Weird thing dangling in cold water tank

[virtualmick]

Hi all,


So I have a problem with my ball valve so my cold water tank is overflowing. Probably a knackered washer, but that's a different story.


The odd thing is that when looking in the tank I found something hooked into the insulation strapping and floating inside. it looks ceramic with what I thought was a cork top but actually I think it might be rubber. Pictures attached hopefully.


Now my initial thought was that a gangster lived in my house before me and has stored stolen diamonds in my tank. Result! But I suppose the reality is that it might be plumbing related - any thoughts? Might try and pop it open at the weekend, unless someone tells me it's essential to my house infrastructure and will release cyanide gas.

Cheers!
M

 

[Simon F]

I am as curious as you to find out!

the pictures could be better.

and, welcome to the forum.

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

Isn't this what children are for, get them to open it

I have no idea what your loot is from the pics

 

[virtualmick]

Thanks - Yep, sorry the pics aren't better! I was balanced at the top of a step ladder at the top of my stairs, weird object in one hand, phone in the other and 2 feet of water beneath both. Interesting that it's not immediately recognisable to those in the know. If I find £50 notes inside, pints are on me.

 

[Best]

A sealed ceramic container held in a metal frame hooked over edge of water tank and into the water can most likely be one thing, - drugs holder! Could be a massive wad of cash though!

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

I do recall servicing a ball valve years ago and leaving an undisclosed some of money in a ceramic container so if you could return it to me with the cash

 

[stevetheplumber]

they were some sort of water softener

 

[Simon F]

where abouts are you?
I will be round as soon as to sort this out.

 

[virtualmick]

where abouts are you?
I will be round as soon as to sort this out.

I think I may have found a way to get my ball valve fixed without being told I'll have to wait for an appointment 3 weeks from now :smile5:

 

[virtualmick]

they were some sort of water softener

Interesting - a quick google does indeed seem to suggest ceramic is used as a kind of water softener type thingy. No wonder when I brush my teeth the water feels silky smooth! ;-)

 

[Best]

Remember, us plumbers believe in doing a professional job and we always remove the scrap and take it to be properly disposed.

 

[jonnyswamp]

Its an old prototype of TNT, similar to phosphorous, quite harmless when immersed in water

Highly volatile when exposed to air

 

[WaterTight]

So NOBODY knows?

Where's Tamz?

Come on UKPF, no question unanswered here surely.

 

[plumben]

I'd vote for a type of water softener, do you live In a hard water area

 

[virtualmick]

I do indeed...outskirts of London. Do these things have a life expectancy? Should I get rid of it?

Just replaced the ball valve (a part 1 for a part 2). My first bit of plumbing ever! Not had the balls to turn the mains water back on yet. Waiting for the missus to get back from the shops so I can yell "TURN IT OFF" if water goes everywhere. If it works I'll feel like I've completed one step towards true manhood. And I'm 41.

 

[plumben]

I do indeed...outskirts of London. Do these things have a life expectancy? Should I get rid of it?

Just replaced the ball valve (a part 1 for a part 2). My first bit of plumbing ever! Not had the balls to turn the mains water back on yet. Waiting for the missus to get back from the shops so I can yell "TURN IT OFF" if water goes everywhere. If it works I'll feel like I've completed one step towards true manhood. And I'm 41.

Sounds like its a water softener then, i'd sling it and get a new one or inline one if you need it

As to the ball valve, just turn the main on, if you've tightened everything up it should be fine, and if there is a leak it'll only be a drip so wont flood the place