Dangers with a leaking cylinder?

[oavio77]

Hi and thanks in advance for any useful feedback

I have a gledhill pulsacoil2000 which seems to have a faulty pump (unit is heating water but not distributing to taps etc).

But in addition the Cylinder has been identified as leaking.

Because the cylinder is leaking I am being advised against draining down the system to replace the pump on the basis that fluctuations in temperature when emptying and refilling/reheating the unit and the churning of water (and any sludge) during refilling both run the risk of the leak becoming substantial causing property damage. At the moment the leak is minor (in my view) with no noticeable change in water level in the header tank and limited amounts of water on the cupboard floor.

The unit is about 13 years old and no doubt replacement with a new system (Gledhill or otherwise) is the long term solution but I desperately need to get hot water asap (within hours rather than days/weeks) and pushing for a temporary fix with a new pump through my boiler insurance (despite their reluctance given the leak) is my only way of achieving this.

Therefore my query is whether anyone has experience of cylinder leaks being significantly affected by draining down and refilling of a cylinder.?If a leak does become more serious is it manageable before causing chaos!? I desperately need hot water running but am now worried about causing thousands of pounds of damage in the process!

Or any ideas on temporary means of generating decent amounts of hot water (not kettles and pots and pans!) welcome!!

Many thanks

 

[Tibbot]

What miracle cure were you hoping for?

 

[oavio77]

No miracle cure expected, just some educated views on whether the minor leaks present a genuine hazard in draining down and refilling the cylinder for the reasons I've been given above by the insurers engineer.

Im not trying to cut corners but a temporary fix will give me hot water tomorrow rather than having to wait potentially well over a week for a new system. Already been without hot water for a while waiting for insurers engineer visit today and cant afford prolonged period without hot water for health of the littluns.

Thanks

 

[Tibbot]

The sludge at the bottom may be all that's reducing the leak. In this trade, a temporary fix has to be as safe as a permanent fix. Which is as good as saying there is no temporary fix.

 

[HERTS P&D]

I was called to a leaking cylinder today, they ask if it could be repaired. Yes it can when I fit a new cylinder.

Andy

 

[dcawkwell]

If the whole unit needs replacing why are you even thinking of replacing the pump?

Replace the whole thing.

 

[galwag]

For a temporary repair but no guarantee you could:

Drain down & then add Sentinel or Fernox leak sealer to F&E tank.
Refill & vent.Turn off isolating stopcock to F&E and leave turned off

Check level of water in tank frequently if the level maintains then you're good for temporary fix but if the level drops then switch off, drain down again and get replacement Gledhill or similar.

 

[conny]

If you go ahead with a temporary repair and it fails, causing substantial damage to your home, your home insurance will not pay out for any repairs and may well invalidate any remaining time on your policy.

You asked for advice and have been given sensible replies. Whether you take it or not is your decision.

 

[flameport]

Therefore my query is whether anyone has experience of cylinder leaks being significantly affected by draining down and refilling of a cylinder.?

Not likely you will get an answer to that, since if a cylinder is leaking, the only sensible action is to replace it.
Can't see why anyone would consider refilling a cylinder which is known to be leaking.

If a leak does become more serious is it manageable before causing chaos!?

Perhaps.
It might last for months before anything changes.
The leak might get gradually worse over a few days/weeks/months.
The whole thing could rend open in five minutes with no warning at all, causing massive damage and destruction.

I desperately need hot water running but am now worried about causing thousands of pounds of damage in the process!

The only sensible option is to drain the cylinder now, not use it any more, and arrange replacement as soon as possible.

When it does fail, as well as the extensive damage to your property, the scalding hot water could easily cause severe injury to anyone who was in the vicinity.