Airing Cupboard Cylinder

[bob the bridge]

The hot water cylinder in my airing cupboard has now been there 20years. No problems with it, but is it a possibility that sludge or silt might have built up over the years? Should I consider draining it down and flushing it out or is it best left alone?
Grateful for any comments.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

might be scaled up, would probably just change it if that was the case

 

[steadyon]

If you are in a soft water area, unlike to be any problems.

If you are in a hard water area, could be a layer of lime-scale at the bottom. If its not causing any problems (e.g. frequent changes of immersion heater) I'd leave it until it does, if ever.

If there is a lot of lime-scale, its usually loose flakes. If you have an immersion heater, its often possible to isolate the cold feed, drain the cylinder if its a low level fitted heater, remove the heater, and suck the loose lime-scale out with a wet and dry vacuum. The replace heater and re-fill.

 

[bob the bridge]

Ok Many thanks

If you are in a soft water area, unlike to be any problems.

If you are in a hard water area, could be a layer of lime-scale at the bottom. If its not causing any problems (e.g. frequent changes of immersion heater) I'd leave it until it does, if ever.

If there is a lot of lime-scale, its usually loose flakes. If you have an immersion heater, its often possible to isolate the cold feed, drain the cylinder if its a low level fitted heater, remove the heater, and suck the loose lime-scale out with a wet and dry vacuum. The replace heater and re-fill.