal hose with a corrugated construction. It conforms to EN 10380 produced in 316L (1,4404) stainless steel to EN 10028-7 standards.

The outer sleeve is rigid on the underside, creating space between the outer sleeve and the pipe jacket, allowing any gas to ventilate in the case of a leak.

These pipes are highly durable and flexible, this drastically reduced the risk of leaks while ensuring compliance with all safety standards.

Additionally, GFS CSST PLUS pipes come with a protective conduit, adding an extra layer of security. If any future work needs to be done on the floors, this conduit will prevent direct damage to the gas pipes. The flexibility of the GFS system meant we could run a continuous pipe through the property without multiple connection points.

Additional Upgrades: Water Pipe Replacement

Since we replaced gas pipes, and a new concrete subfloor needed to be poured, the customer opted to upgrade their water supply system simultaneously. We recommended replacing the existing copper water pipes with John Guest PEX Barrier pipes.

PEX Barrier pipes were an ideal choice for this project as they are highly flexible, reducing the need for multiple fittings. The pipes are designed with a five-layer structure, including an oxygen barrier that prevents air ingress into the system, reducing wear on heating components. Compared to copper, PEX pipes offer superior resistance to corrosion, scale build-up, and pinhole leaks. They also remain cooler to the touch when carrying hot water, making them safer in a domestic setting.

To protect the PEX pipes under the new concrete floor, we installed them within a conduit—red for hot water and blue for cold water—to allow for easy identification and additional security.

Laying the New Subfloor

Once the gas and water pipes were in place, we focused on reconstructing the subfloor. Given the limited space available—ranging between 70mm to 100mm in depth—we used the concrete with added fibres to prevent future floor cracks. We applied the minimum thickness of 50mm across the entire surface. Our engineers took extra care to level the concrete, leaving a smooth finish in preparation for the next phase of the project.

Underfloor Heating Solution

These ultra-strong yet lightweight mats come with a bonded aluminium heat diffuser that ensures even and rapid heat transfer across the entire floor. Their dual-purpose design accommodates various floor coverings without compromising heat distribution. The 20mm thickness paired with 16mm pipework provides efficient heat output while maintaining a low profile.

To ensure a moisture-free base, we first applied a liquid damp-proof membrane from ULTRA. We then used ULTRA primer and adhesive to bond the underfloor heating mats securely to the subfloor. Finally, we applied self-levelling compound, adding only 5mm of thickness while maintaining a smooth, stable surface for the final floor finish. It is worth noting that this system is designed for tiles to go directly on top. However, the customer opted to add self levelling compound.

Our Comprehensive Project Management

This project was a perfect example of how DL Gas & Maintenance provides a comprehensive service. Our procurement manager Leysan was proficient and efficient in her duties sourcing material and liasing with merchants and the customer. In addition, our lead engineer Donovan with the support of our team managed every aspect of the renovation, from gas pipe rerouting, plumbing, laying of the subfloor to underfloor heating installation, ensuring the completion of every phase efficiently, on time, and to the highest industry standards.

Whether you need a complex gas pipe replacement, plumbing upgrades, or a full-scale renovation, our team of Gas Safe engineers, boiler installers, plumbers, electricians, tilers, decorators, and construction specialists can handle the entire process from start to finish. We offer tailored solutions that meet your specific needs while ensuring compliance with all safety regulations.

Need Expert Maintenance and Construction Services? Contact Us Today

Next time you’re thinking of renovating your property or need a specialist company to upgrade your system— We are here to help.

Get in touch today for a consultation and let us handle your project with precision and professionalism.

Call 02033702019 or email us on info@dlgasandmaintenance.co