Making Safety in the Home a Priority

Making SAFETY A s in the Home a Priority Common Plumbing Problems in the Home and What to Do About Them Dripping Tap • Turn off the main water supply (mains or at the service valve) • Put the plug in to ensure that nothing will fall down the waste pipe • Take off the top of the tap (pull it or remove the center cover on handle) • Wrap a tea towel around the body of the tap (hold firmly using a wrench) • Unscrew the large brass headgear nut using another wrench • Remove the washer using a screwdriver • Push the new washer into place • Screw the headgear back on to the tap (don't over-tighten) • Replace the tap top • Turn on the water supply to check for drips Toilets Won't Flush Properly • Water is slow to drain out of the water closet • Use a toilet plunger • Call the plumber if the toilet plunger doesn't work Scaled up Shower Head For hard water stains: • Choose a rubber faceplate shower head to easily scrub regularly • Remove the faceplate and leave it to soak in white vinegar overnight Blocked Sink • Blockage in the plastic wrap under the plughole • Check if the drain is working (bath, washing machine etc.) • If all are draining properly, the problem is in the trap, or the pipe leading from the sink to the drain Radiator is Cold For Clicking, Banging and Noisy Radiators • Boiler thermostat was set on high • Faulty thermostat creating a high hot water temperature • Test this by turning down the boiler thermostat (not the room thermostat) • Lack of water pressure in the heating system • Check the pressure valve on the boiler if it is within recommended settings • Scale in the radiators Boiler Safety It is recommended to have boiler checked once a year by a Gas Safety registered engineer. Gas Safe Register • Official registration scheme in the UK • Replaces the previous system run by CORGI as of April 01, • Danger of a Faulty Boiler Boiler that runs on wood or fossil fuels such as gas, coal or oil is at risk of giving off Carbon Monoxide (CO) 2009 Isle of Man and Guernsey • Installers and maintenance engineers dealing with gas appliances • Carbon Monoxide also known as the "Silent Killer" * an estimated 1 death per week in UK due to lack of maintenance on boilers, central heating systems and flues SIGNS of a Faulty Boiler SYMPTOMS of CO Poisoning • Flames burning orange or yellow instead of blue • Soot or stains on or above fuel burning appliances • Wood or coal fires that burn slowly or often go out • Difficulty to light fire Drowsiness Tiredness Headaches Ce Nausea Dizziness Chest pains CO Leaks Prevention You are at risk of CO poisoning if • Sufficient ventilation • Regular checks to prevent blocks and leaks on flues • Install carbon monoxide audible detectors Poorly installed appliance Faulty appliance No regular maintenance and safety check • No ventilation • Blocked chimney or flue Maintenance from a non-registered • Gas Safe engineer (work the same as smoke detectors - British Standard Bs7860) • Regular maintenance Avoiding Unqualified Gas Fitters UK families waste £100 Million per year ILLEGAL GAS FITTERS • 1/4 gas jobs per year AAAAA • cost an extra 25% on the average IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS 100% 33% 90% Work in companies (less than 4 people) 80% GAS FITTERS 70% 57% Sole Traders 60% 50% 40% 30% Always ask for: 20% GAS SAFE REGISTER ID 10% QADAR References: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg238.pdf http://www.home-maintenance.info/plumbing/radiator-problems/ http://www.homeheatingguide.co.uk/dangers-of-a-faulty-boiler.html http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/about/gas_safe_register_engineers.aspx http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg74/features/consumer-advice1-gas-safe-register http://www.channel4.com/4homes/how-to/diy/plumbing-problems-and-how-to-solve-them-08-05-23/display/page/2 Plumbing & Heating www.emergencyplumbersleeds.com Plumbing Bathroom Fitting Kitchen Fitting General Building Electrical Works