Water

© PDST Home Economics

Water cycleWater we

use in our houses comes from rainfall which forms rivers or lakes or reservoirs, is then treated and piped to our houses.

Water TreatmentSettlingFiltering‘Softening’ - Chloride

of Lime addedChlorination – kill

bacteriaFluoridation – stop

tooth decay

The water supply in the homeWater leaves the treatment plant in large pipes

called mains.A branch of the mains pipe goes into each house this

is called a service pipeThere is a stop valve on the service pipe that can be

used to turn off the water for repairsA branch of the service pipe goes to the cold tap of

the kitchen sink, this is the freshest water in the house and should be used for drinking and cooking.

The other branch of the service pipe goes to the storage tank usually on the attic and the water for all other taps is supplied from here

The water supply in the home

Hard WaterHard water is cause by compounds of calcium and

magnesium dissolved in the water.These compounds react with detergents and

form scum which makes difficult to use the water for cleaning

When boiled the chemicals become insoluble and form a scale inside pipes and kettles and boiler which can clog them and make them inefficient

The advantage of hard water is it taste nicer to drink and some of the minerals in it are good for us.

Chloride of Lime is added to hard water ‘soften’ it

Burst pipeTurn off water at

the mainsRun all cold taps

to drain the system

Do not turn on central heating or use a back boiler

Call the plumber

The Kitchen sinkUsually located under a window on

an outside wall because:Makes plumbing easierVentilationGood lightingMost are made from stainless steel

because:Easy to cleanDurableHygienicStain and heat resistant

‘S’ trap or U-bendThe ‘S’ trap or U-bend

under the sink is designed so that it always contains water.

The water prevents smell and bacteria coming back into the kitchen from drains or sewers.

After a sink is emptied the ‘S’ trap should be flushed with clean water from the cold tap.

Blocked sinkPlunger

Washing soda

WireOpen S-trapPlumber

Saving EnergyLower thermostats Switch off heat and

lightClose doorsKeep boilers servicedGood InsulationHeavy lined curtainsTimers on heat & waterDraught proof doors

and windowsTurn off appliances

fully

Saving EnergyLag cylinderShower instead of

bathAvoid running

waterFill appliances

before useUse ½ load &

economy cyclesBuy energy

saving appliancesUse CFL’s