Hi,

I am replacing my current 20 yr old HW cylinder and am considering
installing a mains pressure unvented system to remove the need for a
shower pump.

The installation instructions for some of these cylinders describe
particular building regulations to follow etc. and it does not look
overly complex but is the installation something that can be legally
carried out by a proficient diyer or does it require a professional.

Looking at the supplier web sites there seems to be quite a variation in
price between Thermasaver, Heatrae and Albion. Is there a significant
difference between them or does anyone have particular experience of
installing and commisioning them?

Thanks

Kevin

On Tue, 12 Aug 2003 13:35:10 +0100, Kevin Campbell
wrote:

Hi,

I am replacing my current 20 yr old HW cylinder and am considering
installing a mains pressure unvented system to remove the need for a
shower pump.

The installation instructions for some of these cylinders describe
particular building regulations to follow etc. and it does not look
overly complex but is the installation something that can be legally
carried out by a proficient diyer or does it require a professional.

There are two main options.

-You can use a BBA or Institute of Plumbing approved installer
- You can issue a Building Notice at your local authority. This will
carry a fee which is based on the commercial (not DIY) cost of the
works. Details from your local authority building control department.
Be prepared for fun if you go this route, because the implementation
of the legislation intends you to go for the first option.

If you know what you are doing, there is no specific reason why you
shouldn't do the work provided that you use the correct components in
the correct places. However, remember that you have potentially 200
litres of scalding water under pressure, so not unreasonably it's
important that the installation is done safely. This is why there
is a competent installer scheme and an alternative route if not.

Don't be tempted to skip this because you will find the house
unsaleable if you don't have the paper trail.





Looking at the supplier web sites there seems to be quite a variation in
price between Thermasaver, Heatrae and Albion. Is there a significant
difference between them or does anyone have particular experience of
installing and commisioning them?

Thanks

Kevin

..andy

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"Kevin Campbell" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am replacing my current 20 yr old HW cylinder and am considering
installing a mains pressure unvented system to remove the need for a
shower pump.

The installation instructions for some of these cylinders describe
particular building regulations to follow etc. and it does not look
overly complex but is the installation something that can be legally
carried out by a proficient diyer or does it require a professional.

Looking at the supplier web sites there seems to be quite a variation in
price between Thermasaver, Heatrae and Albion. Is there a significant
difference between them or does anyone have particular experience of
installing and commisioning them?

Kevin,

Unvented cylinders require a BBA approved fitter. Not a DIY task. A DHW
only heat banks is superior in many aspects and can be DIYed. Some versions
don't even require an overflow pipe to the outside. Unvented cylinders are
at high pressure and require complex pressure reducing and control valves
and kit. Heat banks are at low pressure and still give full mains pressure
hot water.

Unvented cylinders require annual servicing. If one bursts (and when they
go they go with abig insurance job) your insurance company may not pay out
if it is not serviced each year, and certainly if not fitted by a BBA
fitter.

See:
http://www.heatweb.com
http://www.range-cylinders.co.uk (go to thermal storage)



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"IMM" wrote in message ...
"Kevin Campbell" wrote in message
...

Unvented cylinders require annual servicing. If one bursts (and when they
go they go with abig insurance job) your insurance company may not pay out
if it is not serviced each year, and certainly if not fitted by a BBA
fitter.

I was also under the impression that unvented cylinders required
annual servicing; however when I recently had our unvented Vaillant
system serviced (by an in-house Vaillant engineer) the guy did the
boiler but didn't even want to look at the cylinder (see previous
thread at http://tinyurl.com/jtjf). Other respondents seemed to
indicate that was reasonable...??

David

"David" wrote in message
om...
"IMM" wrote in message
...
"Kevin Campbell" wrote in message
...

Unvented cylinders require annual servicing. If one bursts (and when
they
go they go with abig insurance job) your insurance company may not pay
out
if it is not serviced each year, and certainly if not fitted by a BBA
fitter.

I was also under the impression that unvented cylinders required
annual servicing; however when I recently had our unvented Vaillant
system serviced (by an in-house Vaillant engineer) the guy did the
boiler but didn't even want to look at the cylinder (see previous
thread at http://tinyurl.com/jtjf). Other respondents seemed to
indicate that was reasonable...??

David,

Check with Vaillant. Emphasise: service, insurance.


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