TNG Services Ltd attended an emergency plumbing call on Stevenage Road in Walkern, near Stevenage, SG2, after a customer reported water coming through the ceiling.
Our investigation traced the leak to a vented hot water cylinder. Although water was dripping from the bottom, the source was at the top of the cylinder, around the immersion heater.
Current status: The leak source has been identified. The customer is awaiting further works to replace the failed vented hot water cylinder.
Investigating the immersion heater leak
We isolated the water supply before starting the repair. After removing the immersion heater, we found a broken sealing washer.
The damaged washer was replaced, the immersion heater was reinstated and the system was tested. Unfortunately, the leak continued, making further investigation necessary.
A tiny crack hidden beneath the insulation
We carefully removed insulation around the immersion heater flange to inspect the surrounding cylinder surface.
This revealed a tiny crack in the cylinder itself near the flange. Water was escaping through the crack and travelling down the cylinder before dripping from the bottom.
Although the broken washer needed replacing, the new seal could not stop water escaping through the damaged cylinder body.
Where water appears is not always where the leak starts. In this case, water escaped near the top of the cylinder and travelled down its surface before dripping from the bottom.
Vented hot water cylinder replacement required
Following our investigation, we explained the findings to the customer and advised that the failed vented hot water cylinder required replacement.
The customer is currently awaiting further works to replace the cylinder.
Investigate the ceiling leak and inspect the immersion heater connection.
Replace the broken washer, reinstate the heater and identify that the leak persists.
Expose the area around the flange and advise cylinder replacement. Further works are pending.
Why testing after a repair matters
This emergency call-out in Walkern highlights the importance of tracing a leak to its source and testing after a repair. What initially appeared to be an immersion heater seal problem also involved a cylinder crack concealed beneath the insulation.
Replacing the damaged washer addressed one defect, but further investigation was needed to establish why water was still escaping.
Hot water cylinder repairs in Stevenage and surrounding areas
TNG Services Ltd provides plumbing leak investigations, hot water cylinder repairs and cylinder replacement services across Walkern, Stevenage, Hertfordshire and North London.
This visit involved a vented hot water cylinder. The recommendation to replace it followed the confirmed crack in the cylinder body.
Need help with a leaking hot water cylinder?
Whether you have water coming through a ceiling, a leaking immersion heater connection or a hot water cylinder requiring replacement, contact TNG Services Ltd to discuss the investigation and work required.
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