Heating 4 July 2024

Resolving Hot Water Issues – A Case Study by Plumbing Angels

At Plumbing Angels, we pride ourselves on providing quick, efficient, and thorough solutions to all plumbing problems. Recently, we were called in to help a client who was experiencing issues with their hot water supply. Here’s a detailed look at how we diagnosed and resolved the issue.

The Problem

Our client reported that there was no hot water at their outlet. Initial testing showed an initial burst of pressure, which quickly died out. This indicated a possible blocked filter. After further inspection, we pinpointed the issue to a blocked combi valve in the unvented cylinder.

Our Solution

1. Diagnosis:

   • We began by thoroughly testing the hot water system, confirming that the issue was likely due to a blockage.
   • Inspection of the unvented cylinder revealed a blocked combi valve.

2. Valve Replacement:

   • We installed a new combi valve to replace the blocked one.
   • To ensure a perfect fit and function, we adapted the pipework accordingly.

3. Lever Valve Replacement:

   • During our inspection, we also found that two lever valves were not working properly.
   • We replaced these faulty lever valves with new ones to ensure the entire system was functioning optimally.

4. Final Testing:

   • After reinstalling the new valve and adapting the pipework, we reinstated the water supply.
   • We conducted a thorough test to ensure that the hot water was flowing smoothly and that there were no leaks.

Results

The client’s hot water supply was restored to full functionality. The initial burst of pressure problem was resolved, and the water flow was consistent and strong. By addressing both the combi valve blockage and the faulty lever valves, we ensured a comprehensive fix that would provide lasting results.

Conclusion

At Plumbing Angels, we are dedicated to solving plumbing issues efficiently and effectively. Whether it’s a simple fix or a complex problem, our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to get the job done right. If you’re experiencing any plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!

What Usually Causes No Hot Water

The pattern in the houses we attend is fairly consistent, and the cause depends on what sort of system you have.

On a combi boiler, hot water at no taps while the heating still works usually points to the diverter valve, which is meant to switch the boiler between heating your radiators and heating your water. When it sticks, one function keeps working and the other does not. Scale on the hot water side is the other common culprit in a hard water area like Kent, and it shows up as flow that has gradually got weaker over the years.

On a system or regular boiler with a cylinder, the usual suspects are the cylinder thermostat, the motorised valve that directs hot water to the cylinder, or — on an electric-only setup — the immersion heater element, which furs up and eventually fails.

On any system, check the simple things first: that the programmer is actually set to heat water, that the boiler has not locked out with a fault code, and that the system pressure has not dropped.

Lukewarm Rather Than Cold

A different fault, and worth distinguishing. Water that is warm but never properly hot usually means a thermostat set too low, a scaled heat exchanger, or a failed shower mixing valve. On a cylinder, remember that stored water needs to reach 60°C to stay safe from legionella — do not turn it below that to save energy.

What It Costs

Diagnosis and repair are charged at £95 + VAT for the first hour, which is always billable, then £47.50 + VAT for each hour after. Parts are agreed with you before we fit or order them.

If you’re dealing with hot water problems or any other plumbing issue, call Plumbing Angels on 01732 792 454. We are Gas Safe registered under number 951167 and cover Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding Kent villages.