Plumbing..Header tanks

dick_turpin

I seem to have to replace the rubber washer in the header tank relatively often....It is a side entry brass unit.
My question is can it be replaced with a plastic unit or is that a no-no for a header tank. There is both available in local diy store.

DC

Canucklehead

Hi

Plastic or brass ,it'll still have a rubber washer in it.
Why does it need replacing so often? Is it the small heating expansion tank?

Corgi Guy.

dick_turpin

Not sure why, it starts to drip from overflow. Clearly the valve isn't cutting water feed completely so I thought I would fit a complete valve rather than another washer!
The hot water tank is a box shaped copper tank with a small rectangular feed tank on the side.

Canucklehead

Hi

I think you are describing a Harcopack all in one cold and hot water unit.? I've posted a link to the site before but it eludes me just now!
If you are getting a persistant overflow and have replaced a washer it usually indicates a problem with the internal coil of the hot cylinder. I usually cap the main to the overflowing tank and see if it still overflows.

Corgi Guy.

Edit http://www.hartons.co.uk/plumbingunitsets.html

dick_turpin

Thanks Canucklehead, I dont think the problem is any greater than having to change the rubber washer a couple of times a year. The overflow issue ceases as soon as the washer is replaced....Maybe the nylon valve needs replacing as well to cure it. I just wondered if there was any reason why brass fittings are used in header tanks as opposed to plastic.

Thanks again for your input.

DC

Canucklehead

Hi

To answer the original question, I would use brass for durability.

Corgi Guy.

dick_turpin

Appreciate your prompt responses!
DC