Page 353 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

Chapter 5 Cold water systems

Information to be provided to other users

before decommissioning

Whether permanently decommissioning a system or temporarily
decommissioning a section of pipework to allow repairs or the replacement of
appliances or components, the end user or customer should be informed of:

● which part of the system is likely to be out of service
● approximately how long for
● where they can get water from in the meantime.

Consider ways that can reduce periods

when facilities are not available

To lessen the inconvenience of the water system being off, the installation can be
separated into zones by installing isolation valves at key points. This would ensure
that not all of a system is out of commission and that parts remain in service.

The work, rather than being done when the property is occupied, could be
completed at those times when the building is closed, outside of normal
operating hours.
Always remember to isolate the fuel system/electricity supply to the hot water
system, to prevent accidental heating of a decommissioned system.

Preventing the end user from using an

appliance or system

To prevent the end user from using the cold water system once it has been turned
off for decommissioning, a notice should be placed at the point of isolation
informing other water users that part of the system is out of commission and
that it should not be turned back on. It is also a good idea to put your telephone
number on the notice so that people can contact you for information. The
pipework should be cut at the nearest tee piece or live line to prevent stagnation
of water in the decommissioned section of pipework. If the decommissioning is
temporary, then the appliance can be disconnected and the pipework capped off.

SUMMARY

During this chapter, we have investigated water supply from the cloud to the
tap and we have seen the correct practice of system installation, materials
and components. It is an almost impossible task to attempt to describe every
aspect of cold water supply and the best way to gain experience in this field is
by working on the systems themselves and seeing the different systems, both
new and existing, in operation. It will soon become apparent that there is a
multitude of different systems, materials and fittings based upon those we have
looked at. By seeing these different systems in operation, you will soon become
proficient at identifying the correct methods of working. And as long as we can
do that, we will enhance and develop our knowledge.

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