Unvented Hot Water Cylinders, Birmingham

When an unvented cylinder beats a combi

In a house with two or more bathrooms, or where more than one shower runs at the same time, a combi struggles — the flow rate simply divides. An unvented cylinder stores hot water at mains pressure and delivers strong, simultaneous showers. In large Sutton Coldfield and Solihull properties it is usually the right specification, and we would rather sell you the right system than the cheaper one that disappoints.

Annual servicing is not optional

An unvented cylinder is a pressure vessel. The safety chain — expansion vessel charge, pressure reducing valve, temperature and pressure relief valve, tundish and discharge pipe — needs testing every year. Manufacturers make the warranty conditional on it, and the failure mode of a neglected unvented system is genuinely serious rather than merely inconvenient. An annual service is £120, or £90 if you book it alongside a boiler service on the same visit — one appointment covers both appliances.

Faults we see

• Water dripping from the tundish or outside discharge pipe — usually a failed expansion vessel or a passing relief valve.
• Pressure dropping at the taps — often the pressure reducing valve or a partially blocked strainer.
• Hot water running out quickly — immersion or coil problem, or a thermostat set too low.
• Banging on shut-off — expansion vessel losing its air charge.

Most of these are repairs rather than replacements, and re-charging an expansion vessel is a routine part of the annual service.

Prices

Prices are estimates and may change after a site inspection. We cover Birmingham and 10 miles from B20 2JS as standard, extending to 50 miles for boiler installations. A travel charge may apply beyond 10 miles.