Problems with hot water cylinder heating system - pls help

[UTV79]

I have recently had quite a few problems with my hot watercylinder system and just as many plumbers to try to fix each one but withlittle success (and they usually leave me another problem). The system has apeak and off peak switch and I live in a first floor flat. I am at a loss atwhat to do next and would be grateful for any advice that someone can give me -see my problems below.

The problems I have had:
1. Initially started with the cold water tank banging andoverheating in the middle of the night. Once I switched the off peak switch off it stopped.

I had a plumber come and advise me the thermostat neededchanging. He changed it.

2. This 'fix' stopped the banging but the off peak systemdidn't seem to heat the water after that so I had to rely on the immersionswitch.

3. At the same time I had problems with my shower - I have amira event xs thermostatic shower. Basically after around 10 minutes it soundedlike the motor sped up and then the pressure from the shower head would reduceso no water would come out! Then the water would start coming out again after15 seconds. It would keep on doing this.If you bring the shower head down the water would start coming out.

I got the mira engineer out who said I had the wrong showerfor my flat - the shower was higher than the hot water tank! What I can't understand is that the showerwas fine for 5 years and just started playing up now.

4. Anyway, as problem 2 and 3 were not sorted, a plumberchanged my hot water tank, put a new ball valve and put two new elements andthermostats. This gave me anotherproblem. Previously I could take ashower for as long as I liked but now it only lasts for 15 minutes before thehot water runs out - both the peak and off peak thermostats are on the maxtemperature.

5. My problem with the shower went away for a couple ofmonths but now seems to be coming back. Now I can hear the motor speed up onceI put the shower on.

6. The final problem - as my hot water tank has low pressureI had a water pump fitted in a few years ago. Anyway, since I got the hot water tank changed the toilet flush hasbecome a bit tempremental. Usually, onceI flush the toilet the pump kicks in. Atthe moment, this does not happen and the pump only kicks in once I open thebathroom sink tap. How do you explainthat?

Anyway, all of the above means I don't know what to do toresolve all these problems. I have beenadvised that I should just change the system and put in a 'direct unventedcylinder' - that will cost £1150.

Should I go down that route? Will it solve all my problems?

Or is there an alternative solution?

Many thanks in advance for your help

 

[unguided1]

As you have a flat I assume that the tank that you have is a combination tank more commonly known by a popular trade name as a Fortic, Therefore this would be why the Mira chap said you had the wrong shower for your flat, you have 2 choices you could fit a negative head pump so that your shower will work properly or as has been suggested change to an unvented cylinder, If you would like more advice PM me your number I will call and advise you. Just so you know I am not looking for extra work I am already too busy

 

[kay-jay]

can't fit a pump negative head or otherwise to a combination cylinder as the storage capacity for cold water is too small.

if the flat is solid ceiling and therefore no loft, the best shower option would be a decent electric model.if you have a loftspace there is no reason why you can't have a larger cwsc which will ensure the shower lasts longer as long as the hw cylinder has a decent capacity.

KJ

 

[unguided1]

can't fit a pump negative head or otherwise to a combination cylinder as the storage capacity for cold water is too small.


Fair point forgot that bit!!

 

[mungo]

gotta be a good quality electric shower without a doubt...... that'll sort it out!

 

[UTV79]

Thanks for your advice. Will that just sort out the hot water in the shower or all my other problems??

Should that shower be connected to the cold water mains or the hot water cylinde??

Also, should I consider this 'direct unvented cylinder' system??

 

[kay-jay]

a decent electric shower should be plumbed in to the mains cold water, will not require a pump and will provide hot water for the full duration of your showers. this will allow you to remove the existing pump and remedy the other problems.

you should not even consider an unvented system unless your flat is absolutely massive and has a lot of people living there.

KJ