Dealing with a Plumbing Emergency

Dealing with a Plumbing Emergency

People only tend to think of plumbing or plumbers when something goes wrong. Most people will regularly have their cars serviced, but do you have your central heating and plumbing systems checked each year? Think of the value of your car compared with your home. Many disasters can be avoided if discovered soon enough. The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering advises that you take the time to get your heating and plumbing systems checked over once a year to find any faults before they turn into major problems.

Unfortunately sometimes plumbing emergencies such as burst and frozen pipes do happen, but you can take steps to limit the damage while you are waiting for your plumber to arrive. Keep in mind that if you are a regular customer a plumber is more likely to drop other work for you in times of emergency.

Burst Pipes
Try not to panic! The first thing to do is to prevent water passing the point of the leak. Start by turning off all stop valves (sometimes called stop cocks, often found under the kitchen sink) and if the escaping water cannot be controlled immediately, open all cold water taps so that the pipework and storage system drains quickly. DON’T TURN ON HOT TAPS. Turn off the central heating system and, if it uses a solid fuel boiler, allow the fire to die out. Switch off any electric immersion heater, then call your plumber.

Frozen Pipes
If a pipe freezes, turn off the mains water supply at the stop valve inside your home (if fitted) - these are often sited under the kitchen sink. If there isn’t an internal valve, turn off the water at the external valve which may be under a cover in your garden or path. If the frozen pipe runs from a storage cistern and is not controlled by a valve, check that it hasn’t split. If it has, empty the cold water storage cistern either by opening the cold water taps and flushing the WC or by siphoning the water from the cistern with a garden hose, then call your plumber. If the pipe isn’t split, thaw it out by applying hot water bottles or by careful use of an electric hair dryer.

Don’t try to thaw it too quickly as there may be splits in the pipe which are not immediately noticeable.

Never use a naked flame to thaw a pipe.

Always start thawing a pipe at the end nearest the tap.

If any part of the hot water system is frozen, there could be a risk of explosion if the boiler (or other heat source) is kept alight, so ensure it is turned off, or for solid fuel systems, extinguish the fire.

Be careful because although water may be flowing from taps, other parts of the system may still be frozen.

If you do not have a regular plumber you can take steps to ensure you employ a competent person.

If you have an emergency such as a burst or frozen pipe, first take the actions described above. Call First Call Plumber if you are in Edinburgh, Fife or the Lothians on 0131-669-1007. They have to have qualifications, experience and a 24 hour emergency service without call-out charges.

If you have the situation under control for the time being, it is always a good idea to get at least three different quotes. When you are describing the problem on the phone be as clear as you can.
Do not pay money before the job is completed.

If the problem involves an appliance that uses gas, you must use a CORGI registered engineer.

Smell gas?
Transco operate a free emergency 24 hour telephone number that you can call if you believe you have a gas leak on 0800 111 999.

If you can smell gas you must:

Never light a naked flame/smoke/strike a match etc

Never turn on or off any electrical switches

Always put out naked flames

Always open doors and windows

Keep people away from the affected area

Turn off the gas meter at the control valve

Transco is the UK gas transportation and emergency service, for more information please visit their website by clicking here.

If you have problems with CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, LEAKS, BURST PIPES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, WASTE PIPES, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

Call 0131 669 1007.

Frozen Pipe or Frozen Tank Immediate Action

What to do if a pipe or tank freezes

• Turn off the water at the main stop valve. If there is a stopcock fitted on the system side of the header tank (to stop water leaving the tank) this should also be turned off.
• Do this even if you only suspect your pipes are frozen, as they could also have burst. By turning off the water you will reduce the amount of water which can escape and therefore minimise damage to your home.
• Before you start to thaw the system do what you can to protect or remove anything which might be damaged by the thawing water running from the burst.
• Thaw the pipe using a hairdryer or hot water bottle – DO NOT USE A BLOW LAMP OR HEAT GUN.
• Open the tap closest to the frozen part of the pipe.
• Begin thawing the pipe from the tap side of the frozen area by heating it gently and work back towards the header tank.

CALL FIRST CALL PLUMBERS 0131 669 1007

If you have problems with CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, LEAKS, BURST PIPES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, WASTE PIPES, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

Autumn Plumbing Tips

Seasonal Tips for Autumn

Chilly autumn temperatures serve as a polite reminder that when winter arrives it can be sudden, often leaving homeowners unprepared for the troubles associated with extreme cold. A few simple preparations now will help prevent headaches and costly repairs throughout the winter months.

Disconnect outside water hoses. If left connected, water in the hoses can freeze and expand causing taps and connecting pipes inside your home to freeze and break.

Make sure outside taps aren’t dripping or leaking. Make the necessary repairs or call a plumber before freezing temperatures arrive. Be aware that when pipes freeze, water pressure builds causing cracks - no matter if the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash more than 250 gallons of water in a single day.

If your home is equipped with interior shut-off valves leading to outside taps, close them and drain water from lines.

Cover outside taps using a tap insulation kit if necessary available at home centers.

Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or crawl spaces. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around pipes that are exposed and prone to freezing.

Seal leaks around doors and windows to reduce cold air penetration.

Carefully test the water heater’s pressure relief valve (Danger: water is very hot) by lifting up on the lever and letting it snap back. The valve should allow a burst of hot water into the drainpipe. If not, call a professional to have a new valve installed.

Check the temperature setting on your water heater’s thermostat. Set at 120°F for optimum performance.

Clear leaves and debris from outside downspouts to ensure easy drainage when water freezes and thaws throughout the winter season.

When leaving home for extended periods, shut off the main water valve and drain the system by opening taps at the highest and lowest points of the house. Make sure the heat is left on and set no lower than 55°F.

Caution! These tips are intended for homes that will be inhabited throughout the winter months. Many additional steps should be taken to ensure that vacation properties that will be left unattended for weeks or months at a time. Seek professional help to ensure such properties are properly maintained for a winter.

If you have problems with CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, LEAKS, BURST PIPES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, WASTE PIPES, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

Winter Plumbing Tips

Seasonal Tips for Winter

The holidays are coming, bringing together family, friends and a few plumbing emergencies. A lot of people take part in family parties with 11 or more guests around Christmas. These extra guests put a serious strain on a home’s plumbing system, which results in more emergency calls to plumbers.

Big holiday meals require a busy kitchen. Too much grease and food finds its way into the kitchen drain or waste disposal. Holiday guests also equate to extra showers, bath and lots of extra toilet flushes. It all adds up to potential plumbing disasters.

Pipes clog because of a gradual buildup of grease, hair, soap or food particles. All it takes it one major overload, like a house full of guests, to exasperate the situation and create a clogged drain. Follow these tips to avoid a plumbing disaster.

In the kitchen:

Avoid pouring fats or cooking oils down the drain because liquid fats solidify in the pipes and create clogs. Wipe congealed grease from pots.

Never put hard-to-grind, stringy, fibrous waste into the waste disposal (poultry skins, carrots, celery, pumpkin pulp or banana peels). The waste disposal can’t sufficiently grind these items and they will clog your sink drain.

Run cold water down the drain for about 15 seconds before and after using the waste disposal to flush waste down the main line.

Turn on the waste disposal before adding food debris.

Run the dishwasher and washing machine at night or at off times to conserve water temperature and pressure for your guests.

In the bathroom:

lan ahead, spread out showers throughout the day; wait 10 minutes between showers rather than taking one right after another.

Turn up the water heater slightly to retain hot water. To avoid scalding, do not exceed 125°F.

If shower pressure is weak, pour a cup of vinegar into a plastic bag, place it over the showerhead, and soak. Use a twist tie to hold it in place overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub off the mineral deposits to help restore water flow.

Provide a rubbish bin in the bathroom so the toilet isn’t used for rubbish. Never flush cotton swabs, cotton balls, hair, facial scrub pads, nappies, sanitary products or similar items down the toilet. These items will not easily dissolve and are responsible for most clogs.

If you have problems with CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, LEAKS, BURST PIPES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, WASTE PIPES, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

Spring Plumbing Tips

Seasonal Tips for Spring

April showers bring May flowers and the onset of spring, which means it’s time for “spring cleaning.” First Call Plumber offers these maintenance tips to protect your home against plumbing problems.

Kitchen/Bathrooms

Check taps for drips or leaks. Make repairs to save water.

Ensure that all drains have strainers to prevent hair, soap and debris from clogging the drain lines.

Check toilets for hidden leaks. TIP: Add six drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes.

Inspect tank and bowl for cracks or leaks.

Exercise water supply valves under sinks and toilets to prevent them from sticking.

Make sure toilets flush properly. If the handle must be held down for a thorough flush or jiggled to stop the water from running you may need to replace worn tank parts. They’re inexpensive.

Clean mineral deposits from showerhead. Unscrew it and soak in vinegar or fill a plastic baggie with vinegar; place it over the showerhead and hold in place with a rubber band. Soak overnight then remove and gently scrub with an old toothbrush to remove deposits.

Appliances

Check the temperature setting on the central heating and water heater. It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.

Carefully drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater.

Make sure flammables are not stored near the water heater or any furnace you may have.

Check dishwasher, washing machine and icemaker supply hoses for bulges or leaks. Replace hoses showing signs of weakness or older than ten years.

Clean out washing machine lint trap, if equipped, and place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the washer.

General

Pour a gallon of water into infrequently used drains (including floor drains if you have them) to fill the trap and prevent odors from entering the house.

Check exposed pipes under sinks and in the basement for signs of leaks.

If your home has a sump pump, make sure it operates properly by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off without any problems.

Install a backflow valve in the floor drain if you live in an area where sewers sometimes back up into homes. This device will prevent future backups.

In certain areas you may want to install flood alarms. Like a smoke alarm, a flood alarm is a battery-operated device that sounds an alarm when it comes in contact with water. It alerts you to potential flooding or leaks.

Outside

Make sure garden drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out, open, and free of debris.

Check taps and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely. If an outdoor taps drips or if there is leakage inside your home the first time the hose is turned on, you may have had a frozen pipe that cracked and needs to be replaced.

If you have problems with CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, LEAKS, BURST PIPES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, WASTE PIPES, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

Summer Plumbing Tips

Seasonal Tips for Summer

Summer is the “home buying” season. Many new homebuyers find out too late that their dream home is riddled with water leakage or a poor plumbing system. In fact, 44% of consumers call a plumber within one year of purchasing a home. To avoid such unexpected and costly problems, we recommend that you visually inspect any potential home for problems and offer these helpful tips:

Bathrooms
Check around the base of the toilet for signs of water damage (i.e.; rolled vinyl, black or white stains).

To check for a “soft floor,” stand straddled over the toilet and rock back and forth on each foot. If the floor feels spongy, it is probably rotting or weakened.

Check to see how fast the toilet flushes.

Check for leaky or loose tiles by pressing on the walls where they come in contact with the bath. If the walls are soft, water may have created damage behind the tiles.

Water Supply Piping
Turn on water the bath and in the kitchen sink. If there is a noticeable reduction in water volume, the piping in the house may need to be replaced because of calcium and mineral deposits.

If the home has a basement, check exposed piping for signs of leaking or recent repairs.

Miscellaneous
Check to make sure that the garbage disposal and dishwasher connections are tight and leak free.

Survey the inside of cabinets (with a torch) for signs of water damage, warped cabinet bottom or stains. Make sure that traps and supply tubes are not leaking.

Check washing machine hoses for rupture. Turn valves on and off to test for leaks.

Standing Water

Standing water is another common problem resulting from leaky or broken pipes. Excess water in a garden may be coming from a damaged sewer line and may contain waste from the home. Standing water is not healthy for children or pets, and is a breeding ground for insects and germs. Inspect the garden for areas that are too wet and with unusual plant or grass growth.

If you have problems with CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, LEAKS, BURST PIPES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, WASTE PIPES, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

Central Heating Programme

The Scottish Government’s Central Heating Programme provides central heating, insulation and advice. It is available to all households in the private sector who lack central heating and where the householder or partner is aged 60 or over. The Programme was extended in May 2004 to include householders (or partners) aged 80 or over who had partial or inefficient central heating systems. The programme has been further extended from 1 January 2007 to include homeowners aged between 60 and 79, who are in receipt of the guaranteed element of Pension Credit if their central heating is partial or inefficient.

The programme provides the following package of measures:

• a central heating system and advice on how to use it

• loft, cold tank & pipe insulation; cavity wall insulation; and draughtproofing

• a carbon monoxide detector (except where heating system is electric), a mains-linked smoke detector and a cold alarm

• advice on best use of energy in the home

• an optional check of entitlement to state benefit.

To be eligible, the householder or partner (including partners of the same sex) must:

• be aged 60 or over without central heating in their home; or be aged between 60 and 79 and receive guaranteed element of Pension Credit; or be aged 80 or over and whose home has partial or inefficient central heating;

• live in Scotland and either own the home where the central heating will be installed; or have a tenancy agreement with a private-sector landlord and have the landlord’s written agreement to the work.

• have lived in the home for at least 12 months before the date of application and expect to live in it for at least 12 months after the work is finished.

• agree to the complete package of measures being installed if it is possible to do so.

• not have claimed a grant at the same address under the Central Heating Programme.

The applicant’s home must:

• be the only or main residence.

• be self-contained; that is, be lived in as a separate unit of accommodation and identifiable as such.

• not have a central heating system or, if there is central heating, it must be completely broken and beyond repair (apart from those aged 60 and 79 and receiving guaranteed element of Pension Credit; or 80 or over who have partial or inefficient central heating systems).

• not be affected by any order or resolution which may lead to its demolition.

A “central heating system” is defined as a system which provides warmth to two or more rooms through a series of connected radiators or ducts linked to a central boiler, or from a series of electric storage heaters and controlled from one central point.

Under the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (Scotland) Regulations which came into effect on 1 January 2007, new arrangements have been introduced to encourage repair rather than replacement where this is cost-effective.

Further information is available from Scottish Gas, Freepost, SCO 4421, Edinburgh, EH6 0BR; or you can telephone them on their freephone number: 0800 316 1653.

UPDATE

The Central Heating Programme was first introduced in September 2001 to help tackle the causes of fuel poverty. This extremely successful programme was extended from March 2006 until March 2008 to continue to deliver the benefits available through the scheme to vulnerable people.

Scottish Gas was appointed by Scottish Government as the Managing Agent to deliver the Central Heating Programme on 25 August 2006. Scottish Gas formally took up their roles and responsibilities on Monday 2 October 2006.

News 22nd May 2008

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Well-being, Nicola Sturgeon issued a statement to the Scottish Parliament on the 22nd May 2008.

In her statement the cabinet Secretary said that the Central Heating Programme needs to be overhauled to put the fuel poor at the heart of the Programme. She outlined that the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum will be reconvened and will be asked to examine the Central Heating and Warm Deal Programmes and return in autumn 2008 with proposals for their reform.

For further information on this statement please Click Here

For more information on the Central Heating programme Click here

The Warm Deal Programme was first introduced in 1999 to replace the successful HEES and NEEDS schemes. This extremely successful programme was extended from March 2006 until March 2008, to continue to deliver the benefits available through the scheme to vulnerable people.

Common Plumbing Materials

Common residential plumbing materials

In Case A Plumbing Emergency Occurs

There are several types of plumbing emergencies that can occur, but the first step in all solutions is to turn off the water in the supply line that feeds the leaking pipe or fixture. If it happens that the point of the leak is hidden or there is no valve in the branch line leading to the leak, you will have to shut off water to the entire house.

If you live in a climate where there is a danger of freezing, the main shutoff valve is usually located in the basement. In warmer climates the valve may be located outdoors. If you have a pumped well system, shut off electricity to the pump and call a plumber.

In a case where you are unable to close the shut off valve, contact your local water authority immediately, so that water can be turned off at the main. If the water rises to the level of electrical cords and outlets, there is a possibility that it could be carrying an electrical current. Do not attempt to go near the water until you shut off electricity to the circuits affected. If you are unable to reach the breaker or fuse panel safely, have the power company shut off the electricity to your home.

Leaks
In the event that a pipe leaks or breaks, or a joint loosens, immediately turn off the main shutoff valve to prevent water damage. Next, turn off your hot water heater by turning off the circuit breakers and the gas supply to the hot water heater. Failure to do so can cause the hot water heater to overheat, damage the heating elements and injure anyone who unknowingly turns on a hot water tap.

You can either make the repairs yourself or call a plumber. If one of your water-using appliances seems to be leaking, the first thing to check is the trap by which the appliance drains. If it appears to be partially clogged, this could be the problem as it is probably causing an overflow within the appliance. If the drain is clear, consult the appropriate appliance repair person.

Frozen Pipes
Even with the variety of freeze- resistant pipe products available, there is still a chance that your pipes could freeze. If this happens, slowly thaw the pipe with a hair dryer, or with towels soaked in hot water. By heating the pipe slowly, you are preventing the pipe from breaking. You do not want to heat the pipe with a torch, as it could start a fire. In order to prevent frozen pipes, you should never leave your home unheated during cold weather.

Clogged Drains
When the drainpipe from a bath, sink, shower, or water-using appliance becomes clogged, turn off the tap or appliance that flows into the drain. If you are unable to remove the obstructing object with a plunger, call a plumber. Do not attempt to use a snake or other such tools, as they will only damage expensive fixtures. You should also never use a drain cleaner to open a totally clogged drain. It mixes with the water, forming a caustic solution.

Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet should be treated in much the same way as a clogged drain, with the exception of a few minor details. If a toilet overflows, you should stop the flow of water by reaching inside the toilet tank and pushing the tank stopper down into its valve seat. Hold it until the tank fills and the water stops. Next, turn off the shutoff valve underneath the toilet or turn off the main water shutoff valve. Unclog the toilet. Due to the fact that the trap is built into the toilet, if you are unable to unclog the drain with a plunger, call a plumber.

Tap Malfunction
If you are unable to turn off a tap, turn it off at the shutoff valve underneath the sink. If there is no valve, turn off the main water supply shut off valve. Contact a plumber, or if you are able, do the repairs yourself. You should, however, not attempt to repair cartridge taps yourself, unless you have some experience.

If steaming water flows from a hot water faucet, do not touch the hot water faucet. Leave it running. Turn off the electricity or gas supply to the hot water heater. Let the faucet run until cold water flows from the tap (the water in the hot water heater is no longer overheated), then call a plumbing professional to repair the tap or the hot water heater’s thermostat.

Clean Up
Once you stop the leak, move begin to rescue whatever you can from the water-soaked area. If the damage is serious, contact your insurance agent immediately. If the damage is minor, start the clean up efforts yourself. Use a mop or a wet-dry vac to clean up the water. If you use a wet-dry vac be sure to keep the machine and its cord away from the water to avoid a shock, use a long hose and nozzle. Also, be sure to use an outlet or extension cord that is protected with a ground-fault circuit interrupter. If the water is really deep, consider using an electric sump pump or gasoline-powered trash pump.

If sewage or gray water has leaked, stop using any toilets, baths, sinks or appliances that drain into that line. And avoid any contact will spilled sewage. Make sure that you wear rubber gloves and boots. When you are through with the clean up thoroughly disinfect the area and your tools with a disinfectant or diluted bleach solution. Any furniture, carpeting, etc. that has come in contact with contaminated with sewage should be discarded.

Open windows and doors, weather permitting, run fans, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to increase air circulation and dry out the area. This will also prevent the growth of mold, mildew and fungus.

If water has seeped into the wall cavities, remove the wallboard or paneling to a point well above the water line. This will allow you to remove wet insulation and will allow the cavities between wall studs to dry. Also, it is a good idea to remove any resilient flooring that has been penetrated with water, to allow the wood sub-floor to dry. If you do not, trapped water can warp the sub-floor and cause mildew.