Annual service unvented hot water cylinder
ACF annual service for unvented water heaters includes testing safety valves, recharging pressure vessels, cleaning the pressure reduction valve, checking electrical connections and providing a service certificate. Our Gold Boiler Cover includes a free annual service, callouts to investigate faults, and parts and labour for repairs in return for a low monthly fee paid for by direct debit.
Manufacturers of unvented water heaters recommend that you have your water heater serviced once each year, and many home insurance policies require this. Note that failure to ensure that your hot water heater and the pipework are inspected and maintained each year can result in failure to cover damage if something were to occur.
Annual maintenance will help to keep the water heater safe and in line with the requirements of the G3 building regulations relating to hot water systems. Details of what is included in the annual service are shown below.
Risks associated with unvented systems
Unvented water heaters are safe to use if installed and maintained correctly through annual service. They incorporate three levels of safety.
Thermostats that prevent the water from being heated above 60 – 65°, high-level cut-outs that operate when water reaches 80 – 85° because the thermostat has failed and a temperature relief valve, which operates if both of the other safety features fail and the water reaches 90 – 95°. In addition, unvented water systems also incorporate a pressure relief valve that operates at 6 – 7 bar.
If these safety features are missing or have become faulty then there is a risk that the water will overheat and pressure will build up in the tank.
What is included in an Annual Service of an Unvented Water Cylinder?
The following tasks will be completed during the annual package of your unvented water heater and hot water heater maintenance, repair and service:
- Expansion relief valve testing
- Temperature and pressure relief valve testing
- Combination valve/pressure reduction valve stripping and line strainer cleaning
- Pressure expansion vessel check (if so equipped)
- Expansion vessel pressure top-up
- Leak check
- Main and boost immersion heater and thermostat function testing
- Main and boost immersion heater resistance check
- Check to ensure the appliance is earthed
- Service record completion and signing
As you can see from the information above, we offer one of the most comprehensive service packages on the market, designed to help ensure that you enjoy convenience and safety at all times with the unvented hot water heater in your home.
Note: The replacement of sacrificial anodes is not included in an annual service. If the sacrificial anodes do need to be replaced, this will be quoted separately. The majority of water heaters do not have sacrificial anodes. Owners of Ariston water heaters should be aware of this point.
Other Hot Water Heaters We Service
Join the Annual Service Reminder System.
Over the many years, we’ve been in business, we’ve found that our customers can forget about their unvented hot water heater maintenance. We created our annual service register to help make the process simpler. We provide you with a reminder about your service and allow you the flexibility of confirming a default appointment, or of choosing your own date for hot water heater maintenance and/or service.
Both of these are critical considerations. Without an accurate log of what services have been performed, there is no proof that you’ve followed the law in regards to annual service. In addition, without a record of services, repairs and maintenance, there is no record of the parts that have been replaced, the problems that have been solved, or troubleshooting that has taken place. This information is vital to ensuring speedy repairs and accurate maintenance moving forward.
Ask about our Maintenance Plans
Why Do Maintenance Plans Matter?
We’ve mentioned our maintenance plans several times so far, and it’s important that we take a moment and explain why they matter so much. Why should you be considered with the maintenance of your unvented hot water heater? Actually, there are several different reasons.
Without ongoing maintenance and protection, it’s possible that your unvented hot water heater will break down eventually.
This could leave you without any hot water at a critical time. It could also lead to serious safety issues, particularly if there is a failure of internal components, or if a problem occurs with the connection to the electrical system within your home.
Annual maintenance from us will help ensure that you never need to worry about being inconvenienced and without hot water, or subject to safety concerns.
Note: If there are faulty parts or if safety valves do not function correctly the plumber will inform you and show you the fault. A quote will be provided for further work as we do not undertake additional work as part of an annual service. We will not fully drain the cylinder and remove immersion heaters to conduct an internal visual inspection. If this additional service is required, we would be happy to provide a quote for the additional labour and the provision of an internal inspection camera.
Attention: If an unvented water heater has not had a regular annual service there is a possibility that the rubber seals in the safety valves will have hardened. If the seals have hardened, they will not sit back correctly in the valve and will pass water. In this instance, water will be visible through the tun-dish in the discharge pipe and the valve in question will need to be replaced. We will provide a quote for the additional work to supply and fit a replacement valve.
In some instances, this may require the replacement of more than one valve, and it may also require the replacement of additional parts and components. Each situation is different, and our experienced technicians will provide a full quote for all parts and labour prior to performing any work to ensure you know precisely what to expect when it comes to serving and maintaining your home’s unvented hot water heater.
Warning: The task of cleaning the line strainer in the pressure reduction valve requires the plumber to remove the cartridge from the body of the valve to gain access to the filter. If the unvented water heater has been serviced annually or if the heater is reasonably new this does not usually cause a problem. However, in unvented heaters that have not received regular annual services or in older unvented water heaters the rubber seal or spring may have become worn or misshaped. If this has occurred the valve when reassembled may not be watertight. If the valve is not watertight then the main water stop tap will have to be left in the closed position until a replacement pressure reduction valve is installed. This will mean that the water supply is turned off and the client will incur additional expenses. We will provide a quote for the additional work to supply and fit a replacement pressure reduction valve. Manufacturers recognised this issue in older valves and changed the general design of the valve body and seals about four years ago.
Want to find out more?
If you have any additional questions, do give us a call. We have an expert team here at ACF Plumbing & Heating so there is always someone on hand to help answer any question you may have. They can also help you with any queries involving our services, which service is correct for you and provide you with a quote.
