Council offers inspection of water cylinders

Press, 14 March 1985, Page 5

Council offers inspection of water cylinders

People with under-bench water-heating cylinders who are concerned about their safety should approach the Christchurch City Council for an inspection. Concern about cylinder safety comes after an explosion in a Hereford- Street bed-sitter on Monday, which destroyed one corner (of the room, moving walls and breaking glass in both the bed-sitter and neighbouring properties.

The council’s chief waterworks and drainage inspector, Mr Charles Timlin, said

no-one had been aware of the situation which had caused the explosion. Any person concerned about a cylinder should approach the council to have it inspected. The jumper and washer had been removed from the tap of the 13-litre unit which exploded. The tap conveyed water to the sink, and was also a safety relief.

The tap was designed so that the gland retaining ring would make a seal in place of the washer, pressurising

the under-water heater as the temperature rose, said Mr Timlin.

The plumber followed “normal plumbing practice” by removing the jumper and washer, he said. “I don’t know of any other situation where this has arisen,” he said.

It was probable that the flat’s occupant had seen water dripping from the tap and tightened it, inadvertently sealing the cylinder and causing pressure to build up.