Do You Know What Type of System You've Got?
A lot of homeowners don't — and that's completely normal. But knowing the basics can really help if you've got a leak and need to know what to turn off. Here are the three common setups to look for.
Combi Boiler
If you've got a boiler on the wall and no hot-water cylinder or cold-water storage tank, you've probably got a combi. The video above shows Steve identifying a typical combi setup.
Pressurised / Unvented
If you've got anything that looks remotely similar to this picture — particularly a large white or grey hot-water cylinder somewhere in the property — you've probably got a pressurised or unvented hot-water system.
Gravity-Fed
If you've got a cold-water storage tank in the loft and a traditional hot-water cylinder, there's a good chance you've got a gravity-fed system.
Combi boiler: Turning off the main stopcock will normally stop the incoming hot and cold water supply.
Pressurised / unvented system: Turning off the incoming mains supply will normally stop the water feeding the cylinder. Opening the taps afterwards can help relieve the pressure and remaining water.
Gravity-fed system: Turning off the main stopcock stops more water entering the storage tank, but it doesn't immediately stop the water already stored in it. Open suitable hot and cold taps — particularly taps lower than the leak where possible — to help drain the stored water and reduce what's feeding the leak.
If you've got a gravity-fed system, you can temporarily stop the loft tank refilling by gently holding the ball-valve float in its raised position. A bungee cord can sometimes be used to hold it up. Don't force or dismantle the valve — you're simply holding the float up so the valve shuts and stops more water entering the tank.
If water is near electrics, don't take risks. Isolate the electricity only if it is safe to do so and get professional help.
The diagram helps show why: there can still be stored water above you even after the incoming mains has been turned off.
Send me a photo of your boiler, airing cupboard, hot-water cylinder or loft tank on WhatsApp. In most cases I'll be able to tell you what sort of system you've probably got.
Not Sure What You're Looking At?
Send me a couple of photos or a short video on WhatsApp and I'll happily give you some advice for free. It's just me answering the messages, so I might not always reply straight away, but I'll always get back to you as soon as I can. If I can help just by answering a question, I'm more than happy to.
Need a Bit of Advice?
Call Steve or send a photo or short video on WhatsApp.