Faulty thermostat guidance to protect residents

Published by Jane Clee for Chesterfield Borough Council in Housing and also in Communities, Health, Local Government

Following the tragic death of a baby in Taunton, Somerset, who died after being scalded by water from a hot water tank with a faulty thermostat, Chesterfield Borough Council has urged tenants, private landlords and homeowners to watch out for tell-tale warning signs to help prevent further tragedies.

The guidance, based on Health and Safety Executive alerts, warns that particular consideration should be given to hot water systems over 10 years old.

Systems where homeowners and landlords may have other reasons to suspect the adequacy of the initial installation or any subsequent work should also be given consideration.

The warning signs to look out for include:
Excessively hot water coming out of the 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/moisture in the roof space.

In such circumstances the householder or tenant should switch off the immersion heater system.

Tenants should alert their landlord.  Advice from a competent person such as a qualified plumber should be sought if necessary.

Cllr Tony Rogers, the Borough's Lead Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “We take our role of protecting tenants and local residents exceptionally seriously and will do everything within our power to prevent any similar tragic accident in Chesterfield.

“Local people with systems more than ten years old should be aware of how to spot whether their thermostat is faulty and who to contact to get it fixed as quickly as possible.

“Homeowners should be alert to the warning signs that appear when a thermostat becomes faulty and take action immediately.”

"Council tenants should report any warning signs to the Council’s Housing Repairs Service as soon as they are noticed,” he added.