Cold water storage tank not filling - float valve?

[UseLeSsDiYr]

Following on from another post where I thought we had low water pressure into our cold water storage tank, I think the problem is internal.

This is because the main supply to the kitchen tap seems to be at full flow. The feed to the tank upstairs used to gush when refilling, but at some point last year when they had to turn off the supply temporarily, it filled up slower than it used to. This in itself wasn't really a problem until recently when another switch off caused it to fill even slower. However, we've managed having given enough time for the tank to refill - trickling / dribbling with water.

Now, it's literally dripping, so it hasn't even filled up sufficiently overnight.

We think it is the float valve which has gone. Please see pictures attached. I've put a cassette tape to indicate size of the gap.

It's not a tank in the loft, but above the immersion heater. The space to work with is therefore limited and not easily accessible. The tank is of the older gavanised metal type.

How much would it typically cost for a job like this?

Thanks for any help.

View attachment 138696

 

[75pete]

To replace/ renew this valve is a simple diy job.
Shops like screwfix supply the complete valve, have a Google

 

[UseLeSsDiYr]

Thanks, but it seems a little tricky considering the height of the tank and the access to it.

The valve seems coated in limescale - could I just take a hammer to it with a tray below to catch the bits?). Suppose that's what a plumber will do?

We tried to move the arm but seems really stiff.

 

[Nige F]

That valve was put in in the 1960's - shown by the black dip pipe - it's well corroded. You'd need 2 sets of grips to undo it, and maybe a blowlamp to heat it first to unseize it. Horrible job because you're on a stepladder with your head against the ceiling, doing it by feel and trying not to drop the grips. London prices I would expect £100 plus. Specially if you live in Pimlico

 

[UseLeSsDiYr]

Hi Nige

Is this a job you might be interested in?

I realise it's not like some videos online where the float value's clean and workable in a loft.


Thanks

 

[Newboy]

Specially if you live in Pimlico

Nige,

You haven't seen Charlie Mullins prices recently - how do you think he paid for his teeth and new Bentleys!?

 

[75pete]

How old is the tank?

 

[Nige F]

Hi Nige

Is this a job you might be interested in?

I realise it's not like some videos online where the float value's clean and workable in a loft.


Thanks

Too far for me - I'm in Sussex, by the sea

 

[UseLeSsDiYr]

How old is the tank?

Not sure - probably 40 + years by the sound of it

 

[UseLeSsDiYr]

Too far for me - I'm in Sussex, by the sea

Thanks. I'll have to try get someone more local.

Will knocking off some of that scale with a hammer loosen anything or is it not worth messing with it?

 

[Madrab]

That cistern needs more than a new valve by the looks of it, it needs cleaned and sanitised. The water in that cistern should be classed as wholesome and therefore should be suitable to drink but looks to be a bit corroded. Drain, scrub and recoat with a food safe coating if needed.