Tanks, cylinders and hot-water problems

Jobs this route can include

• Leaks from accessible tanks, cylinders, valves or connecting pipework
• Replacing a vented or unvented hot-water cylinder
• Immersion-heater faults requiring plumbing or electrical work
• Overflow problems and ball-valve replacement
• Changes to stored-hot-water pipework

Photograph the manufacturer label for your own reference and include the make, model or cylinder capacity if it is easy to read. Do not remove covers from electrical controls or pressurised equipment.

Describe the symptoms

Say whether there is no hot water, too little hot water, unusual noise, visible discharge or a leak. Mention whether the issue began suddenly and whether an electrical breaker has tripped, but do not repeatedly reset electrical protection.

Unvented cylinders and electrical immersion heaters require people with the appropriate competence for that specific work. Ask the trader to confirm this before appointing them.