Is your hot water system not performing as it should? As heating engineers serving Dagenham, Romford, and Hornchurch, we regularly diagnose and fix hot water cylinder issues. Here are the most common problems we encounter and how to resolve them.
Common Hot Water Cylinder Problems and How To Fix Them
No Hot Water
When your cylinder stops providing hot water, several issues might be responsible. The immersion heater element may have failed, or there could be problems with your boiler's controls. Sometimes, it's as simple as a thermostat malfunction or incorrect programmer settings.
First, check your programmer settings and ensure power is reaching the cylinder. Test the thermostat by adjusting its temperature. If these basic checks don't resolve the issue, the immersion heater might need replacement. Our engineers can quickly diagnose and replace faulty elements or thermostats to restore your hot water supply.
Water Temperature Issues
If your water isn't reaching the desired temperature, your cylinder's thermostat might need adjustment. For dual-immersion cylinders, one element might have failed while the other continues working, resulting in insufficient hot water. Limescale buildup can also affect heating efficiency.
Start by checking and adjusting the thermostat settings. If temperature problems persist, descaling the system might be necessary. For dual immersion systems, both heating elements should be tested. We can perform a professional descale and replace any faulty elements to ensure optimal water temperature.
Strange Noises
Rumbling or kettling sounds often indicate limescale buildup on heating elements. In hard water areas like Essex, this is particularly common. Banging noises might suggest trapped air in the system while whistling could indicate a failing pressure relief valve.
For rumbling caused by limescale, a professional descale treatment is required. Banging sounds can often be resolved through system bleeding to remove trapped air. Whistling valves usually need professional replacement. We can assess the noise source and perform necessary treatments or replacements.
Leaks and Drips
Water pooling around your cylinder requires immediate attention. Leaks commonly occur around pipe connections, valves, or through cylinder corrosion. Even small drips can lead to significant water damage and higher energy bills if left unaddressed.
Immediately isolate the water supply if you spot leaks. Check and tighten accessible fittings. Replace worn washers in dripping taps or valves. For cylinder body leaks or serious pipe issues, professional repair or cylinder replacement is essential. We provide emergency response for water leaks to prevent property damage.
Pressure Problems
Low pressure can result in poor flow rates at taps and showers. This might stem from airlocks, partially closed valves, or scale buildup in pipes. Conversely, high pressure might trigger the pressure relief valve, indicating potential safety issues.
Check all isolation valves are fully open. Airlocks can often be resolved by bleeding the system. For scale-related issues, professional descaling may be required. If pressure relief valves are activating, immediate professional inspection is necessary to ensure safety.
Cold Spots
Cold patches on your cylinder could indicate several problems. A partial blockage might be preventing proper water circulation, or there could be issues with the internal baffle. In older cylinders, damaged insulation might cause heat loss.
Inspect the cylinder jacket for damage and replace it if necessary. Cold spots might require system flushing to remove blockages. For internal baffle issues or serious circulation problems, a professional inspection is essential. We can assess your cylinder's condition and recommend appropriate solutions.
Contact Our Plumbers
For hot water cylinder services in Dagenham, Romford, or Hornchurch, contact RDS Plumbing. Our experienced engineers provide reliable solutions for all hot water cylinder issues, from basic maintenance to complete system replacement.
