D
dclark
Hi all,
I apologies in advance for what might become a long post, and for my inaccuracies in any naming terms, and lastly, for my complete lack of knowledge of anything plumbing related.
Background:
I live in a three story townhouse, and I have recently spotted a sizable water stain mark on my living room ceiling (ground floor). Directly above is a family bathroom, and next to that is the hot water tank/cylinder.
Initial inspection:
Plumber 1 - pointed out that there is a constant flow of water running through the tundish. Suggested that the problem lies with the 3 bar pressure valve, and showed me what happens to the tundish when turning the 5 bar pressure valve. Basically the water splutters out of the tundish, and trickles down the pipe work. He quoted me between 150-180 pounds for the part, and then 90 pounds for the labour. As I was a little taken aback by the price I did a quick search and found that these valves are nowhere near the price quoted (although I appreciate that I didn't look at the actual part needed so I could well be wrong). Labour costs, I have no idea but I suspect that's on the high side for what would be (I suspect) no more than a couple hours of work.
Plumber 2 - was a little more thorough in her investigation and suggested the leakage on the living room ceiling (ground floor) may not be a result of the water tank. She noted that the cause could well be from a drainage problems with my ensuite shower room (top floor). She suggested that we take the time to remove the sealant from the shower basis, and do a thorough investigation of the shower unit. In the meantime, she then suggested that we may actually have two issues at hand.
1. The leakage causing the water stain on the ceiling,
2. The constant flow of water through the tundish.
Whilst I'm happy to investigate point 1 further by checking the shower unit etc, I'm a little confused on what to believe regarding the tundush issue. Plumber 2 couldn't isolate the issue, but suggested a number of potential causes:
1. That it may be a faulty 3 bar and/or 5 bar pressure valve, although this would be unlikely if there has not been any water dripping from the respective valves.
2. The Expansion tank could be at fault. She was saying there is a diaphragm contained within that might have a puncture.
To clarify, the tundish has a constant flow of cold water running through it, not hot water as per some the other threads I have been reading on the forums. I have no problem with water pressure, and no problems with running hot water.
Could someone please provide some other checks I could undertake to help identify what the cause of issue might be? I'm at a loss and not sure which plumber to believe. I will no doubt have another plumber come and check for a third opinion.
I know it's difficult to answer without knowing what the potential issue actually is, but could someone give me a steer on what costs might be involved. Parts I understand can vary in cost, but what should I expect regarding labour costs? (FYI, I live in Hertfordshire)
Many many thanks in advance.
Doug
ps. My tank is a Titan Plastech Flomaster, 150/200 litres (I can't remember which)
I apologies in advance for what might become a long post, and for my inaccuracies in any naming terms, and lastly, for my complete lack of knowledge of anything plumbing related.
Background:
I live in a three story townhouse, and I have recently spotted a sizable water stain mark on my living room ceiling (ground floor). Directly above is a family bathroom, and next to that is the hot water tank/cylinder.
Initial inspection:
Plumber 1 - pointed out that there is a constant flow of water running through the tundish. Suggested that the problem lies with the 3 bar pressure valve, and showed me what happens to the tundish when turning the 5 bar pressure valve. Basically the water splutters out of the tundish, and trickles down the pipe work. He quoted me between 150-180 pounds for the part, and then 90 pounds for the labour. As I was a little taken aback by the price I did a quick search and found that these valves are nowhere near the price quoted (although I appreciate that I didn't look at the actual part needed so I could well be wrong). Labour costs, I have no idea but I suspect that's on the high side for what would be (I suspect) no more than a couple hours of work.
Plumber 2 - was a little more thorough in her investigation and suggested the leakage on the living room ceiling (ground floor) may not be a result of the water tank. She noted that the cause could well be from a drainage problems with my ensuite shower room (top floor). She suggested that we take the time to remove the sealant from the shower basis, and do a thorough investigation of the shower unit. In the meantime, she then suggested that we may actually have two issues at hand.
1. The leakage causing the water stain on the ceiling,
2. The constant flow of water through the tundish.
Whilst I'm happy to investigate point 1 further by checking the shower unit etc, I'm a little confused on what to believe regarding the tundush issue. Plumber 2 couldn't isolate the issue, but suggested a number of potential causes:
1. That it may be a faulty 3 bar and/or 5 bar pressure valve, although this would be unlikely if there has not been any water dripping from the respective valves.
2. The Expansion tank could be at fault. She was saying there is a diaphragm contained within that might have a puncture.
To clarify, the tundish has a constant flow of cold water running through it, not hot water as per some the other threads I have been reading on the forums. I have no problem with water pressure, and no problems with running hot water.
Could someone please provide some other checks I could undertake to help identify what the cause of issue might be? I'm at a loss and not sure which plumber to believe. I will no doubt have another plumber come and check for a third opinion.
I know it's difficult to answer without knowing what the potential issue actually is, but could someone give me a steer on what costs might be involved. Parts I understand can vary in cost, but what should I expect regarding labour costs? (FYI, I live in Hertfordshire)
Many many thanks in advance.
Doug
ps. My tank is a Titan Plastech Flomaster, 150/200 litres (I can't remember which)
