| Step
1
|
Turn
off the main stopcock (clockwise).
The stopcock can usually be found under
the sink, or in the airing cupboard.
This will stop any more water entering
the cold water tank. |
| Tip
|
It
is always a good idea to find out where
the stopcock is situated before an emergency
arises.
|
|
Step
2 |
In
order to drain the cold water tank as
quickly as possible and, thereby, reducing
the amount of water available to cause
damage, turn on all the taps in the house
and flush all toilets. When the
taps stop running the leak should stop.
|
|
Step 3 |
If
the water is anywhere near a light fitting
or switch, remove the appropriate fuse
from the main fuse box. |
|
Tips
|
Again
it is a good idea to familiarise yourself
with the main fuse box in case of future
emergencies. |
| |
DO
NOT replace the fuse until everything
has completely dried out.
|
|
Step 4 |
If
the water is causing the ceiling plaster
to bulge, hold a container under the bulge
and make a hole in the bulge with a screwdriver
or scissors, thus releasing the water.
This should confine the damage to a smaller
area.
|
| To find more articles on improving the exterior of own home - click here |
|
Step 5 |
Switch
off the water heater or damp down a solid
fuel boiler (the fire does not need to
be completely extinguished as the hot-water
cylinder will not have been emptied)
- unless someone takes a bath of course!
|
|
Step 6 |
Find
the source of the leak. If it comes
from the tank itself or a pipe which is
fed by the cold water tank, fix
the ball cock in the tank in order to
close the valve (i.e. raise it to a high
position) thus preventing the tank from
refilling once the water is turned back
on.
|
|
Step 7 |
As
long as you are sure the ball cock valve
is closed, turn the stop cock back on.
This will give you cold water in
the kitchen tap (as this comes direct
from the mains), toilets cisterns can
be filled with a bucket.
|
|
Step 8 |
Contact
a plumber |
