Copper hot water tank leaking - what to replace with?

frash · 22-06-2023 08:35PM #1

Hi - thanks for reading

I've got a copper hot water tank in my hot press on the 1st floor of a 2 story house. It's at least 20 years old.

I've an attic conversion with an en-suite so beside the copper tank I have a pump (inverted pump?). When on it pumps hot & cold water around the house to increase pressure. it's roughly 10 years old.

There's a cold water storage tank in the attic.

When I got the attic converted they said the pump I have general lasts about 10 years so it's coming towards the end of it's life I'd assume. I remember it costing about €1000.

The copper tank now has a leak so I think my options are:

1 - replace it with another copper tank, keep the existing pump & hope it lasts another few years

2 - as above only stainless steel

3 - a pressurised tank. I thought I could get a mains fed one but I'm told due to the attic I'd need a pump on it too ?

I'm thinking I should go with #3 due to the age of the existing pump but it's dear enough.

Plumber (doing a nixer) reckons the kit & parts will be about €1300 and so he wants €2200 to fit it

Can I get opinions please?

I'm based in Dublin if it makes any difference.

Thanks

antoinolachtnai · 22-06-2023 08:57PM

If cost is a concern then replace the cylinder with a copper one, fast recovery (bigger coil) if you can get it.

if cost isn’t a concern and you want pressurized, get someone to give you a receipt for installing it. Heating water under pressure is a serious business, and is not really nixer territory if you ask me.

frash · 22-06-2023 09:12PM

Thanks for the reply

Cost is a concern unfortunately but I'm thinking if I go with a copper one then the pump could easily go next.

It's been sitting there undisturbed for 10 years but I would presume a new tank installation would mean it being moved & re-setup after which is might just pack it in. New pump would cost at last €1200 now I assume with inflation.

antoinolachtnai · 22-06-2023 10:50PM

What make of pump? Those pumps are inexpensive enough and you could install replacement yourself if it’s plumber up right with isolation valves. There are also people who will come and replace your pump with a reconditioned model for around 250 euros, if it is a better quality Stuart Turner model.

10-10-20 · 23-06-2023 08:37AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120751313#Comment_120751313

You could say the same about anything. I have a pump here with an "expected lifetime" of 10 years, and it's still going after 19. I'd focus on the cylinder and keep the costs under control.