What to do in an Emergency
If at any point you’re unsure, don’t risk it, call us on 0121 3141296. Disasters can range from the devastation of a burst pipe to the lethal effects of contaminated water and Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Most problems can be avoided if your plumbing and heating systems are well maintained.
Burst Pipes
Don’t Panic! The first thing to do is prevent water from passing the point of the leak. Turn off all stop valves (sometimes called stop cocks), often sited under the kitchen sink. If there isn’t an internal valve, turn off the water at the external valve, which may be under a cover in your garden or path.
If the escaping water cannot be controlled immediately, open all cold water taps to drain the pipework and storage system quickly. DO NOT TURN ON HOT TAPS. Turn off the central heating system and, if it uses a solid fuel boiler, allow the fire to die out. Switch off any electric immersion heaters, then call us on 0121 3141296. You can call beforehand if you’re unsure or panicked!
Frozen Pipes
If a pipe freezes, turn off the mains water supply at the stop valve inside your home. If the frozen pipe runs from a storage cistern and is not controlled by a valve, check that it hasn’t split. If it has, empty the cold water storage cistern by opening the cold water taps and flushing the WC.
If you know how to, you could siphon the water from the cistern with a hosepipe, if you’re stuck just call us on 0121 3141296. You can call at any point if you want our assistance immediately. If the pipe isn’t split, thaw it out by applying hot water bottles or similar. If any part of the hot water system is frozen, there could be a risk of explosion if the boiler (or another heat source) is kept alight, so ensure it is turned off, or for solid fuel systems, extinguish the fire. Be careful as although water may be flowing from taps, other parts of the system may still be frozen.
- Don’t try to thaw it too quickly as there may be splits in the pipe which are not immediately noticeable.
- Never use a naked flame to thaw a pipe.
- Always start thawing a pipe at the end nearest the tap.
Get a Free Quote Today
For all your needs regarding air conditioning, electrical and plumbing and heating in Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding areas, choose Ronax. Our heating engineers are here to take care of everything. Call us today for a FREE quote!
If you Smell Gas?
Call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately; they operate a free emergency 24-hour telephone number if you detect gas – 0800 111 999. Deaf or hard of hearing – minicom/textphone 0800 371787.
- Never ignite a naked flame/strike a match etc.
- Never touch any electrical appliance (including light switches).
- Put out naked flames.
- Open doors and windows.
- Keep people away from the affected area.
- Turn off the gas supply at the meter using the control valve (unless the meter is in a cellar or basement).
- Once the National Gas Emergency Service has isolated your gas, call us on 0121 3141296 to fit your new appliance or gas pipework.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced when carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood are not burnt correctly. This can be caused by incorrect installation of appliances and their flues. Incorrect ventilation and lack of servicing can also cause an appliance to burn incorrectly. If flames appear lazy and yellow and large amounts of soot surround appliances, these are telltale signs that CO is being produced.
Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue, and severe cases can lead to convulsions, unconsciousness and even death. If you start feeling the symptoms of CO poisoning, get outside of the property straight away. If you feel ill and suspect CO poisoning, ask your doctor for a CohB test. In severe cases, call 999 immediately.
Ensure that all appliances are serviced regularly, and fit a CO alarm, ensuring that it meets the EN50291 Standard. We can fit CO alarms in addition to your annual service. We are nest pro approved installers. Call 0121 3141296 for assistance today.
We provide Gas, Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing services to the following and surrounding areas: Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Solihull, Tamworth, Nuneaton, Hinkley, Coventry, Leamington Spa and Birmingham.