Hot Water Cylinders
in Romford:
G3 Unvented Qualified
Strong, reliable hot water for busy homes, with unvented cylinders fitted safely by a G3 qualified engineer.
98% recommend on Facebook · 5.0 on Yell · 15 years' experience
Gas Safe registered
ACS qualified
15 years
Plumbing & heating
£2m insured
Public liability
Workmanship guaranteed
On every job
98% recommend
60 Facebook reviews
Hot Water Cylinders in Romford
Hot water storage done safely
Hot water cylinders are the heart of the hot water system for many homes in Romford, particularly those with system or regular boilers. Unlike combi boilers that heat water on demand, cylinders store a large volume of pre-heated water, ensuring that you have plenty available for baths, showers, and domestic use. We work on both traditional vented cylinders and modern high-pressure unvented systems, providing installation, maintenance, and repair services.
Choosing the right cylinder is essential for a busy household. If you have several bathrooms or a family that all needs to shower at the same time, a high-capacity cylinder is often a suitable option for meeting higher hot water demand. We assess your home's layout and your family's usage patterns to recommend a suitable size and type of cylinder, ensuring you have a reliable supply of hot water that meets your needs every day.
Safety is paramount when dealing with stored hot water, especially with unvented cylinders which operate under pressure. These systems must be installed and maintained by an engineer who holds the specific G3 unvented hot water qualification. Mitchell at Braxton's Plumbing & Heating is fully G3 qualified, meaning he has the technical knowledge and legal certification to work on these systems safely, ensuring all safety valves and discharge pipes are correctly fitted.
With 15 years of experience, we provide a comprehensive service that covers everything from replacing a leaking immersion heater to installing a complete new unvented hot water system. You get clear, honest advice and a tidy approach to every job. Whether you are looking to improve your shower pressure or need an urgent repair for a leaking tank, we are here to help with professional service throughout the Romford area.
Don't leave it
Cylinder problems to watch for
A failing hot water cylinder can cause more than just the inconvenience of a cold bath; it can also lead to significant water damage and safety risks if left unaddressed. Because cylinders store a large volume of water, any leak or pressure issue needs to be dealt with carefully by a qualified professional who understands the system's complexities.
No hot water or slow recovery
If your water isn't getting hot or takes hours to reheat, it is usually due to a failed immersion heater, a faulty motorised valve, or a problem with the boiler's controls. We can diagnose the exact cause and replace the faulty component to restore your hot water supply carefully, ensuring your morning routine is not disrupted.
Visible leaks and damp patches
Leaks from a cylinder can be caused by internal corrosion or failing connections. Even a small drip can eventually lead to major structural damage to your airing cupboard and the floors below. If you notice any dampness around your cylinder or tank, it is essential to have it inspected immediately to determine if a repair or a full replacement is required.
Weak or inconsistent water pressure
Old vented cylinders rely on gravity from a tank in the loft, which often leads to disappointing shower pressure. If you are tired of weak showers, it could be due to an outdated system or a blockage in the pipework. Upgrading to a modern unvented cylinder can provide mains-pressure hot water throughout your entire home, transforming your showering experience.
Dripping safety discharge pipes
Unvented cylinders have a safety pipe (tundish) that should always be dry. If you see water dripping or flowing through this pipe, it means a safety valve has opened or an expansion vessel has failed. This is a clear sign that the system is over-pressurizing or overheating and requires an immediate inspection by a G3 qualified engineer to ensure it remains safe.
Common mistakes we see
- Allowing an unqualified plumber to install or service an unvented cylinder, which is both dangerous and illegal.
- Ignoring a dripping discharge pipe, which indicates that a critical safety device is operating and needs attention.
- Failing to have an annual safety check on an unvented cylinder, which is required to ensure the safety valves are functioning correctly.
- Choosing a cylinder size that is too small for the household's needs, leading to constant shortages of hot water during peak times.
Our process
How the job gets done
- 01
Hot Water Needs Survey
We visit your property to assess your current hot water usage, the number of bathrooms, and your incoming mains water pressure. This allows us to recommend the most suitable type and size of cylinder for your home. We charge £45 +VAT for this survey, which is deducted if you proceed with the installation.
- 02
Clear Quote and Design
We provide a comprehensive quote for the new cylinder and any required pipework or control upgrades. We explain the difference between vented and unvented options, providing all the information you need to make an informed choice. Our quotes are usually delivered within a couple of hours of the site visit.
- 03
Safe Professional Installation
Mitchell, our G3 qualified engineer, carries out the installation. This includes fitting the cylinder, all necessary safety valves, the expansion vessel, and the discharge pipework. We work tidily and ensure that your home is protected throughout the process, adhering to all current building and safety regulations.
- 04
Commissioning and Safety Testing
Once installed, we thoroughly test every safety device and ensure the cylinder is operating at the correct pressure and temperature. We fill out the required commissioning paperwork, which is essential for your manufacturer's warranty and for demonstrating that the installation meets the legal safety standards for unvented systems.
- 05
Handover and Workmanship Guarantee
We finish by explaining how to manage your new system and what to look out for in terms of maintenance. We ensure the area is left clean and tidy. All our workmanship is guaranteed, giving you peace of mind that your new hot water system has been installed to the highest professional standards.
What you get
What you get with hot water cylinders (incl. unvented, g3)
Strong Mains Pressure Showers
Unvented cylinders provide hot water at the same pressure as your cold mains, giving you powerful showers and fast-filling baths throughout your entire home.
Hot Water for Multiple Outlets
Stored hot water allows multiple taps and showers to be used simultaneously depending on cylinder capacity and incoming mains flow and pressure, ideal for busy family homes.
Legally Safe G3 Installation
By using a G3 qualified engineer, you ensure that your unvented system is installed legally and safely, with all required safety devices and discharge routes correctly fitted.
Reliable and Efficient Storage
Modern cylinders are highly insulated, keeping your water hot for very long periods and reducing the energy needed to maintain the temperature, which can help reduce energy bills.
Transparent and Clear Pricing
We provide detailed, upfront quotes after a professional survey, ensuring you know exactly what the investment will be with no hidden costs or unexpected extras.
Clean and Respectful Service
We treat your home with the utmost care, ensuring that we work tidily and remove all old cylinders, tanks, and debris from your property once the job is finished.
In detail
Cylinder types
Understanding the different types of hot water cylinders is key to choosing the right system for your home. Whether you are replacing an old unit or upgrading your entire heating system, we provide the expertise to guide you through the options. Each system has its own advantages, and Mitchell will help you decide which one best suits your property's plumbing and your family's daily hot water requirements.
Traditional Vented Cylinders
Vented cylinders are the traditional choice for many Romford homes. They are fed by a large cold water storage tank in the loft and rely on gravity to push the water down to your taps. They are simpler and generally cheaper to install than unvented systems. However, the water pressure is limited by the height of the tank in the loft, which can lead to disappointing shower performance. They are a reliable and well-understood technology, ideal for homes where the existing pipework might not be suitable for high-pressure systems.
Unvented High-Pressure Systems
Unvented cylinders are connected directly to your mains water supply, providing high-pressure hot water to every tap in the house. This eliminates the need for a cold water tank in the loft, freeing up space and removing the risk of a tank freezing or leaking. Because they operate under pressure, they require purpose-built safety valves and a G3 qualified engineer for installation and servicing. They are the premium choice for modern homes and renovations where powerful showers and reliable hot water performance are a priority.
Cylinder Repair Services
You don't always need a whole new cylinder. We offer a full range of repair services, including replacing faulty immersion heaters, fixing leaking connections, and replacing failed motorised valves or thermostats. If your hot water is not reaching the right temperature or if you have a minor leak, Mitchell can diagnose the problem for £90 +VAT and provide a clear quote for the repair. We explain the repair options after diagnosis and aim to restore your hot water supply.
System Conversions
If you are currently using a vented system and want to upgrade to an unvented one, we can manage the entire conversion. This involves removing the old tanks from the loft, upgrading the pipework where necessary to handle the increased pressure, and installing the new unvented cylinder and its safety components. This is a very common upgrade during heating system modernisations and can significantly improve the value and comfort of your home by providing modern plumbing performance throughout.
Immersion Heater Replacement
The immersion heater is the electric backup or primary heating element inside your cylinder. These can eventually fail due to limescale buildup or electrical faults. We can safely replace faulty immersion heaters, ensuring that the new element is correctly rated and that the wiring is safe. This is often a cost-effective way to fix a 'no hot water' problem without needing to replace the entire cylinder, and we carry out the work with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Annual Safety Inspections
For unvented cylinders, an annual safety inspection is strongly recommended and often required by manufacturers to maintain the warranty. During this service, we check the pressure relief valves, the expansion vessel, and the temperature controls to ensure the system remains safe and efficient. It is a small investment that provides peace of mind, knowing that your high-pressure hot water system is operating exactly as it should and that any safety concerns have been investigated.
What customers say
"Great service, traced a leak that no one else could find with any certainty. Repaired and put us in contact with an insurance loss assessor to take care of all the repairs. Honestly it's been as effortless as possible. Highly recommend."
"Old boiler died, new one quoted and fitted in a week. Left the house spotless after. Absolute top job by Mitch and team."
"I had already spoken to four heating engineers regarding a problem with our boiler but was not convinced any of them knew how to solve the problem. Mitchell was by far the most attentive and knowledgeable. He came up with a viable solution that ultimately avoided replacing the boiler."
FAQs
Hot Water Cylinders (incl. Unvented, G3): your questions answered
Related services
Areas covered
Romford · Hornchurch · Ilford · Rainham · Chigwell · Loughton · Upminster · Chingford · all areas
Are you G3 qualified to work on unvented cylinders?+
Yes, Mitchell is fully G3 unvented hot water qualified. This is a legal requirement for anyone installing or servicing unvented hot water systems. It ensures that the engineer understands the complex safety requirements and can correctly fit the various valves and discharge pipes that keep these high-pressure systems safe for use in your home.
Should I choose a vented or an unvented cylinder?+
If you want powerful, mains-pressure showers and want to remove the tanks from your loft, an unvented cylinder is usually the best choice. However, it depends on your incoming mains pressure and the condition of your existing pipework. We can assess your home during a site survey and provide honest advice on which system will work best for your specific needs.
How much does a new hot water cylinder cost to install?+
The cost varies depending on the type and size of the cylinder. We provide clear, written quotes after a site survey, which costs £45 +VAT and is deducted from the final bill if you proceed. For general repairs, our diagnosis fee is £90 +VAT. We focus on providing high-quality installations that offer long-term reliability and safety for your home.
How long does it take to replace a hot water cylinder?+
The work depends on the cylinder type, access and whether pipework or safety components need changing. A conversion involves different work from a like-for-like replacement. Mitchell will assess the job and discuss the arrangements before proceeding.
Why is there water dripping from the pipe on my outside wall?+
If you have an unvented cylinder, this pipe is likely the safety discharge. If it is dripping or running with water, it means a safety valve has opened because the system is too hot or the pressure is too high. You should contact a G3 qualified engineer immediately to inspect the system, as this indicates a fault that could become dangerous if ignored.
How many bathrooms can an unvented cylinder support?+
This depends on cylinder capacity, incoming mains flow and pressure, and simultaneous hot water demand. Mitchell can assess these factors during a site visit and recommend a cylinder suited to the household.
Do you offer hot water cylinder repairs in Hornchurch?+
Yes, we provide installation and repair services for all types of hot water cylinders throughout the Romford area, including Hornchurch, Gidea Park, and Upminster. Emergency call-outs are available for no hot water and leaks; call to check availability.
Is it worth upgrading my old copper cylinder?+
If your old cylinder is poorly insulated, leaking, or providing weak pressure, an upgrade is definitely worth considering. Modern cylinders are much better at retaining heat, which can help reduce energy waste, and upgrading to an unvented model can transform your plumbing performance. It is a significant improvement that adds real comfort and value to your property.
Are you qualified and insured?+
Mitchell is Gas Safe registered, ACS qualified, G3 unvented hot water qualified and holds NVQ Level 2. The business carries public liability insurance up to £2 million.
Do you charge for quotes?+
Quotes from photos for general plumbing are free. If the job needs a site visit to price properly, the visit is £45 +VAT, and that amount is deducted from the bill if you go ahead. Nothing is priced blind.
Is the work guaranteed?+
Yes, our workmanship is guaranteed. Parts aren't covered by our guarantee. New boilers carry the manufacturer's warranty, which ranges from 2 to 10 years depending on the boiler.
Do you cover my area for hot water cylinders?+
We're based in Romford and cover Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Rainham, Gidea Park, Collier Row, Harold Hill, Ilford, Chigwell, Loughton, Chingford and the other covered places listed on our service areas page.
Need better hot water?
Talk to a G3 qualified engineer.
Phones answered until 10pm. Later calls are returned the next day.