Unvented Hot Water System

[Rachael1278]

Hi, I’ve purchased a new build property and had a few issues with the unvented hot water system. I’ve now asked the developer, builder and plumber for proof of G3 certificate of the plumbers but have been told they have no need to show me this. I’ve searched the gas safe register and it’s not showing on their profile, however this doesn’t tell me definitely that they do not hold the qualification.
Anybody know what I can do to check this? Building control who signed off the house are basically unhelpful/uninterested.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yes it’s a requirement for them to prove it’s been installed safely also you should have a building control certificate saying it’s been installed and upto spec any pictures of the cylinder/ pipework and what’s the problems?

 

[Last Plumber]

The certification side of things all a bit of a farcical nonsense in my opinion and experience so I wouldn't get too hung up on that. Building control won't know anything about it.
What are the issues?

 

[Racheal1256]

Yes it’s a requirement for them to prove it’s been installed safely also you should have a building control certificate saying it’s been installed and upto spec any pictures of the cylinder/ pipework and what’s the problems?

Hi, tried replying previously but not sure it uploaded?
Initially the immersion heater was left on which covered up faults with mechanical valves. That’s now sorted but the cylinder appears not to be holding any heat. I had the boiler on constantly as advised by the plumber but when I turn it on to timed (2 hours in the morning and evening daily) after a couple of days I only have like warm water, even straight after the timed period.

 

[Racheal1256]

Hi, tried replying previously but not sure it uploaded?
Initially the immersion heater was left on which covered up faults with mechanical valves. That’s now sorted but the cylinder appears not to be holding any heat. I had the boiler on constantly as advised by the plumber but when I turn it on to timed (2 hours in the morning and evening daily) after a couple of days I only have like warm water, even straight after the timed period.

View attachment 79170

I also can’t have the secondary loop turned on as this drains the stored hot water even quicker

 

[ShaunCorbs]

It’s because of your secondary return pump top left gold pump I’m guessing the pipes arnt insulated well and there’s no check valve on it

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Also check the cylinder stat is should be on 60-65 / in the middle of these box to the left of the immersion

 

[Racheal1256]

It’s because of your secondary return pump top left gold pump I’m guessing the pipes arnt insulated well and there’s no check valve on it

Thank you 😊.
Should the pipes be insulated for the whole loop or just the exposed ones I can see?
Am I correct in thinking that this issue is something that all competent plumbers would spot and be aware of, and lack of knowledge from my plumber in this respect is giving me doubts on his competency for the safety of the whole set up.

 

[Racheal1256]

Also check the cylinder stat is should be on 60-65 / in the middle of these box to the left of the immersion

 

[Racheal1256]

The certification side of things all a bit of a farcical nonsense in my opinion and experience so I wouldn't get too hung up on that. Building control won't know anything about it.
What are the issues?

The cylinder now doesn’t hold heat. Boiler timed for twice a day, 2 hours but only get Luke warm water. Cannot have the secondary loop on as this drains the hot water even quicker.
I’ve uploaded pics
Thank you for your reply 😊

 

[Racheal1256]

Thank you 😊.
Should the pipes be insulated for the whole loop or just the exposed ones I can see?
Am I correct in thinking that this issue is something that all competent plumbers would spot and be aware of, and lack of knowledge from my plumber in this respect is giving me doubts on his competency for the safety of the whole set up.

Apologies for bombarding you with questions.
Where should the return into the cylinder from the secondary loop be? Is it joined to the main cold feed as part of its loop?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Thank you 😊.
Should the pipes be insulated for the whole loop or just the exposed ones I can see?
Am I correct in thinking that this issue is something that all competent plumbers would spot and be aware of, and lack of knowledge from my plumber in this respect is giving me doubts on his competency for the safety of the whole set up.

Both as it’s a secondary system

If you can try closing one of the valves on the bronze pump eg pair of pliers turn clockwise

And tbh yes as it’s part of the signing off process are all pipes insulated eg if you look in the back of the cylinder instructions should be a commissioning page

 

[Last Plumber]

The cylinder now doesn’t hold heat. Boiler timed for twice a day, 2 hours but only get Luke warm water. Cannot have the secondary loop on as this drains the hot water even quicker.
I’ve uploaded pics
Thank you for your reply 😊

There is a possible issue that needs ruling out. Is there a stop tap on the cold fill side of the cylinder? I cannot see from the photo's. It would normally be before that multi block (brass) on the back right hand side.

 

[Racheal1256]

There is a possible issue that needs ruling out. Is there a stop tap on the cold fill side of the cylinder? I cannot see from the photo's. It would normally be before that multi block (brass) on the back right hand side.

 

[Racheal1256]

Should it show on this picture? Sorry, I’m not very clued up on any of this

 

[Last Plumber]

Should it show on this picture? Sorry, I’m not very clued up on any of this

 

[Last Plumber]

Should it show on this picture? Sorry, I’m not very clued up on any of this

That pipe runs up the wall to a brass block with a few other pipes off it. Then it continues up and to the left. Is there a stop tap or valve in that pipe somewhere? Above the cylinder?

 

[Last Plumber]

Photograph the pipework at the top of the cylinder?

 

[Racheal1256]

Photograph the pipework at the top of the cylinder?

I’ve just nipped into the office, will upload as soon as I’m back home

 

[Racheal1256]

Both as it’s a secondary system

If you can try closing one of the valves on the bronze pump eg pair of pliers turn clockwise

And tbh yes as it’s part of the signing off process are all pipes insulated eg if you look in the back of the cylinder instructions should be a commissioning page

Hi, I will try this as soon as I’m back home. Sorry to sound silly but what will I be looking to happen once I close this valve?

The checklist says it’s insulated! I don’t think it will be possible for me to ever know if the full length has been insulated as it’s underneath concrete flooring in a void! Can I do anything about the checklist having false information?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Will stop any flow from the secondary / pump side incase it’s moving that way

The pipework isn’t insulated on show so I would contact your solicitor

 

[Last Plumber]

I’ve just nipped into the office, will upload as soon as I’m back home

OK, just post the photo when you're back.

 

[Racheal1256]

OK, just post the photo when you're back.

 

[Racheal1256]

Will stop any flow from the secondary / pump side incase it’s moving that way

The pipework isn’t insulated on show so I would contact your solicitor

Hi Shaun,

Is it the red area on the pic that I should be turning?

 

[Racheal1256]

View attachment 79186

Could you point me in the right direction as to where the secondary pipe work returns back into my cylinder. Thank you for all your time, it is very much appreciated