F&E tank hot?

[reedluke]

I'm not sure if I have enough information for an answer here but I need to ask!

The F & E Tank in my loft appears to be constantly full of hot water, touching the side of the tank feels warm and now it's colder outside I can see steam rising from it.

Doesn't sound right to me, it's a rented property so I won't be doing anything myself, but I would like to know the cause if possible.

The F & E tank is situated right above my hot water tank.

Any ideas?

Cheers.

 

[Agile]

Thats not correct but could be caused by several problems.

You should ensure your landlord gets a competent engineer to inspect it as it could possibly be dangerous.

Tony

 

[reedluke]

Will do! cheers
I'd just liked to have sounded like I knew what I was talking about!

 

[JohnD]

It may be that hot water is pumping over from the vent pipe (this will be a 22mm copper pipe, bent over into a curve above the F&E tank). If you sit up there with a torch, or tie a cup or something under the end, you will see if that is happening.

If the vent pipe is touching, or below the surface of, the water in the F&E tank it may be thermosyphoning.

But as it isn't your house, best to get a pro in to have a look.

If it is steaming it will cause condensation in the loft which may damage any possessions you have up there. Has the tank got a lid on it?

 

[reedluke]

Nope, no lid. I can see mould on the wood above the tank so it looks like it's been going on a while.

I thought it might be from the hot water tank, but then I never see any water dropping from the overflow outside.

I've just spoken to a friend (a sort of a plumber in training) who suggested the pump might be on it's way out and the hot water is simply rising to the top of the system. Does that sound plausible?

 

[JohnD]

no.

 

[reedluke]

Fair enough!

Like i said, in training!! I've got British Gas onto it - they provide the cover.