TheScullster had written:

The old ticker sank when I saw a long icicle hanging from one of the
overflows from the loft.

So I went up in the loft to investigate and discovered that the icicle was
hanging from the CH header tank overflow, rather than the main water store
tank(s).

Lifting the (somewhat improvised) lid I found that the level in the tank was
fine and that the float valve appeared to be sealing securely.

As this tank runs fairly warm, I reach the (hopeful) conclusion that the
water escape/icicle is down to condensation in the overflow pipe (approx
1.5m long) rather than a failure.

The last few days have seen drips of water from the CH overflow, and
today I am reliably informed by SWMBO that there is an 8" icicle
hanging from the overflow pipe.

Slightly concerned by some of the replies to the OP, I've just been up
in the loft to check the jockey tank.

Water level is about 2" below the overflow with the heating running,
and the water in the tank is cold. Inlet valve was working fine.

However, the amount of condensation on the inside of the tank lid (a
snap fit) was impressive, and it stands to reason that there will be
condensate in some of the overflow pipe. As the latter has an outfall
slope, the condensate will run down the pipe, but as there isn't much
of it, it's liable to freeze when it gets to the end - hence the
icicle.

Interestingly, when we moved into the house a few months ago, I found
the overflow pipe was sagging under the weight of a piece of
too-casually laid insulation. I moved the pipe to ease the strain on
it, and when I got downstairs there was a small puddle under the
outflow. I did think that this was left over from the system
commissioning a few years ago, but am now of the opinion that this
regularly happens when the outside temperatures fall far enough to
cause consensation in the pipe.

I'm going to place a large flowerpot under the icicle, so that if it
breaks off the bits will land in it, and also to serve as a reminder
not to walk under it.

Temperatures are set to rise in the next day or two, so with any luck
the icicle won't be around for too much longer.

TF

"Terry Fields" wrote in message
...

TheScullster had written:

The old ticker sank when I saw a long icicle hanging from one of the
overflows from the loft.

So I went up in the loft to investigate and discovered that the icicle was
hanging from the CH header tank overflow, rather than the main water store
tank(s).

Lifting the (somewhat improvised) lid I found that the level in the tank
was
fine and that the float valve appeared to be sealing securely.

As this tank runs fairly warm, I reach the (hopeful) conclusion that the
water escape/icicle is down to condensation in the overflow pipe (approx
1.5m long) rather than a failure.

The last few days have seen drips of water from the CH overflow, and
today I am reliably informed by SWMBO that there is an 8" icicle
hanging from the overflow pipe.

Slightly concerned by some of the replies to the OP, I've just been up
in the loft to check the jockey tank.

Water level is about 2" below the overflow with the heating running,
and the water in the tank is cold. Inlet valve was working fine.

However, the amount of condensation on the inside of the tank lid (a
snap fit) was impressive, and it stands to reason that there will be
condensate in some of the overflow pipe. As the latter has an outfall
slope, the condensate will run down the pipe, but as there isn't much
of it, it's liable to freeze when it gets to the end - hence the
icicle.

Interestingly, when we moved into the house a few months ago, I found
the overflow pipe was sagging under the weight of a piece of
too-casually laid insulation. I moved the pipe to ease the strain on
it, and when I got downstairs there was a small puddle under the
outflow. I did think that this was left over from the system
commissioning a few years ago, but am now of the opinion that this
regularly happens when the outside temperatures fall far enough to
cause consensation in the pipe.

I'm going to place a large flowerpot under the icicle, so that if it
breaks off the bits will land in it, and also to serve as a reminder
not to walk under it.

Temperatures are set to rise in the next day or two, so with any luck
the icicle won't be around for too much longer.

TF

You only need 4" of water in the header tank, seems like you have to much in
yours

A Plumber wrote:


"Terry Fields" wrote in message
.. .
I've just been up in the loft to check the jockey tank.

Water level is about 2" below the overflow with the heating running,
and the water in the tank is cold. Inlet valve was working fine.

You only need 4" of water in the header tank, seems like you have to much in
yours

LOL

That's the level I lowered it to during a recent cleaning-out
exercise. Next time I do it I'll lower the level to your
recommendation. It might also help with the condensation problem, as
there'll be much more surface area available.


TF

"Terry Fields" wrote in message
...

A Plumber wrote:


"Terry Fields" wrote in message
. ..
I've just been up in the loft to check the jockey tank.

Water level is about 2" below the overflow with the heating running,
and the water in the tank is cold. Inlet valve was working fine.

You only need 4" of water in the header tank, seems like you have to much
in
yours

LOL

That's the level I lowered it to during a recent cleaning-out
exercise. Next time I do it I'll lower the level to your
recommendation. It might also help with the condensation problem, as
there'll be much more surface area available.


TF

It is a feed and expansion cistern, so if the water level is too high, as
the water gets hot it expands and
can go down the overflow.
good luck