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How to turn hot water off in unit?

threemonkeys
Growing in Experience

How to turn hot water off in unit?

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I have one of these old taps for my hot water line. The hot water system is for the whole building with taps like these at each individual unit.

 

A plumber came out yesterday to change some hoses in my bathroom and wasn't able to do it because he couldn't shut the hot water off, the tap had seized and he was reluctant to force it saying these taps break down after about 20 years. I know one of my neighbours replaced his when he did some renovations because of the same problem, but I don't know how because the plumber also couldn't shut the hot water off at the system itself, nobody seems to know where the mains are either. The entire property is quite run down, why I'm renovating my unit and there are a lot of problems like these I keep discovering during the process. It's also a strange build with things in places they shouldn't be, apparently not unusual for a building of that age. I sent a message to the body corporate but haven't heard back from them yet.

 

Who's responsibility is it to get things like this fixed? How much will it cost if I have to pay for it because nothing gets done around here. I managed to find a workaround to install the vanity without having to replace the water lines but I will need to be able to shut the hot water off when I go to do the kitchen, or if there's an emergency.

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Can't turn hot water off

Hi @threemonkeys,

 

The body corporate would be the best place for information on whose responsibility it is.

 

I suspect the water board will be able to assist you in finding the main, as they might have it on record. I would imagine the meter reader would need to know its location in order to notate usage. Your best option would be to find the main line so it can be shut off whilst a new valve is installed by your plumber.

 

If that can't be done, you'd have to have the plumber call in a specialised service, where they freeze your hot line while the tap is replaced. For a quote on having this done, it would be best to speak with your current plumber or perhaps another one who can provide this service.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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