An annual unvented cylinder service helps keep your hot water system operating safely and efficiently. Manufacturers recommend that unvented hot water cylinders are serviced every year to ensure the safety devices continue to operate correctly and to help maintain the manufacturer's warranty where applicable.

This guide explains what you can expect when you book a Domestic Unvented Cylinder Service with EPM.

Before Your Appointment

There's very little you need to do before we arrive.

If possible, please ensure there is clear access to the unvented cylinder and surrounding area. If the cylinder is located in an airing cupboard or plant cupboard, please remove any stored items that may restrict access.

If there are any parking restrictions or access instructions, please let us know before the appointment.

This guide relates to domestic unvented hot water cylinders.

What Happens During the Visit?

When your engineer arrives, they'll first carry out a visual inspection of the cylinder and associated pipework.

The cylinder will then be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Although servicing requirements vary slightly between manufacturers, this typically includes checking the expansion vessel, testing the temperature and pressure relief valves, checking the tundish and discharge pipework, inspecting controls and safety devices, checking the operating pressure and confirming the system is operating correctly.

Once the service has been completed, the engineer will explain any observations made during the visit, answer any questions you may have and leave the work area clean and tidy.

How Long Does It Usually Take?

A straightforward unvented cylinder service typically takes around 1 hour.

The exact time can vary depending on the make and model of cylinder, ease of access and whether any additional investigation is required.

Things That Could Affect the Job

While most unvented cylinder services are straightforward, every installation is different. Occasionally we may find:

• Safety devices that require replacement.

• A failed or waterlogged expansion vessel.

• Issues with the tundish or discharge pipework.

• Components that have become worn or defective.

• Additional faults that require further investigation.

Minor adjustments are often part of the service and can usually be completed during the visit. If we discover anything that significantly changes the scope of work, we'll explain the available options before carrying out any additional work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I have my unvented cylinder serviced every year?

Manufacturers recommend annual servicing to ensure the cylinder and its safety devices continue to operate correctly. Regular servicing also helps identify potential issues before they become more serious.

How long does an unvented cylinder service take?

Most domestic unvented cylinder services take around one hour.

Will my hot water be turned off?

Yes. The hot water system will need to be isolated while the cylinder is serviced and tested. It will normally be returned to service before the engineer leaves.

What if you find a fault?

If we identify a fault during the service, we'll explain our findings and discuss the available options before carrying out any additional work.

Related Services

Many customers choose to combine other annual maintenance and safety checks during the same visit.

You may also wish to consider:

• Domestic Boiler Service – Helps keep your boiler operating safely and efficiently while maintaining many manufacturers' warranties.

• Domestic Gas Safety Certificate – Provides a safety inspection of your domestic gas appliances.

• Carbon Monoxide Alarm Supply & Installation – An important safety measure for homes with gas appliances.

Combining services can often be more convenient and may reduce the number of appointments required throughout the year.

Key Points

Typical appointment: Around 1 hour

Engineer required: One qualified unvented engineer

Typical visits: Usually one

Materials: Most services don't require replacement parts. If any safety devices or components require replacement, your engineer will discuss the available options with you.

Property disruption: Your hot water system will be isolated while the service is carried out and normally returned to service before the engineer leaves.

Access required: Clear access to the unvented cylinder and associated controls.