Unvented cylinder that wasn't (exploded)

[simond]

Some numpty trade professional has capped off the vent to a copper cylinder and blown it up. Together with the house.

See here;

http://www.hpmmag.com/health-and-safety/plumber-fined-just-500-despite-causing-an-explosion

 

[nortonj]

He got off lightly. If someone got hurt im sure the consequences would be much higher. Lucky boy.

 

[simond]

More info

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.u...oung_family_in_Haslingden_house_blast_terror/

 

[St0rmer66]

£500? What a joke. Bet if he had G3 he'd have been fined worse though, typically. £500 is a mockery.

 

[Agile]

Pity the HPM article does not tell us what the exact cause was and who had to pay for the considerable damage to the house which could have easily been about £30k to reinstate.

 

[Phill Peck]

It does.
The cause was vented tank had been sealed "tanks removed during loft conversion" and heated by old immersion obviously with a failed stat and no OH stat

 

[Biggles..]

I bet it cost significantly more than £30k if as they state parts had to be demolished

 

[JohnD]

why didn't the pressure escape down the supply pipe?

And how does hot water start a fire?

 

[Phill Peck]

What the mains supply?
Probably a water meter fitted with non return valve.

I think the mention of fire must be a misunderstanding by the reporter. Having heard the words explosion and boiler

 

[DaleRCL]

It doesn't even mention a fire

 

[JohnD]

"A fire had broken out in the house and the family were trying to escape in the dark as the power failed."

"Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, which is investigating the fire, said hose reels were used to put out the flames and the house was then made safe."

 

[OwainDIYer]

possibly the explosion and resulting building damage fractured a gas pipe or joint.

 

[endecotp]

http://press.hse.gov.uk/2015/plumber-fined-after-causing-explosion-at-domestic-property/

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

I wish the media reports wouldn't refer to him as a Plumber. No professional, time served craftsman would carry out work like that, leaving persons and property at extreme risk. That explosion was a result of someone missing a number of brain cells, and without the first clue about plumbing theory, masquerading as a professional.

 

[mogget]

I don't think most diyers would be so stupid to seal a vented cylinder. Let alone 'plumbers' (as they call him).