Faulty Thermostat Guidance for Burton Homeowners

Following the tragic death of a baby in Somerset, who died from being scalded by water from a hot water system which had a faulty thermostat, East Staffordshire Borough Council is urging, landlords, tenants, homeowners and the plumbing industry in Burton on Trent to look for the telltail signs with their water system to prevent any further tradgedies.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety alert to raise awareness of the rare but potentially serious risk of domestic hot water systems which include a fixed all-electric or part-electric immersion heater in conjunction with  a plastic cold water storage cistern or tank located in the roof space.

However, we would like to reiterate the comments of the HSE that this is an extremely rare occurrence caused by a combination of faults on the system in question.

An overheating immersion heater will normally show obvious warning signs, however, there are a number of warning signs that could indicate a possible thermostat failure and overheating of the water in the cylinder.

The warning signs people should look out for include:

·    Scalding or excessively hot water temperatures at taps
·    A very hot cylinder or airing cupboard
·    Moisture or steam in the roof space/airing cupboard
·    Hot water coming through cold taps
·    Rumbling, bubbling or whooshing sounds coming from the hot water cylinder

The Council has liaised with Trent and Dove Housing regarding this issue and will be sending out further information to private landlords in the Borough.

Malcolm Barrett Deputy Leader for Health, Environment and Leisure said: “East Staffordshire Borough Council treats the role of helping protect our local residents exceptionally seriously and think it is important that we take steps to advise residents and raise awareness of this issue, and prevent any further tragic loss of life through faulty thermostats.”

If residents notice any of the warning signs above they should follow the advice from the Health and Safety Executive:

·    Turn off the immersion heater switch and/or the central heating boiler switch
·    Run off all of the stored hot water, being mindful that the temperature of the water may be extremely hot.
·    If you own your house you should seek advice from a competent person (such as a qualified plumber) if necessary.
·    If you are a tenant you should contact your landlord or letting agent. If they do not help you can contact the Housing Team at the Council on 01283 508660 or by emailing -  private.housing@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk

You can read the full alert from the HSE on the internet at  www.hse.gov.uk/services/localgovernment/alert.htm

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