Water Storage & Treatment Plumbing in Essex

Cold water storage tank services

Typical work can include:

• Cold water storage tank replacement
• Float valve replacement
• Overflow investigation
• Tank connection repairs
• Loft pipework alterations
• Tank insulation improvements
• Water supply faults
• Storage tank maintenance
• Domestic water softener installation
• Water softener replacement
• Pipework alterations for softeners
• Water-treatment plumbing advice

Every property is different, so the right solution depends on the existing plumbing layout, available access and the condition of the installation.

Cold water storage tanks explained

Many homes with older vented plumbing systems have a cold water storage tank located in the loft.

The tank stores cold water that supplies:

• The hot water cylinder
• Gravity-fed showers
• Some bathroom fittings
• Older plumbing systems

Modern mains-pressure systems may not require a storage tank at all.

If you are unsure which type of system you have, send photographs of the loft tank and your hot water cylinder.

Common storage tank problems

Typical problems include:

• Overflowing tanks
• Water constantly running into the overflow
• Noisy float valves
• Slow filling
• Water stains around the tank
• Cracked plastic tanks
• Corroded pipe connections
• Poor loft pipe insulation
• Low hot-water flow
• Air entering the system
• Tank movement or poor support

In many cases the tank itself is not the failed component. A worn float valve or poorly adjusted water level may be responsible.

Correct diagnosis prevents unnecessary replacement.

Float valves and overflows

The float valve controls the incoming water level inside the storage tank.

Common signs of float valve problems include:

• Water flowing from the overflow
• Constant filling noises
• Water level rising too high
• Slow refill after use
• Water hammer
• Intermittent dripping outside

Sometimes adjustment is sufficient.

Older valves may require replacement if worn or damaged.

Should an old storage tank be replaced?

Replacement is often recommended when:

• The tank body is cracked
• The plastic has become brittle
• Connections are leaking
• The support platform is inadequate
• Significant contamination is present
• Pipework requires major alteration

If only a float valve or connection has failed, replacing the entire tank may not be necessary.

Loft access and safety

Storage tank work often takes place inside roof spaces.

Useful information before arranging a visit includes:

• Whether there is a loft hatch
• Loft boarding
• Lighting
• Available working space
• Tank size
• Approximate age
• Any previous repairs

Good access helps reduce installation time.

Domestic water softeners

A water softener removes hardness minerals from the incoming mains water before it is distributed around the property.

Homes in Essex often experience hard water, which may cause:

• Limescale around taps
• Reduced appliance efficiency
• Scale inside cylinders
• Shower screen staining
• Soap not lathering well
• Shorter lifespan of plumbing components

A correctly installed water softener can reduce these problems.

Where is a water softener installed?

A domestic water softener is usually installed close to the incoming mains water supply.

Installation may include:

• Isolation valves
• Bypass valve arrangement
• Drain connection
• Overflow connection
• New pipework
• Commissioning

Every property has different access and pipework arrangements, so installation requirements vary.

Should every tap receive softened water?

Normally, drinking water is left unsoftened.

A separate hard-water drinking tap or bypass arrangement is commonly provided depending on the installation.

The most suitable arrangement depends on the property's plumbing layout and the customer's preference.

Photos that help with an assessment

Useful photos include:

• The complete storage tank
• Float valve
• Overflow pipe
• Pipe connections
• Loft access
• Supporting platform
• Water softener location
• Incoming mains pipe
• Existing pipework
• Nearby drain connection

Also include:

• Property postcode
• Whether water is overflowing
• Whether the problem is constant
• Approximate age of the system
• Whether access is boarded

FAQs

Frequently asked water storage and treatment questions