Properties that have a regular boiler or system boiler will also have a hot water cylinder to provide their hot water. It’s very important to identify the type of cylinder you have, whether it is vented or unvented cylinders.
Unvented Hot Water Cylinders
Unvented cylinders, being relatively recent to the UK, were introduced only around a decade ago. How they work is by drawing water directly from the mains, this means they do not require a separate cold water storage tank. However, they do require expansion vessels to allow for the expansion when heating the water. There are several components with unvented cylinders, such as thermostats and pressure relief valves. All of these parts must receive a boiler service annually, to check they’re correct and are safely functioning.
Vented Hot Water Cylinders
Vented cylinders will connect to a water tank via a vent pipe. They are usually situated in the loft space, traditionally using gravity to supply water. While these systems have less risk of a mechanical failure, performance can be questionable.
A Lack of Hot Water
If you don’t have hot water this is most likely down to a fault within the boiler. For gas boilers, check to see if the boiler installations are igniting. For electric systems, sometimes a tripped power supply can be the issue.
Water is Too Hot
If your water is too hot despite having turned down the thermostat to make the temperature lower, you may find the temperature pressure release valve could be faulty or malfunctioning. This is a serious issue and would need fully qualified Gas Safe heating engineers to attend and rectify the issue.
There is Not Enough Water
This can be quite common, especially during winter; unvented cylinders may be struggling to meet demand, possibly because they are too small, or have become inefficient. Seek professional help from AWP Boiler Installations for our expert advice, we are happy to help!
Water Has Discoloured or Smells
If your water has an unpleasant odour, or even discoloured, the levels of sulphate or a faulty anode rod could be the issue. This would mean the unvented cylinders would need to be drained and possibly even replaced to rectify this issue.
Water Cylinder is Making Strange Noises
Water expansion can be a common reason for gurgling or creaking noises from unvented cylinders, although sediment or even worst case blockages can be the cause. By having an annual boiler service and your central heating system power flushed can improve or prevent this issue. If any of your filters are completely blocked, call our fully Gas Safe registered heating engineers to rectify.
