Water Safety

Although water itself is not dangerous, a major leak inside the house can do a great deal of damage. It can also cause of electrical short-circuit it penetrates any wiring. Leaking water may come from one of four main sources so read and follow the guide below to minimize any water damage:

The Rising Main Stop Tap:
This controls the flow water into the house. It supplies the cold-water storage tank, and feed and expansion tank, the kitchen cold tap and some appliances, such as a washing machine. Turning it off and prevents tanks from refilling, and stems leaks from kitchen supply pipes. The rising main can be drained via the drain valve usually near the stop tap. Attach a length of garden hose to direct the water out of the house. A West Heath Plumber can advise on water safety.

The Cold Water Storage Tank:
This supplies all other cold taps in the house, and also the WC cisterns. There may be an on/off valve on the supply pipe leading from the tank. Turning it off and opening all the cold taps will stop leaks from these pipes. It there is no valve, turn off the rising main stop tap and open all cold taps to drain the storage tank to stop the leak.

The Hot Water Storage Cylinder:
This is supplied from the storage tank. If the cylinder or its supply pipe develops a leak, the cylinder must be drained using a drain valve close to its base. Attach the garden hose to direct the contents out of the home. Turn off the supply to the cylinder or empty the storage tank. Opening hot taps will not drain the cylinder. West Heath Plumbers can carry out all plumbing jobs.

The Feed and Expansion Tank:
This tops up water losses from the heating system. If the heating system develops a leak, turn off the boiler and drain the system using the drain valve at the lowest point.