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[Sir Tigger KC]

This afternoon I had a call from my mates elderly Mother (86) to see if I could go round and sort out her loft ladder which had got jammed and she couldn't get it to slide back up into position to close the hatch. 

So while there I had to get up into the loft to check the mechanism etc and spotted two fan heaters sat on cardboard boxes which were plugged in and switched on, but not working as they were set on low.   When I asked her what they were for she replied that they only came on in cold weather and were there to stop the plumbing from freezing!    They looked quite old and she said that they'd been there for about 10 years or so.

The house is a cedarwood bungalow and I'm thinking that these heaters are a massive fire risk what with dust getting into them or a thermostat failing or something.   

Am I right to worry?    I didn't say anything to my mates Mum as she gets herself into a right old state about things like this and my mate lives away and it's all out of sight out of mind to him!    I will tell my mate about it and what bothers me, but I know he'll just say something like ' Oh it's all right, it's been like that for years! ' 

What to do? 

[Marks DTM Calib]

Yes you are right to be worried, an awful solution, trace heating or proper lagging would be a much better approach

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Looking after little old ladies.....

Your place in heaven is already booked, Sir Tig.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Phew thank God for that!!   

I've got to tread a little carefully on this one, as a while a go I fitted a new light in her bathroom and the wiring was the original 1960's cloth covered stuff!    I casually mentioned that she should get an electrician in to check over the wiring in the house as it was very old and might be dangerous. 

Over the next few days and weeks she went into a full on meltdown as she assumed she needed a full rewire and the house was going to burn down at any minute.  My mate was seriously pissed off with me for opening my big mouth.   

They've never done anything about it, but I guess in some ways my conscience is clear if anything did happen due to the old wiring. 

[The Sheriff]

You knew it wasn't safe before you asked, really. If you're worried about upsetting the old girl, get hold of your mate and tell him it needs sorting....pronto, because if it goes tits up, he will be held responsible.

Then look for a new mate, cause he won't be speaking to you any more. 

[omegod]

I'm pretty sure oldies can get free insulation which should include lagging of pipes, check with your local age concern place and pass details to your mate and let him have the headache. 

[omegod]

I'm pretty sure oldies can get free insulation which should include lagging of pipes, check with your local age concern place and pass details to your mate and let him have the headache.

But then again, the nasty bogey man hiding in the loft won't be able to make toast on the heaters 

[hercules]

i think your mate needs a shake if he doesn't bother bout his mums safety

[The Sheriff]

i think your mate needs a shake if he doesn't bother bout his mums safety

What good will wanki.......oh, I see 

[zirk]

Unattended Fan Heater in confined space!!

Its just waiting to happen, common sense really but if you need some backup from your friends point of view the Fire Brigade will do a free home check -

http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/hfsc

[Sir Tigger KC]

I'll certainly be having words with my mate, don't worry about that. 

But I thought you lot might come up with some easy, sensible, affordable and practical alternatives!   

Thanks Mark! 

[The Sheriff]

Just leave the loft hatch open and have the heating on full blast all winter 

No need to thank me 

[Kevin Wood]

If they are required to stop the plumbing freezing then either it's not adequately insulated or she's not keeping the house warm enough for her own well-being, IMHO, especially if the loft insulation is of the same vintage as the wiring - it should be allowing plenty of heat up there!

Either way - put up with the freezing pipes if necessary rather than risk a fire.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Just leave the loft hatch open and have the heating on full blast all winter 

No need to thank me 

No.   

[Andy B]

If they are required to stop the plumbing freezing then either it's not adequately insulated or she's not keeping the house warm enough for her own well-being, IMHO, especially if the loft insulation is of the same vintage as the wiring - it should be allowing plenty of heat up there!

Either way - put up with the freezing pipes if necessary rather than risk a fire.

If the loft is insulated (from the house below) it should be freezing up there