I s your attic home to a water tank? Even if you are upgrading your system, you need to know what replacement or removal options are available to you.
If you live in an older house then you may have a water tank located in your attic but before you upgrade to a brand new system, why not first find out what upgrade options are available to you instead? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the water tank in your attic so that you can proceed with confidence.
The Main Reasons You May Be Considering a Change
If you currently have a heating system that relies on a water tank in your attic then there are several reasons that you may have when it comes to considering replacement or removal. The most common reasons centre around the tank being faulty, noisy or leaking. If any of these issues are true for your situation then it may be time to clean the tank and check for blockages or damage. However, that doesn’t mean it is time for you to dirty – cleaning a water tank is a job for a specialist.
The main reason why it is dangerous for you to clean your water tank is that stagnant water can hold harmful bacteria that can cause illnesses such as Legionnaires’. In addition to nasty bacteria, water tanks can also be a holding ground for debris and even animals. To avoid these issues from becoming a reality, make sure that you have your tank emptied and cleaned on an annual basis by a professional. If your tank hasn’t been inspected for a few years then it is time to get it done!
I Want to Replace My Water Tank – How Much Will it Cost?
If your water tank needs replacing then you may be worried about the cost. In reality, the final price will be dependent on the make of tank you choose, the size of the tank and the installation fees that you are charged. Take a look at the table below to get an idea of how much you can expect to pay minus any installation fees you incur:
| Water Tank Size in Gallons & Litres | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| 4 – 50 gallons / 18 – 227 litres | Starting from 25 up to 210 |
| 51 – 80 gallons / 228 – 364 litres | 210 – 360 |
| 81+ gallons / 365+ litres | From 360 + |
When you have found the right water tank size, you will then need to start thinking about the cost of installation. Installation is dependent on a wide range of factors including:
- The size of the tank
- Your geographical location
- How easy it is to access the tank location
- Whether you need your old tank removed
- Asbestos removal (when necessary)
You will need to find out if the hatch to your water tank is large enough for the old tank to come out and the new tank to be inserted. If it isn’t, the current tank will need to be broken up inside the attic and you will need to source a coffin tank that is designed to be slim enough to fit through the majority of hatches. Your engineer will be able to advise you about this when they come to arrange the work
Understanding Water Tank Sizes
Another key element in water tank replacement is working out what size tank you will need to purchase. If your tank is too small you could find yourself without a constant supply and if it is too big then you will be taking up more space in your attic than necessary.
If the tank is going to supply both your hot and cold water systems in a domestic property then you will need to start looking at around 200 litres and increasing it depending on the number of bathrooms that you have. If you are only supplying a cold water or a hot water system then you can start your search at around 100 litres.
If your current tank is in good working order then you can also consider just purchasing a second tank that will help to increase the supply to your property, helping you to reduce costs and upheaval. However, your tanks will need to be stored in the highest position to get the best water flow, so make sure that there is enough space for a second tank to be installed.
It’s s worth remembering that any tank that you purchase must have protection from contamination built-in (as per Byelaw 30), meaning that you will need to check this before agreeing to purchase a tank and before it is installed.
Understanding the Function of Both Tanks
If you find that there are two tanks in your attic you may be confused about why. The simple answer is because your home will have or have had a vented central heating system. In a vented centre all heating system there is one large tank and one small tank.
The large tank takes in water from the mains ready to be sent through the system and the smaller heater tank both fills the heater system and offers additional space when the water expands as it heats. The entire system is based on gravity working to increase the pressure of the water, meaning that storing it high up in the attic results in the best pressure for the system.
No Longer Need a Water Tank? Removal Options
If you are keen to modernise the way your property works then you may be considering removing the water tank system and replacing it with a more modern option. Interestingly, the vented heating system was once the most common and popular choice but it has now been surpassed with the new system and combi boilers that are on offer.
A system boiler works by taking water from the mains and heating it directly for your radiators. It then also heats water for your taps in a cylinder that can be accessed when you turn the taps on for use. This system is most popular in properties with multiple bathrooms.
A combi boiler takes water from the mains and heats it instantly for both your heating and hot water needs. This system is effective for properties with fewer bathroom needs and where there isn’t a big demand for hot water by all the occupants at the same time.
Deciding to move to one of these systems means that the water tank in your attic will no longer be needed and so you can then get it removed to free up some space. However, this is not necessary (unless it is made from asbestos) and you can choose to leave it in the attic if it is not causing you any issue.
If you are ready to change your heating system and need some help to find the best solution, take a look at our boiler guides and comparisons. When you are ready to take the next step, we are here to help you find the best engineer for the job too. Let Boilers Prices help you today!