Who knew? Unlikely as it sounds, Thames Water upgrades may impact on electrical safety.
Until 1967, metal water or gas pipes were used to provide an earth to electrical installations. This doesn’t comply with modern safety standards but some Warner flats may still rely on this type of earthing. But now that metal pipes are being replaced with plastic, flats with a barely adequate earth could be left with none.
Thames Water warns about this on their site, although its hidden in the About us section. “When we replace the water mains in your area, we will replace the underground metal pipes in your street with plastic pipes. This may affect the electrical earthing for your property.”
The Fire Brigade attend an average of 30 electrical fires per year in Walthamstow and we want to get that down to zero. We recommend having wiring tested by a registered electrician on a regular basis. Triangle Electric are currently upgrading the wiring on four Warner flats and offer a discounted safety report at £225 + VAT.