Leaking Hot Water Cylinder

duzu

Hi,

My hot water cylinder has developed a leak at one of the inlets. I got a plumber over to have a look at it and he said the cylinder was "furring" and that it was best to have it changed. He quoted £450 for supply and fit.

I would appreciate the feedback of any other tradesmen regarding the possibility of repairing the leak. I did some research and it seems like there is usually an "Essex Boss" at the inlets. Could it be simply a case of replacing this fitting, or even patching up with Fernox.

The connection itself has quite a bit of hard water deposit all over it. Unfortunately I can't post links to photos here.

Thanks,
Andrew

Myser

What is the type of cylinder - make and model would help?

Can you upload a picture to a photo sharing site such as tinypic and post the link here?

keystone

Once they've gone then they've gone. Its a waste of time trying to patch it up.

If your cylinder is unvented its a pressure vessel and bodgy repairs and patch-ups are dangerous. In addition you must have a G3 ticket to work on one. Its a notifiable project.

The replacement of a vented Hot Water Cylinder is also a notifiable project to ensure conformity with Part L1b of the Building Regs. If your system is vented and it isn't fully pumped then it will also have to be upgraded to be so.

Cheers

duzu

I've uploaded some photos here:

s1230.photobucket.com/user/minorca_mai/library/?sort=3&page=1

It's a Kesteven 900 x 450. I believe it is vented.

keystone

duzu wrote: »

Its a Kesteven 900 x 450. I believe it is vented.

Yes I would say your system is vented and its fully pumped too. Thats been leaking since Pontius was a Pilot. The joint is a connection to the internal coil and its not possible from the pic to see whether its the joint that is leaking or whether the cylinder itself is or whether its a bit of both. If its just the joint then yes you could consider just cleaning it up but the cylinder sidewall is so thin that a) you can't guarantee not to damage it when disconnecting it and b) who knows what damage there is to the cylinder wall under all that lot anyway. Basically I can't think of anyone in his right mind who would attempt a repair and your man is giving you the correct advice IMO. Someone will be along later to contradict me of course.

Cheers

Stooby2

+1 for Keystone's advice. Time for a new cylinder and fittings.