Scalding risk from domestic hot water system - information for council tenants

You may have heard in the news about two fatal incidents in the last four years where a large volume of near boiling water poured through bedroom ceilings onto people sleeping below.

We are aware of how concerned you may be about these incidents.  The following information is provided to advise you of the steps that you can take to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in your home.

It is very rare that such an incidence occurs but it does give a potentially serious risk of scalding from a domestic hot water system.  The systems which may be involved have a fixed electric (or part electric) immersion heater together with a plastic cold water storage tank located in the roof space.

What you should look out for:

There are a number of warning signs you should look out for which may indicate that there is a potential problem.

a) An unexpected rise in the temperature of the hot water coming from the hot water taps

b) Warm or hot water coming out of the cold taps

c) Unusual noises, bubbling or banging coming from your hot water system.

What you should do if any of these problems occur:

d) Immediately switch off your immersion heater (the switch should be located near the hot water cylinder either in the airing cupboard or just outside).

e) Report the fault to us in the normal way using the following telephone numbers

        01395 517458 during office hours

        01395 516854 between 5.30 pm and 8.30 am

Page last updated on 23 January 2008