Question about boilers

[GorgeousLadyofWrestling]

We bought our flat last year and it’s pretty old inside. We’ve been saving up to change a series a of things - one of which is the boiler. Currently it’s a conventional boiler with a huge space in the hallway that houses the cold water tank. There’s also the hot water tank in another storage cupboard in the hallway. The boiler itself works perfectly but we have three kids in a two bed flat and if we could free up these two massive spaces, it would be so great. The cold water tank space itself is so huge, we could actually store their bikes/ scooters in!

The other thing about the conventional boiler is that when it’s heating up water, the noise is so loud.

If we switched to a combi boiler, would there still be the need for the cold and hot water tanks? And secondly, would it be quieter when heating water up? Or is that just more to do with an old piping system?

We changed to a combi boiler in our first flat that was 3 bed. Got rid of the water tanks that were in the master bedroom and so freed up a lot of storage space and also didn't have the awful heat from the hot tank in the summer in our bedroom! Best thing we ever did. New boiler very quiet. It heats the water as you use it.

I’ve just changed to a combi boiler and it’s so much better. The hot water tank used to be in my bedroom and was unbearably hot in summer, plus there was never enough water for a full bath anyway, so seemed a complete waste of time. New boiler is fab, my bedroom is a normal temperature and I definitely don’t regret having it done.

Thank you both! Have you noticed any difference in noise from the combi boiler not having to fill up a whole tank like the conventional boiler does?

All I can say is that I don't notice noise from the new boiler at all.

Combi boiler is what you need.

It's very strange to have a cold water tank downstairs. Can you take a photo of it?

A modern boiler is usually smaller, more efficient and quieter than an old boiler. It does not need to be a combi.

How many bathrooms, showers and people in your house?

We were advised not a to get a combi as we are a family of five. I think it comes down to whether you might want to shower/run a bath at the same time or not. Something to ponder.

If you have the space and you want hot water at cold water pressure I thought the modern thing to do was have an unvented indirect Megaflo type cylinder?

You have a tank of hot water but under mains water pressure.

As space is at a premium in your flat get a combi boiler, if you are on the top floor see is it can go in the loft !! If not you can get it fitted into the kitchen in a kitchen unit.

Thanks all. We’re in a ground floor flat hence the cold water tank in the hallway.

We are a family of five but the kids are young and we only have one bathroom with a shower / bath combo, so not an issue re using hot water in different places at the same time. We only plan to be here for four years or so and hope to move when the kids needing showers at the same time is more of an issue. We have a dishwasher so don’t anticipate needing to wash up at the same time one of us is in the shower.

Re the noise. It’s not really the boiler per se - it’s more like the pipes? When we fill up the bath, as the hot water is used up - it needs to be replaced, right? I have zero understanding so I can only presume it’s the water needed to fill up the tanks again?

Photo would be really helpful.

I expect the noise is the ballcock in your cold water tank.

To check, press the float down and see if the noise starts. Lift the float up and see if it stops.

With age and wear they get noisy.

A new one is so cheap that you will laugh at the noise you've endured.

They can be repaired but it is quicker and easier to fit a new one.

If you search "Pegler 1/2" Part 2 High Pressure Float Valve" you will see what it looks like. That's the premium brand, I can't currently see them in the discount sheds. Cheaper ones are not as good.

It must be
Part 2
Half inch
High pressure

There is a Fluidmaster at B&Q which is a good brand
www.diy.com/departments/fluidmaster-brass-float-valve-side-entry/5011629016919_BQ.prd

Observe the white plastic bridge on the top, indicating a Part 2, which is necessary for hygiene and anticontamation.

A combi boiler heats the water as you use it