Claremorris Swinford Municipal District

Housing Repair Information

• Advice On Airlocks In The Water System

  Airlocks usually occur in the internal plumbing system as a result of a disruption to the water supply, which prevents water (usually hot) from flowing from the tap.

  To release an airlock, follow the guidelines below:

  1. Turn of water tap(s) to closed position

  2. In the case of a separate hot & cold tap in the kitchen i.e. not a mixer tap. Complete the following steps: -

  • Turn hot tap to on, is there hot water? If not, it may indicate that the water supply is airlocked.
  • If there is no water, turn the hot water tap to off. Connect a short hose to the cold tap and connect the other end to the hot tap.
  • Turn on the cold-water tap, please ensure that you have covered both taps with a cloth to prevent any spray of water wetting the surrounding area.
  • The pressure of the cold water into the hot tap forces water through the hot water supply and therefore dispels any air which has built up causing the air lock.
  • Progress to step 4

  3. If the kitchen tap is a mixer tap i.e. a mixed tap. Complete the following steps: -

  • Press a cloth firmly under the spout of the tap and turn the cold water to “on”.
  • The pressure of the cold water through the hot water system forces air back into the tank in the attic, releasing the air lock.
  • Progress to step 4

  4. Run the cold water through the system for approx. one to two minutes.

  • Then run off the tap and run the hot tap of one to two minutes, if water runs frees the airlock has been cleared. If water does not run free from the hot tap repeat the process again.

  5. If the above steps do not remove the airlock, contact a recognised plumber

  Airlocks can on occasion occur in the wash hand basin & bath. The same process as above can be used however it is more difficult to do as you must connect to the cold tap in the kitchen via a hose to the nearest wash-hand basin / bath.

  Care should be taken when carrying out this process to prevent accidental scalding from the hot water.

• Cold Weather & Heating Issues
  • If you have central heating turn the setting on a constant low heat during freezing conditions, please ensure that there is a constant water supply as central heating system requires same to work. If there is no water supply turn off central heating if it not run on gas or oil.
  • Circulate warm air to unheated areas to prevent pipe work from freezing, where possible, and is safe to do so insulate all exposed pipework
  • Cold water may cause pipes to freeze, the frozen water in the pipe causes an overexpansion and may cause the pipe to burst, inspect property for suspected leaks which become apparent after the thaw
  • Know where the stop cock is located, it is usually outside the boundary wall or in the footpath outside the property, in the case of a burst pipe you will need to turn the stop cock off. If you turn the stop cock off, please turn off central heating (as listed above).
  • If you are vacating the property prior to a cold spell or during it turn off the stop cock as above or there may be one located under the kitchen sink, this will help prevent water damage from any possible leaks.
  • If you have no water it is probably due to frozen pipes outside, the Council will not be able to fix same, the pipes will have to thaw.
  • If the water pipes have frozen in the past, please stock up on water by filling clean household container with water from the cold tap in the kitchen. Leave same in a safe place free from spills & freezing conditions.
• Condensation / Mould

  Condensation is moisture in the air, this happens when warm air touches cold surfaces such as windows, tiles or walls and tiny droplets of water are formed on the surface.

  Condensation develops into mould over a short period of time if moisture from surfaces is not wiped clean. It forms on cold surfaces and places where air is not circulated.

  Some effects of condensation / mould:

  • Plaster to blister or tiles to give way
  • Mildew will grow on clothes and other fabrics
  • Timber to rot
  • Allergies

  The moisture that forms Condensation is constantly generated through everyday activities such as:

  • Bathing
  • Cooking
  • Drying Clothes

  To remove build-up of mould:

  • Clean down surface such as window frames or walls with a  cloth & fungicidal wash. Most approved fungicidal washes can be purchased in your local supermarket.
  • Once the area has been cleaned and dry, decorate if necessary, with a fungicidal paint or wallpaper paste to help prevent the recurrence of mould.
  • If mildew is on fabric furniture or carpets, shampoo with correct fabric / carpet shampoo

  To prevent the build-up of condensation in your home:

  • Clean down surfaces such as windows & windowsill each morning and other surfaces that condensation has built up on
  • Ventilate all rooms for minimum of 15 minutes each morning
  • Do not block ventilation units or vents with cloth, tape or any other item that prevents air from circulating through the vent
  • Ensure that windows that are opened will not be a security issue, remember to close them when you go out!
  • Do not over-ventilate the property as this will cool the temperature of the house which increases the cost of heating plus it may cause further condensation
  • Keep the temperature of the house on a constant medium to low heat, this also applies to rooms that are not used regularly
  • Keep bathroom & kitchen doors closed to prevent moisture escaping through the house
  • Where possible hang washing on an outside clothesline, do not place directly onto radiators. If using a tumble dryer ensure that same is vented correctly, ensure that the vent/pipe runs to the outside of the property
  • When cooking, turn on extractor fan and place lid covers on saucepans, this will help eliminate moisture escaping.
  • Leave a small gap between the wall of the room and furniture this will allow air to circulate around the room.