4. The water supply in the home
Water leaves the treatment plant in large pipes called
mains.
A branch of the mains pipe goes into each house this is
called a service pipe
There is a stop valve on the service pipe that can be
used to turn off the water for repairs
A branch of the service pipe goes to the cold tap of the
kitchen sink, this is the freshest water in the house and
should be used for drinking and cooking.
The other branch of the service pipe goes to the storage
tank usually on the attic and the water for all other taps
is supplied from here
6. Hard Water
Hard water is cause by compounds of calcium and
magnesium dissolved in the water.
These compounds react with detergents and form
scum which makes difficult to use the water for
cleaning
When boiled the chemicals become insoluble and form
a scale inside pipes and kettles and boiler which can
clog them and make them inefficient
The advantage of hard water is it taste nicer to drink
and some of the minerals in it are good for us.
Chloride of Lime is added to hard water ‘soften’ it
7.
8. Burst pipe
Turn off water at
the mains
Run all cold taps to
drain the system
Do not turn on
central heating or
use a back boiler
Call the plumber
9. The Kitchen sink
Usually located under a window on an
outside wall because:
Makes plumbing easier
Ventilation
Good lighting
Most are made from stainless steel
because:
Easy to clean
Durable
Hygienic
Stain and heat resistant
10. ‘S’ trap or U-bend
The ‘S’ trap or U-bend
under the sink is
designed so that it
always contains water.
The water prevents
smell and bacteria
coming back into the
kitchen from drains or
sewers.
After a sink is emptied
the ‘S’ trap should be
flushed with clean water
from the cold tap.
12. Saving Energy
Lower thermostats
Switch off heat and light
Close doors
Keep boilers serviced
Good Insulation
Heavy lined curtains
Timers on heat & water
Draught proof doors and
windows
Turn off appliances fully
13. Saving Energy
Lag cylinder
Shower instead of
bath
Avoid running
water
Fill appliances
before use
Use ½ load &
economy cycles
Buy energy saving
appliances
