Do I need to keep the overflow tanks in my loft if I get a combi boiler?

[Stuart46]

In my loft I have 3 water tanks. A bigger black one, that I believe is the cold water overflow. A smaller black one, that I believe is the hot water flow, and a big brass tank that stores the hot water I heat. I'm thinking about getting a combi boiler, and I would like to know that if I do get a combi boiler can I have the pipes in the loft capped and then remove the 3 water tanks that are up there. You might ask why I want to do this? The reason is I recently fitted a floor in the loft and I noticed that the wooden support that these 3 tanks are on, is rotten and I'm worried it will give way and create a water leak into the house. if I can remove them I really want to, but not sure if a plumber will/can do it?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. My house is a 150 year old 1 bedroomed end terrace in Saddleworth in Oldham.

 

[SimonG]

Combi boiler will get shot of all the tanks.

But first, have you checked flow and pressures?

 

[king of pipes]

You would be able to lose all the tanks providing you have good pressure and flow on your cold mains . Kop

 

[Stuart46]

No Simon I haven't but I was going to employ the services of a plumber to undertake the work if I'm honest I just wanted to see if it was possible before I bought a combi boiler. As I currently work abroad, my plan was to order a combi boiler around 2 weeks before I was due to return to the UK and then as soon as I return I planned to arrange to have the work completed. Could you recommend a plumber in the NW area of the UK who would be able to complete the work?
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You would be able to lose all the tanks providing you have good pressure and flow on your cold mains . Kop

That is brilliant news, if you could recommend a plumber who could complete the work in the NW area I would be grateful?

 

[Scott_D]

If the heating system is ancient you may need a full re-pipe

 

[Stuart46]

If the heating system is ancient you may need a full re-pipe

Im guessing it is, but would a combi boiler not work without having one, as my house is very small?

 

[centralheatking]

In my loft I have 3 water tanks. A bigger black one, that I believe is the cold water overflow. A smaller black one, that I believe is the hot water flow, and a big brass tank that stores the hot water I heat. I'm thinking about getting a combi boiler, and I would like to know that if I do get a combi boiler can I have the pipes in the loft capped and then remove the 3 water tanks that are up there. You might ask why I want to do this? The reason is I recently fitted a floor in the loft and I noticed that the wooden support that these 3 tanks are on, is rotten and I'm worried it will give way and create a water leak into the house. if I can remove them I really want to, but not sure if a plumber will/can do it?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. My house is a 150 year old 1 bedroomed end terrace in Saddleworth in Oldham.

A one bed house as you describe is ideal for a combi heating and hot water system. You can certainly dispense with the tanks as they will be drained and cut off when your new system is fitted it’s a diy job then. I would be tempted to have a re pipe with new rads to really future proof your home. Centralheatking

 

[Stuart46]

A one bed house as you describe is ideal for a combi heating and hot water system. You can certainly dispense with the tanks as they will be drained and cut off when your new system is fitted it’s a diy job then. I would be tempted to have a re pipe with new rads to really future proof your home. Centralheatking

Thanks I think that is sound advice, could you answer another question please. I think I could probably cap the pipes in the loft to the 3 overflow tanks myself. Would you recommend plastic pressure caps or do you think soldering brass end caps on work better. I believe plastic pressure end caps are easy to fit?
I would consider my DIY ability average to good.

 

[Scott_D]

Thanks I think that is sound advice, could you answer another question please. I think I could probably cap the pipes in the loft to the 3 overflow tanks myself. Would you recommend plastic pressure caps or do you think soldering brass end caps on work better. I believe plastic pressure end caps are easy to fit?
I would consider my DIY ability average to good.

You can’t do this until you have changed to the combi setup

 

[king of pipes]

Dont jump the gun get a GSI to guide you on the boiler you may find you get something not suitable , water and lofts best left to a proffesional . Kop

 

[JCplumb]

You say you'll buy the boiler. So you want a gas engineer to fit the boiler you bought? I'd choose a gas engi first and ask him if he's OK with that, a lot aren't and you'll also lose any free aftercare if you go that route.
i.e. if a gas engi supplies and fits a boiler that then stops working or has issues, he'll come back out and sort it out. If you buy the boiler - any issues are between you and the company you bought it from.
You also mention soldering brass end caps, you don't solder brass (well you can, but not end caps) I think you're trying to save money but if you're not competent enough and you do something wrong on a pressurised system you could be looking at very expensive issues down the line.

I understand about saving money and trying to do things yourself that you are capable of but central heating plumbing can be very messy and expensive if it goes wrong.


Oh and your tanks in the loft, the big one is your cold water storage that feeds the hot water cylinder, the little one is your central heating feed and expansion tank, the big one won't be brass, probably copper and it's your hot water cylinder.