Need financial help to replace hot water cylinder.

HappyMJ

A hot water cylinder should last much longer than 20 years. I would estimate 40 to 50 years before limescale build up really affects the system.

Sludge....forget it. Every system will have a bit of sludge. BG said mine was full of sludge 5 years ago and wouldn't cover me. It's been fine ever since. No powerflush...nothing.

There are still cylinders in service that do not have any jacket or insulation at all. The intention being the heat would dry the clothes in the "airing" cupboard. They all still work just fine.

Ainsley1

I agree regarding the home care contract. Consider ditching it! Calculate how much it has cost you over the years and what benefit it has given you.

Although more system details would be required you could very well find that any repairs over that time would have cost you less than the contract and you might not be pressurised to do things unnecessarily.

This is all guess work though to a certain extent owing to lack of system info but in my opinion many examples or work completed by reputable qualified engineers at a fraction of BG qoutes such as my replacement boiler (and extra work not quoted for by BG) at just one third of their quote.
Many of similar schemes play on the fact that you believe they will give you peace of mind and effective cover but I think you will find many MSE continues with experience might tell you otherwise!......and you still have to shell out where they deem you have to do so.