Hidden Costs: How Water Leaks Impact UK Businesses

October 7, 2024

It's only a leaky tap, right?

Water leaks might seem insignificant, but they pose a hidden and often costly risk for UK businesses. From dripping taps to undetected underground leaks, these issues can silently escalate, leading to substantial increases in utility bills and even structural damage. For businesses striving to minimize costs and operate sustainably, understanding the impact of water leaks and taking proactive measures is crucial. In this post, we delve into the financial implications of leaks and explore how businesses can efficiently manage their water usage to reduce costs and environmental impact.

Leaking Toilets

On average, a leaking toilet can waste between 200 and 400 litres of water daily. This translates to an approximate annual cost of £300-£400 if left undetected. Modern toilets with hidden overflow systems are often the culprits, making these leaks hard to spot until they accumulate significant costs (WaterSafe) (Southern Water).

Dripping Taps

A single dripping tap can waste around 5,500 litres of water annually, costing businesses approximately £70-£100 per year, depending on water rates and usage (Catalyst).

Undetected Pipe Leaks

Leaks from internal or underground pipes can result in significant water loss, costing UK businesses up to £3,000 per year based on the severity and the time taken for detection(Severn Trent Water).

Overall Water Bill Impact: Businesses can see up to a 30% increase in water bills due to undetected leaks, particularly in larger facilities with complex plumbing systems(Catalyst).

At Southern EET Testing, we carry out plumbing and maintenance as part of our FM services.

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What type of items need to be PAT tested?

By Tom Young • October 23, 2024

A Practical Guide to PAT Testing: What Needs to Be Tested in Different Environments & Industries

Hidden Costs: How Water Leaks Impact UK Businesses

October 7, 2024

It's only a leaky tap, right?

Residential PAT Testing - Information for Landlords

September 24, 2024

Find out more about PAT Testing (not EET Testing) for Landlords here in the UK

Steeplejack Services Explained

August 1, 2024

What Are Steeplejack Services? Steeplejack services refer to maintenance and repair services for structures, such, as church steeples, industrial chimneys, cooling towers and other unique high-rise buildings. These services include a range of tasks like repairing masonry, carpentry work, painting, cleaning and sandblasting. Steeplejacks utilize methods and tools to effectively carry out their work at significant heights ensuring the durability and safety of these structures. Services Provided Inspections and Surveys; We conduct inspections and surveys to spot issues early on, using drones and advanced equipment to safely check the condition of buildings. Repairs and Maintenance; Our services cover a range of tasks such, as masonry repairs, brick repointing, stone restoration, carpentry work and painting. These repairs are crucial for maintaining both the integrity and visual appeal of structures. Cleaning and Painting; Our team specialises in cleaning services to remove dirt, moss and other debris that can build up on structures. We also apply coatings. Paint to improve longevity and aesthetics. Lightning Protection; We handle the installation and upkeep of lightning protection systems to protect buildings from lightning strikes. Safety and Compliance Safety is a high concern in steeplejack services, professionals in this field are trained and certified to work at great heights, adhering to stringent safety standards and regulations. This includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), rope access techniques, scaffolding, and other safety measures to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment. Our Expertise Our team and supply chain consists of certified professionals who offer steeplejack services. We ensure high levels of service from the initial site meetings all the way to project completion. Our expertise ensures adherence, to safety regulations. Provides cost efficient solutions tailored to your specific requirements. For details or to arrange a consultation please get in touch with us.

Fire Risk: Common Issues

June 26, 2024

Avoid common issues and safe all year round

Fire Safety Compliance in the Workplace

June 6, 2024

Fire Safety Compliance: Fire Alarm Testing, Extinguisher Testing, and Fire Risk Assessments in Business One of the critical aspects of maintaining a safe working environment is adhering to fire safety regulations. In the UK, this involves regular fire alarm testing, fire extinguisher testing, and comprehensive fire risk assessments. Understanding the legal requirements and best practices for these essential tasks can help you stay compliant and keep everyone safe. Fire Alarm Testing Regular testing is not just a legal requirement but a crucial safety measure. According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire alarm systems must be tested weekly to ensure they are in proper working order. Here’s what you need to know: Weekly Testing: Conduct a manual test of the fire alarm system every week. This involves activating a different call point each week and recording the results in a logbook. Monthly Testing: Check standby power supplies, including generators and batteries, to ensure they are operational. Annual Inspection: A competent person should perform a thorough inspection and maintenance of the fire alarm system at least once a year. Fire Extinguisher Testing Fire extinguishers are essential for tackling small fires before they escalate. Regular maintenance and testing are required to ensure they are ready for use in an emergency. The British Standard BS 5306-3:2017 outlines the requirements for fire extinguisher maintenance: Monthly Visual Inspections: Check that each extinguisher is in its designated place, has clear operating instructions, and is not damaged or obstructed. Annual Service: A qualified technician should service fire extinguishers annually. This includes checking the pressure, seals, and overall condition of the extinguisher. Extended Service: Every five years for most extinguishers and every ten years for CO2 extinguishers, an extended service is required. This involves a more detailed examination and pressure testing. Fire Risk Assessments A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify fire hazards, assess the risks, and implement measures to reduce or eliminate those risks. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business must carry out a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date: Initial Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment to identify potential fire hazards, people at risk, and evaluate the adequacy of existing fire safety measures. Regular Reviews: Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly, especially if there are significant changes to the building, staff, or business activities. Record Keeping: Maintain a written record of your fire risk assessment if you have five or more employees. This should include details of identified hazards, measures taken, and any action plans. Compliance and Peace of Mind Adhering to fire safety regulations not only ensures compliance with UK law but also fosters a culture of safety within your organisation. Regular fire alarm and extinguisher testing, coupled with comprehensive fire risk assessments, are fundamental practices that can prevent fire incidents and save lives. At Southern EET, we understand the importance of fire safety and are committed to helping businesses comply with all regulations. Our team of experts provides thorough fire alarm testing, extinguisher testing, and fire risk assessments to ensure your business remains safe and compliant. For more information on how we can assist with your fire safety needs, contact Southern EET today.