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Is my hot water cylinder really need replacing?

paul_wenman
paul_wenman Posts: 4 Newbie
edited 23 September 2017 at 5:01PM in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving
Our indirect copper water cyclinder has started leaking. Not a flood but enough to wet the whole floor in the airing cupboard. Could not find any obvious leaks from pipe joints, shower pump etc. so called in a plumber. He cut away insulation layer at bottom and found heavy corrosion. He has recomended a replacement. I was surprised because I did not know copper cylinders corroded seriously - he said it would be caused by accumulated limescale deposits - we are in a hard water area and the tank is over 20 hyears old, maybe 30 (already here when we moved in).

I would like to be sure that this really is the tank gone, as opposed to the pipe joint at the bottom. Can anyone offer their views please? Unfortunately MSE won't let e upload via web links as I am a new poster. Is there another way??


Thanks
«1

Comments

  • missprice
    missprice Posts: 3,738 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Put up a link with a space in it,someone will fix that
    63 mortgage payments to go.

    Zero wins 2016 😥
  • paul_wenman
    paul_wenman Posts: 4 Newbie
    Thanks but can't seem to fix it
  • robotrobo
    robotrobo Posts: 921 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts
    paul_wenman wrote: »
    Our indirect copper water cyclinder has started leaking. Not a flood but enough to wet the whole floor in the airing cupboard. Could not find any obvious leaks from pipe joints, shower pump etc. so called in a plumber. He cut away insulation layer at bottom and found heavy corrosion. He has recomended a replacement. I was surprised because I did not know copper cylinders corroded seriously - he said it would be caused by accumulated limescale deposits - we are in a hard water area and the tank is over 20 hyears old, maybe 30 (already here when we moved in).

    I would like to be sure that this really is the tank gone, as opposed to the pipe joint at the bottom. Can anyone offer their views please? Unfortunately MSE won't let e upload via web links as I am a new poster. Is there another way??


    Thanks

    HI Paul.
    It has served you well,
    get a couple of quotes and spend some money!, new,no leaks , and peace of mind, job done.;)
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 18,358 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    paul_wenman wrote: »
    I was surprised because I did not know copper cylinders corroded seriously

    Yes, copper can corrode away either by electrolytic reaction or contact with a corrosive agent.
    Any language construct that forces such insanity in this case should be abandoned without regrets. –
    Erik Aronesty, 2014

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
  • EssexExile
    EssexExile Posts: 6,597 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I've had a copper cylinder go like that, it does happen.
    Tall, dark & handsome. Well two out of three ain't bad.
  • Gloomendoom
    Gloomendoom Posts: 16,551 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    So have I. I repaired it by removing it and smearing lead solder over the corroded area.

    It was a lot of work.
  • EachPenny
    EachPenny Posts: 12,239 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    FreeBear wrote: »
    Yes, copper can corrode away either by electrolytic reaction or contact with a corrosive agent.

    Although "accumulated limescale deposits" wouldn't normally fall into either of these categories.

    The plumber might be right about the leak, but if "accumulated limescale deposits" is really what he is saying has caused it then I would be hesitant to give him the job.
    "In the future, everyone will be rich for 15 minutes"
  • paul_wenman
    paul_wenman Posts: 4 Newbie
    Well, it seems his diagnosis of a kaput tank is reasonable evenif he his chemistry leaves something to be desired. If he is right and can replace it for ~£200 fees (+£175 cylinder) is that so stupid?
  • Strider590
    Strider590 Posts: 11,874 Forumite
    The irony is he'll charge for disposal, but that thing will sell for good chunk of cash.
    “I may not agree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to make an a** of yourself.”

    <><><><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><> Don't forget to like and subscribe \/ \/ \/
  • Pdbaggett
    Pdbaggett Posts: 111 Forumite
    100 Posts Third Anniversary
    Mine went and house id only 13 years old so it does happen. They are about £180 so £400 ish to replace us decent
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