Cleaning News
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Prevention is definitely better than the cure, so don't delay - follow these simple steps.
Wrap up warm
We all need to get cosy and add some extra layers for the winter weather and so do our pipes. Wrap all pipework, cisterns and tanks in unheated areas like lofts, roofs, outbuildings and garages with insulation. Use good quality waterproof foam lagging that meets the requirements of British Standard 6700 and Water Supply Regulations - you can usually get it at your local DIY store or plumbers merchants.
Keep the heat on
Keep your home heated during a very cold snap - set your timer to constant or 24 hours and use your thermostat to maintain some warmth through the night and while you're out.
Get to know your stop taps
Find and label all stop taps and valves - you'll need to turn them off quickly if there's a burst. Check regularly that they're working. The main stop tap is often found under the kitchen sink.
Draining down
Even the best insulation won't stop pipes from freezing when frosty conditions won't let up. So during a really frosty period isolate and drain down external pipework, outside taps, and exposed plumbing. Once you've protected your home from frost make a nice cuppa in the knowledge you can stay chilled out when Jack Frost bites!
Dealing with frozen pipes
Don't panic - just follow these steps to minimise damage and get everything back to normal:
Freeze!
Damage to pipes occurs when they become frozen, but you're only going to notice when the water in the pipe thaws. So, if a pipe is frozen isolate the affected area by closing your stoptap.
Start running!
When your pipes begin to thaw, run your taps into sink basins and baths to drain the plumbing system. This should reduce damage caused by water escaping from a burst pipe.
Warning
After freezing has occurred in pipes there's a risk of a burst if heat is applied suddenly. Don't switch on water heating appliances including boilers and immersion heaters until you're sure the system has thawed out. Reheat the building using gas, solid fuel or electric heaters that are unconnected with the plumbing or central heating system. Don't try to thaw pipes using a naked flame. A hairdryer can be used to direct heat onto frozen pipes, but take care, the pipe may burst as it thaws and spray water. Thaw the pipe at the end nearest the tap first.
Resuming normal service
Once the plumbing has thawed and there's no leaks, stop running the taps and slowly open the stoptap. Check the plumbing system for leaks once it's under pressure and, only when you're satisfied all systems are thawed, switch on water heating appliances. If your notice a leak, isolate the affected pipe by closing the stoptap, then call a plumber. If you want to find an approved plumber, use the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering's website.
I ALREADY HAVE A FLOOD
If the worst has happened already and your property is flooded - DON'T DELAY - CALL VACMAN IMMEDIATELY ON 0800 783 6103. Every minute that your property remains wet increases the damage, the repair time and the cost of your claim. In fact - if you delay too long in dealing with the problem it is just possible that your insurer could deny your claim. You have an obligation to mitigate your losses as much as possible and calling in a professional is the fastest and most effectiveway to ensure that your property is saved or restored properly.
Vacman Cleaning is pleased to announce that that the company has been awarded a contract to provide cleaning services for the Highlands & Islands Fire Service in the Western Isles. Commencing in January 2010 Vacman operatives will provide office cleaning at the Fire services Main offce and CSA office in Robertson Street Stornoway. Vacman already holds cleaning services contracts in the Western Isles, providing a range of services to the MoD and Comhairle nan Eilean. "The award of this contract strenghens Vacman's position in the Western Isles. We see ourselves as the public sectors contractor of choice when it comes to working in remote highland and island locations", said Neil Montgomery, managing director of Vacman.
December 1st 2009
In yet another recession busting announcement Vacman Cleaning is pleased to break the news of yet further growth of the company in central Scotland. Commencing in late 2009 and lasting for a period of up to 5 years, a new contract with Stirling Council will see Vacman operatives cleaning and clearing a range of Council properties for the Central Scotland Authority. "We are delighted but, not surprised, that Stirling Council has joined a growing number of local authorities in Scotland who recognise the real social and economic benefits that our services bring to social housing", said Neil Montgomery managing director of Vacman. "Our services continue to speed up the relet process for all kinds of business, landlords and social housing organisations in Scotland.
Notes
Stirling Council is, geographically, the 9th largest Council in Scotland. The Council has a housing stock of more than 6,000 properties.
October 15th 2009
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