Tips and Help
>This section provides some advice on what to keep a check on in your home and some help on what YOU can do<
Running Taps:
If the cold-water tap is running and you need to save water until the plumber arrives, turn off the mainwaterstop tap normally found under the sink or in a cloakroom, If the hot tap is running turn off the isolating stop tap next to the hot water cylinder.
If the cold-water tap is fed from the cold-water tank in the roof space, or you donot have a hot water cylinder, turn the main water supply off and open all the tapsuntil they run dry.
If you do not know how to turn your water off, make a point of asking your plumber the next time they visit.
Leaking Pipework and Bursts:
Use the same procedure as running taps and turn off the main water stop tap, this will stop any more water coming into the house, and reduce the pressure of the leak.
If you have a central heating pipe that is leaking, Turn off your central heating system and turn off the water stop tap, if you are able connect a garden hose to a drain point on the system, normally on a pipe under a radiator or by the boiler, and let the water drain outside, this will empty the system of most of its water and will stem the flow until your plumber arrives.
Smell of Gas:
If you are concerned that there may be a smell of gas, no matter how small, call the emergency number for Transco 0800 111999, or your gas provider if different who will attend immediately to ascertain the problem.
Should there be a problem with a gas appliance, it will be disconnected from the gas supply and then you will need to contact a CORGI registered installer to remedy the fault. You should always be able to access your gas meter easily whether it is in the house or in a box outside. Being able to turn off the gas in an emergency could be critical. The gas can be turned off by moving the lever on the pipe leading to the meter through 90 degrees so it is positioned horizontally.
-Do not use electrical items or switches
-Do not use naked lights.
-Open windows and doors to ventilate the premises until the problem has been resolved.
Things to Check:
*Make sure all your pipe work in the loft is properly lagged to alleviate the possibility of pipes freezing.
*Check that your storage tank is lagged and has a proper plastic plastic snap-fit lid.
*Check that your loft insulation does not extend beneath the storage tank, this allows warmth from below to take the chill off the tank.
*If your boiler is in an exposed position, i.e. garage or outbuilding, make sure a frost stat is connected.Take extra care with pipes in cold weather. Open the loft door to warm the roof area.
*Inspect pipe supplies and cold water cisterns regularly. If there are signs of corrosion, contact your plumber.
*Have you boiler regularly serviced
*If you own or are in rented property, all gas aplliances must be serviced annually and the tenant should have sight of an up-to-date Corgi Landlord Certificate. Only allow CORGI qualified plumbers to service your gas appliances. Do not allow any unqualified person to touch your gas appliances. They could endanger your families health and your property.
*Always keep the number of your plumber handy - by the phone.
*Dripping taps, toilets that don't flush properly and water coming out of overflow pipes point to problems, rectify them as soon as you can.
*Plumbing is becoming increasingly technical - always seek a qualified, professional plumber to ensure that all safety regulations have been met.
NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER:
Opinions expressed in this web site are for information only. And we will not
accept responsibility for any comments or suggestions made which may not
assist with the remedy of the original fault. Comments made are for information
only and should not be deemed as accurate.
