Faulty Thermostat Warning

1.01.00am GMT Thu 10th Jan 2008

Particular consideration should be given to hot water systems over 10 years old.

The City Council is urging tenants, private landlords and homeowners to beware of telltale warning signs that their home hot water system may have dangerous faults. The advice follows the tragic death of a baby in Somerset who died after being scalded by water from a hot water tank with a faulty thermostat.

The guidance, which is based on Health and Safety Executive alerts, is warning that particular consideration should be given to hot water systems over 10 years old, or where homeowners or landlords suspect problems with either the initial installation or any subsequent work.

Warning signs may include:

Excessively hot water coming out of hot water taps

Excessive noise or bubbling from the hot water cylinder

Hot water coming out of certain cold water taps (some storage cisterns also feed cold water taps in the bathroom)

Steam or moisture in the roof space

If any of these are found, householders should immediately switch off the immersion heater and seek advice from either their landlord or qualified plumber.