recommendations for a new all electric hot water system

[Andrew Garrett]

Hi there I am hoping you can help.

I am having issues with my 25 year old hot water system and considering replacement. I have a water tank that feeds the boiler through a gate valve with a howdens electric WE501 immersion heater. Pressure is good from the cold, almost non existant from the hot. I would like to get rid of the big water tank and old boiler and replace it with something more modern that will provide more pressure so I can have a bath - currently I cant because it flows so slowly. Cold water in the kitchen is mains but to the 2 colds in the bathroom it comes from the tank. Hot water comes from the tank, pressure coming from the water tank.
I'm confused about vented and unvented cyclinders and not sure what I need. I'd like to have an idea of whats required so I understand what the plumber is talking about but I cant afford to spend megabucks. Screwfix have a RM Prostel unvented direct 120 litre item product number 51564. Will this do the job?

apologies for my ignorance if this is an obvious question

thanks

 

[Vee]

You will first need to get a measurement of the flow and pressure of your water main to establish whether this type of conversion is workable. Also make sure to check any plumbers credentials as this would be a job notifiable under Building Regulations G3, i.e. not a DIY job. If your tank setup is central to your house/flat?, you may be better of with a different solutions. I am assuming you call your hot water cylinder boiler, that it is a vented cylinder with an immersion element fitted and fed by a cold water storage cistern from above either in the same cupboard or a loft?

 

[Andrew Garrett]

You will first need to get a measurement of the flow and pressure of your water main to establish whether this type of conversion is workable. Also make sure to check any plumbers credentials as this would be a job notifiable under Building Regulations G3, i.e. not a DIY job. If your tank setup is central to your house/flat?, you may be better of with a different solutions. I am assuming you call your hot water cylinder boiler, that it is a vented cylinder with an immersion element fitted and fed by a cold water storage cistern from above either in the same cupboard or a loft?

yes.

according to the council website I dont need building regs

 

[ShaunCorbs]

yes.

according to the council website I dont need building regs

If you swap it for an unvented yes you do and need to be qualified to fit one

 

[Vee]

The council website will tell you that you need to use a competent person which can certify your installation, which effectively means Building Regulations will need to be certified by the installer not by their Building Control Department.

 

[Andrew Garrett]

So I went with a RM Prostel Unvented Direct Cylinder 120 Litre and its been great so far, if anyone is interested.
There were cheaper options on ebay though.


Hot Water Storage & Solar Thermal | RM Cylinders