1. Water © PDST Home Economics

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

3. Water Treatment Settling Filtering ‘Softening’ - Chloride of Lime added Chlorination – kill bacteria Fluoridation – stop tooth decay

4. The water supply in the home Water leaves the treatment plant in large pipes called mains. A branch of the mains pipe goes into each house this is called a service pipe There is a stop valve on the service pipe that can be used to turn off the water for repairs A 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

5. The water supply in the home

6. Hard Water Hard 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

8. Burst pipe Turn off water at the mains Run all cold taps to drain the system Do not turn on central heating or use a back boiler Call the plumber

9. The Kitchen sink Usually located under a window on an outside wall because: Makes plumbing easier Ventilation Good lighting Most are made from stainless steel because: Easy to clean Durable Hygienic Stain and heat resistant

10. ‘ S’ trap or U-bend The ‘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.

11. Blocked sink Plunger Washing soda Wire Open S-trap Plumber

12. Saving Energy Lower thermostats Switch off heat and light Close doors Keep boilers serviced Good Insulation Heavy lined curtains Timers on heat & water Draught proof doors and windows Turn off appliances fully

13. Saving Energy Lag cylinder Shower instead of bath Avoid running water Fill appliances before use Use ½ load & economy cycles Buy energy saving appliances Use CFL’s