Signs your hot water cylinder
needs attention.

Hot water runs out too quickly

This can be a failing heating coil, a tired immersion heater, a thermostat set too low, or simply a cylinder that's too small for the household now living there.

The immersion heater has stopped working

If the cylinder only heats from the boiler, or not at all, the immersion element or its thermostat may have failed. These are usually replaceable parts.

Damp or dripping in the airing cupboard

Leaks can come from valves, joints or the cylinder itself. Older copper cylinders can corrode, especially where water is hard. Don't leave a leak — it can reach electrics and ceilings below.

If it's actively leaking, switch off the immersion heater and turn off the cold supply to the cylinder if you can find the valve, then ring for help.

Rumbling or banging

Noisy heating-up is often limescale building up inside the cylinder, which is common in our hard-water area.

Repair or replace?

A failed immersion element or valve is usually a repair. A corroded or leaking cylinder, or one that's simply too small, is usually a replacement — and a good time to think about the right size and type for your home.