For the past few days the water chimney-type pipe on the roof has been leaking a constant stream of water. A bit of research says it will likely be a broken old Pressure Release Valve (likely triggered by the water pressure when Watercare switched the mains off and on again, and off and on again).
Is this a do-able job for a DIY non-expert to try, or should I just phone a plumber?
Call a plumber. If any one part of the system has failed it is probably old enough to check a few other things at the same time. A plumber will usually do that and make sure the system is in good working order.
DIY plumbing looks easy but there are all kinds of incidental issues which may arise which are better handled by a professional.
The alternative is can be constant back and forth to the plumbing supply shop and no hot water for a while. ; ).
If you have one of those tall pipes up above the roof, this is almost certainly due to your NEFA valve (inlet valve) failing. Get a plumber, don't piss about trying to fix it yourself...
That pressure valve might need a clean. You should be able to shut the water off either side of the valve and then unscrew the dome in the center of the valve , there is a metal bar with a washer disk under it. Take the disk out, clean it and put it in upside down (so it's like new) and then assemble and turn the water on.
The cold water pressure may also be too much and turning the pin/screw on the other side of the valves access nob is used to adjust that, but it should not be needed.
If it's still persisting to leak then call the landlord or a plumber.
That is good advice but be aware that any part of that process may cause a partially failed valve membrane to fail 100%. At that point you have a new situation to deal with.
With the water bill if you inform the supply company you had a leak (when you receive the next bill) then they will look at your usage history and give you a proportional refund. But it will not be much, as others said it is the power will that will be the shocker.
You can never have enough Volvos!
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