Best option for upgrade

[JB1992]

Hi all, we moved into our house 2 weeks ago. Current it has a 117L vented cylinder which has 2 tanks in the loft. Also an old boiler. Approx 22 years old. I am wanting to replace the system as we are renovating the house. I was advised not to get a combi due to having 2 bathrooms with mixer showers. We do like a powerful shower and it's currently not great. I have been told unvented conversion is the way to go but my incoming mains pressure is 14L. Another option I have been advised by British gas is to pressurised the central heating, new system boiler and put in 180L vented cylinder with a pump to boost mains. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Josh

 

[ShaunCorbs]

i would ring the water board up and ask them whats the pressure and flow in the street

and then come back to us

my opinion unvented system depending on the water board

 

[Best]

Yes, that is always an option to pressurise (seal) a heat only boiler and use a vented hot cylinder with a pump to supply shower mixers and possibly more.
But I would make sure you first check properly what your pressure and flow rates are on your incoming mains. If not suitable for unvented cylinder, then can the mains pipe be upgraded in size to help? Need water authority to confirm.
When checking your actual flow rates, you really need an open pipe rather than an outside tap which will restrict flow, sometimes greatly due also to check valves inside some taps

 

[JB1992]

Thanks both. I will contact United utilities to try and find out. British gas used some form of cup to measure it at the kitchen sink. My other option I'm guessing is to use an electric shower but I'm not a huge fan of them. British Gas have quoted £3600 for the work. Including a Worcester 30i system boiler. Whereas local plumbers have quoted £2500 for unvented systems and ideal logic 24kw system boilers.

 

[JB1992]

Also they said it was 14ltr a minute at 1 bar...

 

[king of pipes]

Your incoming pressure and flow is far to low for unvented, you will need 3bar and 20+ litres a minute to supply your needs if this can be improved on either by your utilities company or by renewing you incoming supply then it would be worth considering, if not then I would go with the British gas idea I have done one recently similar and it worked out well the prices you have been quoted seem very reasonable £2500 seems to cheap to be honest boiler , flue ,cylinder, shower pump, zone valves, programmer , cylinder stat , room thermostat , bypass valve, Wessex flange for shower pump , pipe , fittings , insulation, if not replacing the existing radiators the valves will need upgrading,a chemical clean and flush or jet flush,electrical work , making good I would request a break down from each contractor of what your getting for what you have been quoted . Cheers kop

 

[Rob Foster]

I thought 1 bar was below the water standard for supply to domestic properties - and the utility will quote their best so this is real bad

 

[JB1992]

Ok all so the Mrs won't even let me entertain the waterboard or independent digging up for a new pipe...so I'm guessing only option is to fit in a new system boiler, bigger vented cylinder and possibly a dual shower pump?

Thanks in advance.

Josh

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Any reason why as tbh you probably will be doing it down the line eg 5-10 years

 

[JB1992]

Any reason why as tbh you probably will be doing it down the line eg 5-10 years

She just wants to get on with doing the house as currently bathroom and ensuite are on hold. Why would we be doing this again?

Cheers