Hot Water Storage
In plumbing terms, hot water storage refers to a system or unit that is used to store and provide hot water for domestic or commercial use. It is an essential component of a plumbing system that ensures a constant supply of hot water when needed.
Hot water storage systems typically consist of a water heater or a hot water cylinder, which is a large, insulated tank that stores and heats water. This tank is usually connected to a cold water supply and a heating source, such as a boiler or an electric heating element.
The hot water storage system works by heating the water inside the tank and keeping it at a desired temperature until it is required. When someone turns on a hot water faucet or appliance, water from the storage tank is drawn out and replaced with cold water, which is then heated to maintain the temperature in the tank.
There are different types of hot water storage systems, including vented and unvented systems. Vented systems rely on gravity to deliver hot water, while unvented systems use pressure to distribute hot water throughout the building. Additionally, some hot water storage systems may incorporate additional features like immersion heaters, thermostats, and expansion vessels to regulate temperature and pressure.
Hot water storage is an integral part of plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. It provides a reliable and consistent supply of hot water for various purposes, such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Maintaining and servicing hot water storage systems is important to ensure efficient operation and prevent issues such as leaks or inadequate heating.
Unvented Cylinder
Water supply comes from the mains water rather than a tank in the loft, therefore removing the need for a cold water feed tank giving back space in your loft.
It makes your system pressurised rather than gravity fed, giving higher water pressure at the taps.
As they are not gravity fed they can be installed anywhere in the property, however they are larger than a standard vented cylinder due to the need for them to have an expansion vessel.
They can be easily fitted, as pipework requirements are the same as a vented cylinder, however some older pipework may struggle to cope with the higher pressure.
Unvented cylinders are more costly to install, however they have reduced system noise, no risk of the water supply tank freezing, high efficiency and a 25 year guarantee.
Vented Cylinder
These are also known as gravity fed cylinders as they are supplied by a large cold water storage tank in your loft, gravity then pulls this water via a vent pipe down to the cylinder.
As they are not supplied by mains water, the water pressure within your home depends on the height of the cold water storage tank so can be weaker. However, you can add an additional pump to boost water flow.
Although you will need loft space for the cold water tank, an vented cylinders size will be smaller than an unvented with the same water capacity.
Vented cylinders are often cheaper to install and should work with any existing pipework, with a guarantee of 20 years and life expectancy of around 60 years.
