Water Boiler query Turning Water off From the main mains

A few neighbours have had problems with those water heaters leaking, they are known for it. I suppose the best thing to do is turn water off in the house and drain the tank. One neighbour has a downstairs apartment and she's had the whole apartment fitted out twice through the insurance because of this problem, it was a leak from upstairs water boiler. The 1st time the whole house was black with mold as it's a holiday home so the water was there for ages. The 2nd time, a month ago not so bad but everything musky smelling and cupboards swollen so once again all replaced.

Draining the tank that a big job for a novice

I think you just turn the water supply off at the wall, turn the taps on and wait till water stops running ??

faolteam wrote:Draining the tank that a big job for a novice

Chrisdee wrote:I think you just turn the water supply off at the wall, turn the taps on and wait till water stops running ??

faolteam wrote:Draining the tank that a big job for a novice

Not that simple i'm afraid, if you turn the cold supply off the water will not run out of the cylinder unless you loosen one of the connections & you will need either a hose going into the sink or lots of buckets. As faolteam says, not a job for a novice.

The tanks are rarely "that" big (as I always note from a cold shower when we have 3 - 4 guests staying!).

If the supply is turned off, I wouldn't be too concerned if the contents of the tank were to escape, particularly as the unit coming off the wall is a slim possibility and more like a slow leak rather than a sudden burst. The important part is isolating the supply.

PGA wrote:The tanks are rarely "that" big (as I always note from a cold shower when we have 3 - 4 guests staying!).

If the supply is turned off, I wouldn't be too concerned if the contents of the tank were to escape, particularly as the unit coming off the wall is a slim possibility and more like a slow leak rather than a sudden burst. The important part is isolating the supply.

Electric water boilers range from 30 -100 plus litres. 100 litres is quite a lot to drain off or worse still, mop up after a leak.

Turn water off at mains no water should enter boiler,
Turn on nearest hot tap no water should come out only a bit what's in tap already.
So if boiler springs a leak while away, no water can enter the boiler, only the contents of the boiler should leak out, that's what people are saying.
Ok , then why ?.when water turned off at mains and you turn your hot water tap on no water travels from boiler to hot tap?
So why should the boiler leak if no water entering to push water already in boiler out.?

faolteam wrote:Hi folks have a query there was an issue with a water boiler in the apartment block I think it came off the wall or basically water came out of it, all over floor, on one of the floors , the management are telling people they need
to go to the president to get them to turn water off from mains downstairs, I always turn my water off on my apartment mains in apartment before I go do u think it's necessary or has anybody experienced similar issue

Thanks

It's important that you have access to your water meter and turn off the water at the meter. All our apartment owners have a key to the water cupboard, along with the company that read the meters.

If you only turn off the water where it enters your apartment you're still liable for any water leaks from your meter to your apartment. We turn off the water on both sides of our meter to be on the safe side. We don't bother draining the water heater, even though it has a drain going into the wall. We do leave the hot water tap slightly open over the sink.

We dont have acces to water meter its all locked up, Have to inform the president to turn it on or off, if there at home but hard if ur flying in at 3 in morning or going home at that time,