Copper vs Stainless Steel cylinders

[hummingbird]

I need to replace the water cylinder. Does anyone have a view on whether it's better to get stainless steel or copper? Thanks.

 

[Nige F]

Copper or you`ll have to get a special immersion for s/s every time it fails

 

[screech]

How often does the immersion actually get used and how often do they fail? answer is rarely and the incoloy immersions are easy to get. Immersions are a hell of a lot easier to replace on the stainless cylinder than on a copper cylinder.

 

[xr4x4]

Also due to price of copper, aren't SS cylinders cheaper?

 

[ajstoneservices]

You would be a few quid in front buying the stainless cylinder and incoloy immersion heater.

 

[Agile]

How often does the immersion actually get used and how often do they fail? answer is rarely and the incoloy immersions are easy to get. Immersions are a hell of a lot easier to replace on the stainless cylinder than on a copper cylinder.

Trouble is thats not true!

Both Screwfix and Toolstation both list "Incaloy elements" !

Only trouble NEITHER is suitable for SS cylinders!

The element is certainly Incaloy but the thermostat pocket is just copper and will soon corrode through!

Take care!

Tony

 

[hummingbird]

Thanks for all your replies. I've currently got a copper cylinder and the immersion has failed - it's so badly corroded that you can barely see the immersion for the corrosion. I'm having to replace the boiler as well, so it would be good to save some money if a SS cylinder would be OK, but I don't want to cut corners if copper is better.

 

[Nige F]

In that case consider a combi - no cylinder, feed cistern etc .

 

[hummingbird]

In that case consider a combi - no cylinder, feed cistern etc .

I can see the reason for the suggestion, but I've ruled out a combi as I want the back-up of a hot water tank and immersion heater in case the boiler breaks (and I also like having an airing cupboard!)

 

[Nige F]

Fair enough - but is the copper cylinder actually leaking , or is it just the immersion that is covered with crud /corrosion . If they are removed properly there is no damage to the cylinder - tho` many "plumbers" will damage a perfectly good cylinder with brute force and an eye on selling a whole new cylinder - hard to believe

 

[hummingbird]

I think it's just the immersion, although it's so bad that I can see why they might have a problem getting it out. Apart from the immersion, one or two of the plumbers that have been to see it have said that I need a new cylinder because the existing pipework isn't compatible with the new boiler. Admittedly it's a weird system, but getting on to talking boilers and the pipework system is opening up a large can of worms!

 

[Agile]

Better to talk to heating engineers!

 

[dhutch]

.... heating engineers!

I think you mean 'plumber or heating expert' there?



Daniel

 

[hummingbird]

Better to talk to heating engineers!

Hence the thread! One of the people who has been to quote has quoted on a stainless steel cylinder, another has quoted on a copper cylinder. I don't just want to get the cheapest if it's not much good so I thought I'd ask for some independent advice

 

[mickyg]

stainless all the way. will last longer for a start. The only time i fit copper is when the pipework is tight, as the SS ones have spigot type connections which stick out a bit so pipework alterations and a bit extra room is required.