In November 2011 I had a Gledhill Envirofoam Stainless Steel Water Clylinder (1050x450) installed having been told these have a longer life than traditional copper.
In July I went away for a few days and when I came back the outside of the cylinder was wet and there was water on the floor supporting the cylinder in the airing cupboard. I assumed this was a one off event as until then I had not experienced any problems and just dried it.
For the next few weeks everything was fine but yeterday I returned from a short break to find water on the cylinder and supporting floor again.
On both occasions I had turned off the hot water heating whilst away.
There is clearly a problem but as the cylinder if fully enclosed I cannot check it. I did find that there was some water around the top of the foam lagging where the immersion heater fits but there was no water in the actual immersion heater cap.
My initial thought is that there is probably some sort of fracture in the cylinder which with the water heated is sealed but without any heating to expand the cylinder the fracture leaks, probably on the top near the immersion heater.
I have checked this morning before posting an everything is dry.
It was purchased online through bhs-home improvements in Southampton but I am not sure if I still have the original invoice (I need to look thoroughly) or if they would have a record of my purchase. I believe that some Gledhill products have a 10 year warranty and it is possible mine has but how to check?? I know that the plumber who installed the cylinder would remember the job as he has done several jobs for me over the years but unfortunately at the moment he is hard to get hold of.
I would be grateful for any comments/help on what the problem might be and how to resolve it, ideally of course without the expense of a new cylinder unless this can be replaced under a warranty claim. I would of course still have the labour costs to cover.
Also, if I have to have a new cylinder and can't contact my normal plumber which is the best way of finding a reliable and hopefully reasonable plumber.
Thanks
In July I went away for a few days and when I came back the outside of the cylinder was wet and there was water on the floor supporting the cylinder in the airing cupboard. I assumed this was a one off event as until then I had not experienced any problems and just dried it.
For the next few weeks everything was fine but yeterday I returned from a short break to find water on the cylinder and supporting floor again.
On both occasions I had turned off the hot water heating whilst away.
There is clearly a problem but as the cylinder if fully enclosed I cannot check it. I did find that there was some water around the top of the foam lagging where the immersion heater fits but there was no water in the actual immersion heater cap.
My initial thought is that there is probably some sort of fracture in the cylinder which with the water heated is sealed but without any heating to expand the cylinder the fracture leaks, probably on the top near the immersion heater.
I have checked this morning before posting an everything is dry.
It was purchased online through bhs-home improvements in Southampton but I am not sure if I still have the original invoice (I need to look thoroughly) or if they would have a record of my purchase. I believe that some Gledhill products have a 10 year warranty and it is possible mine has but how to check?? I know that the plumber who installed the cylinder would remember the job as he has done several jobs for me over the years but unfortunately at the moment he is hard to get hold of.
I would be grateful for any comments/help on what the problem might be and how to resolve it, ideally of course without the expense of a new cylinder unless this can be replaced under a warranty claim. I would of course still have the labour costs to cover.
Also, if I have to have a new cylinder and can't contact my normal plumber which is the best way of finding a reliable and hopefully reasonable plumber.
Thanks