just got home...hot water pressure is strange

[bp uk]

hi all. happy holidays.

just got back after being gone for a couple of weeks. we have a really old flat with an immersion heater (2 electric elements) as our only source of hot water.

the cold is running fine, but the hot water will run for a few seconds (it is cold to the touch) then the pressure drops off. if i let things sit for a while, it will again run well for a few secs, then drop to a trickle. i've felt the immersion tank and it feels hot as usual. also, we have a pump that helps our pressure situation by moving the cold water (a bit) and the hot water (a lot) along. the pump seems to be working as normal (i can hear it turn on and i've shut it off/turned it back on and seems ok)

i thought there might have been a pipe freeze but tried running the water for a while, and things haven't changed for about 6 hours now.

any thoughts?? thanks for the help.

 

[Bahco]

Is your tank (that fills the cylinder) full of water.

 

[oilman]

You probably have a blockage in the feed from the cold water tank to the hot tank. This may be a rat, pidgeon, or mouse with its head stuck in the pipe. You need to look in the cold tank first.

 

[bp uk]

many thanks for your replies.

i've just checked the tank above the immersion heater. there is water in it. also, i've got a cover over that tank, so i'm not sure much could get in there, but will see if i can get a look inside.

if you have any other thougts, they'd be much appreciated.

 

[Bahco]

Run your hot water tap and check if the tank is refilling. You may have an air lock which needs looking at. Do a search as there are lots of replies on this subject.