how to fix a broken pipe (asap)?

Depending on where the pipe is broken you could just buy a bolt together fitting to rejoin the pipe. Just clean the broken edges of pipe, take off any paint and join the pipe with the fitting. You can get the fitting from B+Q or similar shops. Or you could fit a bolt on inline shutoff valve instead of a big stopcock.The first one is the cheapest option.

Tony T
December 2008

dont use a haksaw whatever you do ! it will distort the cut end of the pipe , use a pipe cutter - quite cheap from B&Q , then using pre soldered straight couplers lengthen the pipe (use a gas gun) then cut the pipe to length with the pipe cutter cut the pipe to fit into the rad valve.
Unless you have done this type of thing b4 , maybe best left to a plumber !

big shaun
December 2008