Extreme limescale in shower bar

[Ibs90]

If its blocking in the shower head bar, then remove that troublesome microfilter and replace with an open rubber washer to seal with the hose. That way any micro debris will pass straight through the shower rose. It won't eliminate the fine scale debris, but it will allow a shower to be taken

https://www.screwfix.com/p/arctic-hayes-shower-hose-washers-1-2-5-pack/3841j

Thanks for your suggestion. For reference I have uploaded photos of the limescale build up after one shower.

How do you recommend removing the micro filter? Having looked at the one that I have it looks like it's part of the shower head and it can't be removed.

 

[flameport]

Do you have a picture of what you mean by white plastic?

No, but it looks exactly like what you have in your subsequent picture.

 

[flameport]

photos of the limescale build up after one shower.

Take some of the 'limescale', and drip vinegar onto it.
If it fizzes and disappears, it's limescale.
If not, then it's something else.

 

[Ibs90]

Take some of the 'limescale', and drip vinegar onto it.
If it fizzes and disappears, it's limescale.
If not, then it's something else.

I'll try this.
If it's not limescale and it is plastic, do you suggest anything for this?

 

[terryplumb]

Your issue isn't limescale ,it's a problem with your unvented hot water cylinder.
Show us a pic of your hot water cylinder.

 

[Ibs90]

Your issue isn't limescale ,it's a problem with your unvented hot water cylinder.
Show us a pic of your hot water cylinder.

Please ignore all the rubbish . Let me know if you require any other pictures.

 

[terryplumb]

That is an unvented cylinder ,and a part inside it is breaking down and the residue is what is blocking your shower valve.
How old is that cylinder ?

 

[terryplumb]

The part is the air separator by the way.

 

[Ibs90]

That is an unvented cylinder ,and a part inside it is breaking down and the residue is what is blocking your shower valve.
How old is that cylinder ?

I'm not too sure to be honest. I have been at the property for 5 years and it it was new build that was built in 2009. So I assume since then?
I have British Gas cover so do you think this is something that can be covered by them? If yes, what should I tell them so it's easier for them to diagnose the issues? Appreciate your help btw!

 

[terryplumb]

After 16 years it will not still be under warranty. You could contact B/gas to see what your cover extends to,but I doubt it will cover the cost of a new cylinder.

The part is the air separator by the way.

 

[Ibs90]

After 16 years it will not still be under warranty. You could contact B/gas to see what your cover extends to,but I doubt it will cover the cost of a new cylinder.

Do you think this requires a new cylinder or can it be fixed? If a new cylinder is required, do you know what this would cost (approximately)?

 

[terryplumb]

Unless someone has figured out a way to repair that I am unaware of , I am afraid a new cylinder would be required. That's not cheap, a few thousand pounds .

 

[Johntheo5]

The part is the air separator by the way.

The well known air baffle problem. Is the air bubble still being recharged regularly or is there a external expansion vessel.?

I often wondered if the dip tube which extends down ~ 25% of the cylinder height was holed (very very small dia) to destroy the air bubble to stop any plastic bits getting out) high up near the top and a EV installed would it prevent the plastic from entering the dip tube bottom, might be worth a try if these plastic bits "float" or maybe just flush cold water through the cylinder for a few hous with the HW outlet connected to drain to get rid of the majority of the plastic bits via the dip tube.

 

[Ibs90]

Unless someone has figured out a way to repair that I am unaware of , I am afraid a new cylinder would be required. That's not cheap, a few thousand pounds .

Ouch not that news I was expecting. Is there an issue if I continue to do what I am doing at the moment by clearing and using until I get it replaced?

 

[Ibs90]

The well known air baffle problem. Is the air bubble still being recharged regularly or is there a external expansion vessel.?

I often wondered if the dip tube which extends down ~ 25% of the cylinder height was holed (very very small dia) to destroy the air bubble to stop any plastic bits getting out) high up near the top and a EV installed would it prevent the plastic from entering the dip tube bottom, might be worth a try if these plastic bits "float" or maybe just flush cold water through the cylinder for a few hous with the HW outlet connected to drain to get rid of the majority of the plastic bits via the dip tube.

I'm sorry I am not sure I understand this