Safety checks carried out on hot water systems in EDH properties
We would like to reassure tenants that we have already carried out safety surveys on 150 properties identified as having hot water systems using an electric immersion heater in conjunction with a plastic cold water tank in the loft. The surveys were carried out in August/September 2007 as a precaution following information received from the Health and Safety Executive about a potential problem with this system.
The surveys checked that the immersion heaters were working correctly, thermostats were fitted with a 'dual-rod' safety cut-out device and the plastic water tanks were fitted correctly and fully supported. The results of the survey and safety checks showed that there were no evident problems in any EDH property with this type of hot water system.
Only a small proportion of properties have this type of system as the majority of EDH properties have either a combination boiler or back boiler with a copper hot water tank.
The risk of a fault is extremely rare and the safety checks that we have carried out confirm that everything is working and fitted correctly in the affected properties.
If any tenants are still worried there are a number of signs to look out for which could indicate a possible faulty thermostat. These include:
- Excessively hot water coming out of the hot water taps
- Excessive noise or bubbling noise from the hot water cylinder
- Hot water coming out of cold taps
- Steam or condensation in the loft
These signs can indicate a possible fault in any type of hot water system so we would like all tenants to be aware of them.
If a tenant notices any of these signs they are advised to contact us on freephone 0800 032 0835 and we will arrange for the system to be checked.