HELP! MY CENTRAL HEATING IS LEAKING!

It's Saturday evening and you just accidentally bashed a radiator on your old central heating system and now the pipe at the bottom has just started leaking. Chances of getting a plumber are pretty remote so what can you do to minimise damage. First of all DON'T PANIC. Follow this simple routine and you will sleep easy when you hit the pillow.

1 Turn off the system by the electric switch to the time clock and any room thermostats. This will stop the pump and boiler firing up creating any further problems.

2 Turn off the cold water main. This is generally in the form of a stoptap and usually found under the kitchen sink. It's always a good idea to know where all stoptaps are located together with gas meter and electricity isolation units. Try to get as many old rags in the area of the leak to soak up the leak temporarily.

3 Most old central heating systems have a small usually (10 gallon header tank) to feed the system which is genrally located in the loft and often sited alongside the main cold water storage tank. This should have a ballvalve fitted with a stopcock attached. This must be turned off to stop further water entering the system. (Normally Turn .Clockwise OFF) If there is no stoptap fitted to the little header tank, you will have to tie up the ballvalve with some string and a stick or something suitable laid across the top of the tank. If this action is adopted, make sure the ballvalve will not fall down and start refilling the system. This action will limit the damage to the amount of water in the system that can escape. Next, run around all upstairs radiators and turn the off at both ends. One end is the Wheelhead control valve and the other is the locksheild balancing valve.If the heads are not interchangeable,you may possbly need a screwdriver and a small spanner/pliars to shut them down. Try to count and note down the number of turns to close on each valve. This will be required when the system is refilled.The leak is now basically under control. The only water that is going to run out now is what is left in any pipe work or boiler that is above the level of the leak. Breathe a little easier now and pat yourself on the back.

Should your house have one of the newer pressurised systems fitted. Similar tactics can be adopted. Remember the system is Pressurised and does not have a top up tank in the loft. Make sure you do not expose anyone to scalding from HOT water. Again turn Off boiler electrics and cold water mains. The system should only contain a set amount of water and by turning off as many radiators as possible the outflow of leaking water will be minimised. Remember the leaking water is coming out under pressure and may be in the form of a fine jet that you can't see. Be ultra careful not to be burned.

When all the water appears to have leaked out, the system should be depressurised and and it should be possible to turn the cold water mains back on to provide cold mains water for toilets and tea etc. Do not attempt to carry out repairs unless you are suitably qualified especially on pressurised systems. It is always a good idea to turn off any fuel supply to a boiler that is out of commission and in the case of solid fuel, try to put out any fire burning as soon as possible. If in any doubt, call an engineer!

Author: A Shea

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