When replacing an old hot water cylinder, it should be possible to obtain a good match of cylinder connection positions so that pipework modifications are minimal, but in some cases it will be worth labelling the pipes so that you know how to reconnect them. Take care when changing the cylinder to ensure that the walls of the new unit are not damaged when attaching the pipes — they are very thin and are easily damaged.
When removing the old cylinder, turn off the electricity supply before disconnecting the immersion heater (if fitted). Then turn off the water supply and dram the cylinder, using the drain valve at its base, not forgetting the heating circuit from the boiler with an indirect system. The latter will have a drain valve near the boiler. If the cylinder has no drain valve, the only solution is to siphon out the water, using a length of hose inserted through the boss in the top. Once the cylinder is empty, the pipes can be disconnected and it can be removed.
If the cylinder is fitted with an immersion heater, remove this and transfer it to the new cylinder. Being made of copper, the old cylinder will have some scrap value, so it will pay you to look for a scrap dealer who will take it off your hands.
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| Hot Water Cylinder Installation |
1:- A cylinder full of water will weigh a considerable amount, so i must be supported by a firm base. If you are installing a cylinder in a completely new location, stout battens spanning the joist run will help spread the load and also allow air to circulate around the bottom of the cylinder. If you are replacing an existing cylinder, make sure that its support is strong enough to take the weight of the new cylinder. 2:- Fit a compression connector to the top of the cylinder for the feed and expansion pipe, wrapping its threads with two or three layers of PTFE tape to ensure a watertight seal. Tighten the connector in its boss with an adjustable spanner. It may be necessary to turn the cylinder to align the connector and pipe, but this may make other connections difficult, so be prepared to make changes to pipe runs. 3:- With the position of the feed and expansion pipe adjusted as necessary, connect the pipe to the connector in the top of the cylinder. Slip the capnut and olive of the connector onto the end of the pipe and tighten the capnut onto the fitting with an adjustable spanner. Don’t over-tighten the nut, as this may cause a leak to develop. Take care not to dislodge the cylinder, either, as this may strain the connection. |
5:- Rather than attaching the supply pipe directly to the cold feed connector, fit a drain valve to it, aligning the spout so that you can easily push a hose onto its end. This will allow you to drain the cylinder if the need should arise some time in the future. Then connect the supply pipe, making sure the compression connector is tight. Also ensure that there is a servicing valve on the supply pipe so that the system can be isolated easily
6:- With an indirect system, check the connectors for the boiler flow and return pipes, making sure that they are tight in their bosses. Then run in the pipes. If the cylinder has a boss for an immersion heater, fit the heater, adjust the thermostat, and reconnect the wiring. When all the connections have been made, refill the system by restoring the water supply and inspect the connections for signs of leakage.
Unknown To install a hot water cylinder, you first check if you either have a direct boiler system or an indirect boiler system. For the direct boiler system, you will insert an immersion heater into the water cylinder. For the indirect boiler system, you will use radiators.
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Andrew