With the remaining tickets for the Olympics and Paralympics now on sale, it’s getting tickets of another kind that jobbing plumbers and heating engineers will be worried about while the Games are on. With access and parking restrictions being put in place around Olympic and Paralympic venues, if you need to call out a trade to an emergency job, there’s a good chance they may say no to the risk of parking fines and heavy traffic or hit hefty delays in trying to get out to you.
Kevin Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has the following advice. “If you live in the vicinity of Olympic and Paralympic venues, you will need to plan ahead. Simple things like knowing how to turn your water off via your stop tap (sometimes called stop cocks) and empty your water system, will make a massive difference in the case of a leak. You should also be aware of simple gas safety measures like not turning on lights or electrical appliances if you can smell gas.
“If you are in an area faced with diversions or restricted parking, do mention it when you call out your plumbing or heating engineer (they may need help finding your property it they can’t take their normal route). Ensure they have access to a parking space, either on your drive or by permit, as they will not want to risk a parking fine. Last but not least, don’t expect contractors to want to schedule in big jobs such as a new bathroom, during this time – you’ll be hit with delivery issues and if multiple trades need to be involved (electricians, plasterers, etc) you will again be faced with access and parking issues.”
The Olympics will be taking place between 27 July – 12 August, with the Paralympics taking place 29 August – September. The Games are taking place all of the UK, not just in East London, with venues covering many parts of London, Weymouth & Portland, Windsor & Eton, Hadleigh & Leigh-on-Sea, Cheshunt & Waltham Cross, Sevenoaks, Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow, Coventry and Surrey – so you could still be affected, even if you don’t live in the Stratford area.
You can find a plumber or heating engineer in your area, along with advice on what to do in an plumbing emergency via this link
You can find out more on gas safety via www.gassaferegister.co.uk