Can you tell me about the water supply and what I should do in the winter?
Most new homes now have water meters situated in the service strip close to the property. The cold water supply enters your home via the mains stopcock and is then stored in the cold water storage tank. Some homes may not have a cold water storage tank dependent on the design of the hot and cold water services, water pressure and heating system. Listed below are useful hints to ensure a trouble free plumbing system in your home:
Winter Rules :
- To avoid frozen pipes try to leave some background heating on all the time.
- Although your pipework is well insulated, if you think the pipes may be frozen do not turn on hot water taps as this will empty the hot water tank.
- If you have to go away during the winter you should drain down the water system, heating system and boiler. If you are unsure of how to carry this out call an approved plumber. Alternatively, put the heating on for an hour or so each day and ask a friend or neighbour to check the home.
- Make sure the stopcock to any outside taps are shut off during frosty weather.
Normal Conditions :
- Always close the main stopcock before beginning work to any part of the plumbing system.
- If the system has been drained down, do not light the boiler or switch on the immersion heater until you are sure the system has been refilled.
- Do not let water overflow from storage tanks or cisterns.
- Take care when fixing down carpets, find out where the pipes run to avoid nailing through them.
- If you are unsure how to carry out plumbing works then call an approved plumber.