Whilst it’s common to get electrical appliances checked regularly many people don’t seem to realise the importance of checking and maintaining plumbing and heating systems.
Blane Judd, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering cites the tragic deaths of 10 month old Rhianna Hardie and 30 year old Sharon Minster in two separate incidents as compelling evidence.
Said Blane, “Here we have two similar tragedies only four years apart that could have been prevented by correct installation and maintenance of the hot water systems. I can hardly stress the point too much – get your plumbing and heating systems checked and repair them when necessary using fully qualified engineers. The Gas Safe Register exists to help you locate appropriate gas installers. The CIPHE can help you locate qualified plumbers. It’s really simple to keep your family safe by taking simple but effective precautions when selecting someone to work on the plumbing and heating systems in your home!”
The two deaths occurred when faulty thermostats combined with incorrectly installed cold water cisterns in the loft led to the cistern collapsing, spilling the near boiling water through the ceiling onto the victims. If the cistern in the loft had been installed correctly there would have been a chance to spot the thermostat fault and put it right. The most recent case of toddler Rhianna has gained huge publicity and there are calls to make legal changes to safeguard against this kind of disaster.
Added Blane, “A change in the law to make regular maintenance of heating and plumbing systems as routine as those for gas appliances is our aim and that would be fantastic. In the meantime we want to get the word out to as many people as possible. Look after your families, get your plumbing and heating checked!”
Ends JULY 2009