hot water header tank leak

[horton]

First post here gents (and maybe ladies), hope you can help. Found the hot water header tank leaking yesterday (water in bedroom was a giveaway). Water on the platform but no sign of an obvious leak ie connections are all dry and water level ok. No water running down side of tank either. Switched off water supply and drained tank to level of bottom of connectors; leak stopped, mopped up water and let it start to dry out.

today in a new attempt to find leak started to fill tank and had no problems until water level 2/3 full when leak started again. definately not the connections and no visible leak in upper part of tank. Time to phone a plumber. He suggests possible stress fracture in base of tank that only leaks when a certain volume/weight of water is put into tank. This sounds pretty feasable in that the leak appears to be comming from the underside of tank.

The next bit hurts (well me anyway!) Solution suggested is to get rid of old style plastic tank, replace with a coffin tank with adjustments to pipework and with new jacket,ball cock etc for the sum of approx £560 (a new ceiling is also going to be at least £400, so my bill is going to be around a £1000)

Qs. Is this a reasonable price? and why can't I replace like for like (large plastic tank) instead of the new type.

 

[ecowarm]

If there is plenty of access I see no reason to not change like for like.

Another option is to replace the hot water tank with an unvented hot water cylinder and do away with the tank in the roof, more expense now but just imagine you replace the cold tank and refill then the next day or week later the hot cylinder springs a leak! Just a thought!

 

[AWheating]

you could fit any size that will get through your loft hatch aslong as its a suitable size to feed your cylinder. what size is your cylinder? what size is your exsisting tank and what size is your plumber suggesting? the pipework alterations should be minimal in either case. What condition is the tank stand? what is it made of? will it need altering for a cofin tank?

 

[horton]

Thanks for the replies and advice guys. :smiley2:
I have measured up the loft hatch and there is no chance of putting one of the older type tanks through. I will have to cut up the old one to get it out so it looks like that idea is out. I checked out unvented tanks and thought they might be a solution until I tried to find someone to do the job. Seems a lot of plumbers do not like having to pay a load of money to qualify as a fitter so they appear to be few and far between and therefore can charge a second mortgate to fit one.

My plumber has come back with a price of £480 and can do the job friday, so have decided to go that way.
thanks again for responses
horton

 

[PlumbBobBob]

horton i think you will find that the older type tank will fit through your loft hatch you just sort of fold it up and push it through sideways.

 

[turnpin]

Check your house insurance might get some or all monies to cover the damage at least for the new ceiling good luck regards turnpin:smiley2:

 

[IDCHAPPY]

Thanks for the replies and advice guys. :smiley2:
I have measured up the loft hatch and there is no chance of putting one of the older type tanks through. I will have to cut up the old one to get it out so it looks like that idea is out. I checked out unvented tanks and thought they might be a solution until I tried to find someone to do the job. Seems a lot of plumbers do not like having to pay a load of money to qualify as a fitter so they appear to be few and far between and therefore can charge a second mortgate to fit one.

My plumber has come back with a price of £480 and can do the job friday, so have decided to go that way.
thanks again for responses
horton

If old tank doesnt need to come out then it might be best to just leave it up there, i've been in tons of house's with redundant tanks sitting empty in the loft .