by Viking Heating
Modern boilers boast impressive lifespans, but even the best equipment occasionally requires replacement components. Particularly for fast-moving parts that endure substantial wear and tear, replacements are inevitable. Additionally, knowing how to manage your water supply during plumbing emergencies is crucial for every homeowner. This blog post combines these two essential topics to help you maintain a safe and efficient home.
Why You Should Use Genuine Boiler Spare Parts
Genuine Parts vs. Non-Genuine Parts
Boiler manufacturers rigorously test and approve their spare parts to ensure safety and compatibility. In contrast, parts labeled as “refurbished,” “reconditioned,” or “modified” may have started as genuine parts but lose their original certification and quality guarantee once altered. Sellers of these parts must inform buyers that they are not original manufacturer products and remove all original markings. Despite claims of reliability, the modifications can compromise their safety and performance.
Identifying Non-Genuine Parts
- Poorly Welded Fixings: Indicate potential danger.
- Scorch Marks or Damaged Stickers: Suggest poor workmanship and high failure risk.
- Missing Components: Such as thermal cut-outs in boiler fans, can lead to overheating and even fires.
- Unbalanced and Noisy Refurbished Fans: Indicate a higher likelihood of failure.
Staying Safe with Genuine Parts
Installers are responsible for the boilers they service and repair, both during and after the work is done. If a boiler breaks down or an accident occurs due to non-approved parts, the installer could be held liable. The risks that non-genuine parts pose to customer safety and an installer’s professional reputation far outweigh any initial savings.
In conclusion, always opt for genuine spare parts from the official manufacturer to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of your boiler. The peace of mind that comes with using certified components is invaluable, protecting both homeowners and installers from potential hazards and legal issues.
How to Turn Off Your Water Supply from the Mains
Water emergencies can strike at any moment, causing extensive damage to your property if not addressed swiftly. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a significant leak, or even scheduled maintenance, knowing how to turn off your water supply from the mains is a crucial skill for every homeowner. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you master this essential task.
Locating Your Stopcock (Stop Valve)
The stopcock, or stop valve, is the main control valve for your home’s water supply. Finding it is the first step in being prepared for any plumbing emergency. Here’s where you might find it:
- Under the Kitchen Sink: This is the most common location in many homes.
- Downstairs Bathroom or Cloakroom: It’s often tucked away in a discreet location.
- Utility Room: If your home has a dedicated space for utilities, check here.
- Near the Water Meter: Some homes have the stopcock located close to the water meter, which might be indoors or outdoors.
In certain cases, especially in older homes, the stopcock could also be found in less obvious places like a garage or cellar.
Identifying the Stopcock
Recognizing the stopcock is crucial once you’ve located it. Typically, it looks like a brass valve with a handle or wheel. There are two main types:
- Internal Stopcock: Located inside your house, often near where the water pipe enters the property.
- External Stopcock: Found outside your property, typically under a metal or plastic cover set into the ground near the property boundary.
Turning Off the Internal Stopcock
Once you’ve found the internal stopcock, here’s how to turn it off:
- Locate the Stopcock: Check under the kitchen sink or in other common areas mentioned above.
- Turn the Valve: Rotate the valve clockwise (to the right) to close it. If it’s stiff, you can use a cloth for a better grip or apply gentle, steady pressure to avoid breaking it. If necessary, use pliers for extra leverage.
Regularly checking and turning the internal stopcock can prevent it from seizing up, making it easier to use in an emergency.
Turning Off the External Stopcock
If the internal stopcock is inaccessible or not functioning properly, you might need to turn off the external stopcock.
- Locate the External Stopcock: Look for a cover marked ‘Water’ or ‘W’, often near the property boundary.
- Open the Cover: Lift the cover to access the valve. You may need a special stopcock key (available at hardware stores) if the valve is recessed deeply.
- Turn the Valve: Use the stopcock key or an adjustable wrench to turn the valve clockwise until it stops.
Turning off the external stopcock might be necessary during significant plumbing issues or if you’re working on outdoor plumbing systems.
Testing the Water Supply Shutdown
After turning off the stopcock, it’s important to confirm that the water supply is indeed off. Here’s how:
- Turn on a Tap: Open a faucet in your home. The water flow should reduce to a trickle and then stop entirely. This confirms that the water supply has been successfully turned off.
Testing the shutdown ensures that no water is entering your home, which is critical during a plumbing emergency.
Additional Tips for Managing Your Water Supply
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically check and turn your stopcock to ensure it doesn’t seize up over time. This can save you from struggles during an emergency.
- Know the Location: Ensure everyone in your household knows where the stopcock is and how to turn it off. This is crucial for emergencies when every second counts.
- Emergency Preparedness: Keep a stopcock key handy and ensure it’s accessible in case of emergencies. Having the right tools on hand can make a big difference.
When to Call a Professional
Despite your best efforts, there might be situations where you need to call in a professional plumber:
- Stiff or Corroded Stopcock: If the stopcock is too stiff or corroded to turn, forcing it could cause further damage.
- Inaccessible External Stopcock: Sometimes, the external stopcock may be buried deep or difficult to access without specialized tools.
- Water Doesn’t Stop Completely: If turning off the stopcock doesn’t stop the water flow entirely, there might be an underlying issue that requires professional attention.
Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to address these issues without causing additional damage to your plumbing system.
Conclusion
By knowing how to turn off your water supply from the mains, you can prevent extensive water damage and save on costly repairs. Regular maintenance and familiarizing yourself with the process will ensure you’re prepared for any plumbing emergencies. This proactive approach not only safeguards your home but also provides peace of mind knowing you can handle unexpected water issues swiftly and effectively.
Being prepared is half the battle won. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to manage your home’s water supply efficiently. By doing so, you’ll be able to act promptly in any emergency, mitigating damage and ensuring the safety of your property and loved ones.