DRIPPING MIXER BATHROOM TAP - DRAIN DOWN CISTERN QUERY

[docburgess]

Hi,

Been a while since I have had a problem around the house.

This time my bathroom mixer tap - cold water - has started dripping. Have tried tightening the nut but has had no effect so seems to be a washer. I will have to take it apart so will need to turn the water off.

My hot water comes from a cistern. I have located the cistern stop valve in pipepwork near the ceiling (NOT next to cold water tank in attic !!)

My question is :

1. Before switching off and draining would you advise turning the heating/hot water off.
2. Will I damage my cistern by draining hot water out of it and not immediately replacing it - at this time of year it has been hot for a long time.


PS if my hot water comes from the cistern does my cold water come from the cold water tank or from the mains ???

Thanks

 

[ChrisR]

does my cold water come from the cold water tank or from the mains ???

That's where you should start!
Could be either.
If you can stop it fairly easily with your thumb, it's the cistern.