An invention that temporarily stops burst water pipes from leaking could soon be on the market, which means workers taking plumbing courses will need to know how to remove it safely.

The Kibosh, which was the brainwave of Walkerburn plumber Ross Dickinson, could be in the shops as early as March, according to the Southern Reporter.

Mr Dickinson explained that the item is a clamp-like device that can reduce a full-on gush to a light trickle, which may give homeowners some relief from their burst pipe until a technician who has taken plumbing courses can arrive and properly deal with the situation.

"A lot of people are very excited about it and say it could go global, but I'm just taking it as it comes. I believe in the Kibosh and I want it to succeed," he was quoted as saying.

The past couple of months have been busy for plumbers in terms of burst water pipes, with tradesman Alan Carl recently telling the Manchester Evening News that he earned "a fortune" over the Christmas period.

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