Re-plumbing a house - best system to use?

[sparkymartin]

I am completely doing up my house. I just wanted peoples opinions on the best way to have it plumbed. Starting from scratch what sort of system would you install for heating and hot water in a three down, three up terraced property.

The amount of destruction needed does not matter and all areas are completely clear and accessable. Not looking for anything fancy, just a basic/reliable way of heating th house and the water.

 

[DeltaT2]

Martin, it depends what you want hot water wise. If it's a family home with kids & lots of baths, then a good sized gas(if available?) combi may be best. If you want high performance showers or a big hot water requirement, then a system boiler & un-vented cylinder would be best.

First thing to check is your incoming mains water service. Standing pressure, dynamic pressure & flow rate.
HTH

 

[sparkymartin]

I think that a gas combi would be a good idea.

By checking the water pressure and flow rate what am i determining? How will these affect what can be fitted?

 

[kirkgas]

i would put unvented hot water in if i was replumbing my house

 

[sparkymartin]

What is the advantage of unvented hot water? How does it compare in terms of space taken up and cost of parts?

 

[Norcon]

An unvented cylinder is a good choice but be aware it can be a "bomb" if installed incorrectly.
I can say "bomb" as this is not an airport.
Bomidy bomb bomb bomb....

 

[ATG]

An unvented cylinder has no header tank and is pressurized at mains pressure so that hot and cold taps have roughly the same flow rate. Saves having to have a shower pump (unless you really want one) and much simpler to install.

 

[sparkymartin]

So would I be right in thinking that in comparison a combi would have hot water pressure that could be too low for a shower?

I had a shower coming from a combi in a previous place I lived but i'm guessing that I didnt have any issues as the combi and shower were next to each other (divided by a stud wall).