Vented Hot Water Cylinders
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Introduction
This is the standard solution many of us have in our homes, to provide hot water to taps and showers.
Water supply
The cold water is supplied to the vessel via a cold water storage tank, often located in the loft space directly above the hot water cylinder. A vent pipe runs from the top of the hot water cylinder and into the lid of the cold water tank above. This venting allows for the expansion of water in the cylinder via air bubbles and steam, and ensures the water is safely condensed to the cold water tank.
A standard vented system relies on gravity to supply hot water to the taps and shower(s), this means that the hot water cylinder must be located below the cold water storage tank, to generate the required 'head' of water pressure to adequately feed all the radiators.
Pros & cons
- Can be fitted by a regular plumber or keen DIYer
- Cheaper than alternative storage systems
- Easier to maintain
- Requires a seperate cold water storage tank
- Gravity fed showers may require a pump if performance is unsatisfactory
Hot water pressure
To run a vented hot water system but supply higher pressure water to the taps and shower(s) will require the installation of a water pump into the plumbing system.
Small twin-impeller pumps can be fitted to the water supply pipes for a single shower, or a larger pump can be used to provide high pressure water to an entire bathroom. Alternatively a centrifugal pump can be fitted which can provide high pressure water to the entire property.
Further information and useful links
- Find a Heating Engineer near you
- Find a Plumbing Merchants near you
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