Recent Feedback
I noticed a few weeks ago that the overflow pipe on my roof that is connected to the large cold water storage tank in the roof was was releasing quite a lot of water. I went up to the loft and switched off the water supply to the tank. There was a small problem there with the ballcock which has now been fixed which means that the tank should not be overfilling.Anyway I left the supply to the tank off as I don't currently live in the property and thought through the ongoing usage of water that remains in the tank I could drain the tank and clean all of the limescale in the bottom.I have 2 tanks in the roof and I am referring to the larger of the 2.Yesterday I noticed once more the large cold water storage overflow pouring water. So I went up to the roof and checked that the supply to the tank was off and sure the tank was overflowing again. And then I noticed that a large copper pipe which bends into the top of the cold water storage tank was constantly dribbling into it. This pipe I believe is the vent pipe from the immersion tank downstairs. With my hot water and heating off what I can't understand is why the vent pipe is pushing water to the cold water tank?Also when I turn off the feed from the large cold water storage tank in the roof why does the rate of water from the vent pipe into the cold water tank increase?I currently have all mains water switched off which means the dribbling has stopped.Help.
Hi, my name is XXXX. XXX'X see if I can assist you. Sorry if you have waited a while for an answer, Do you have any mixer taps/shower in the property?
Hi Neil
Hi
Yes I do have mixer taps in the bathroom sinks, bath and shower and kitchen sink
Ok do you know if these are fitted with isolation valves? It seems that one of the valves is passing could be due to not being used and the seats becoming dry.
they are all brand new taps
I am refurbishing the place
they all have isolation valves on the pipes
If it's to do with the mixer taps could that be what is causing my hot water pump to ramrod?
It is still possible for it to happen, if you have your hot water on (I know you are not there all the time) just as an experiment, run the hot water till it comes out the taps then follow the pipe work from the hot water supply on each tap in turn to see if any are going cold from the tap back to the cylinder,
Do you mean (ramrod) bang or thud?
The ripple effect, or water movement, created by closing the taps may be travelling back as far as the pump and / or the hot water cylinder, creating a push-and-pull effect that allows the floats to lift very briefly, but long enough for the pump to sense the water movement and start pulsating. This will be why, although the pump is not connected to the hot water taps, it is still pulsating and how, by opening a hot water tap, it releases the vibration / ripple in pipework.
This is what I found as the definition of ramrod
Is the pump connected to the shower? Also is the cold water to the bathroom mains or tank fed?
Pump is connected to the hot water supply so comes on when any hot water tap is opened. Cold water for bathroom is mains fed.
One way to do it quickly is to turn on the water supply till you get the vent pipe discharging, then turn each isolation valve off one by one checking the vent pipe after each valve to see which valve stops the water discharging. It could be a case of your water mains pressure being to high for the taps and as it is greater than the head of water it is forcing the hot water back to the cylinder. This in turn will cause the pump to jump as the water is going back the wrong way (the pump should be fitted with non return valves to prevent this)
ok thanks
Any other final tips?
No problem let me know if you understand what I have said or if you are confused in any way also please come back if you need more advice or help.
No it seems to make sense.
you could try it with the hot water on and feel the pipes the one that goes cold quick will indicate a valve passing.
ok thanks.
Experience: Qualified Plumber with over 17 years experience in Domestic & Commercial plumbing.
Thanks I have identified the problem problem tap. What should I do now?
If they are a new install, you will need to contact the manufacture or the place of purchase and inform them of your problem, they will send you out replacement parts. Should be free of charge. you will need to follow the instructions if comfortable in DIY and change over the tap cartridge. Or replace the tap. As many different taps have different inserts you will need the ones for your taps.