Unvented Cylinders

Experience the luxury of mains pressure hot water throughout your home with a professionally installed unvented cylinder. R. Foster Plumbing & Heating provides expert unvented cylinder services across Kettering, Northamptonshire and Rutland, with over 24 years of experience and the qualifications to install and service these advanced systems safely.

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What Are Unvented Cylinders?

Unvented hot water cylinders are sealed systems that connect directly to the mains water supply, delivering hot water at mains pressure to all outlets in your home. Unlike traditional vented cylinders with header tanks in the loft, unvented cylinders provide consistent, powerful water pressure for showers, baths, and taps.

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Benefits of Unvented Cylinders

Mains Pressure Hot Water
Enjoy powerful showers and fast-filling baths with consistent water pressure throughout your home, eliminating the need for shower pumps in most cases.

Space Saving
No need for cold water storage tanks in the loft, freeing up valuable space and reducing structural loading on your property.

Reduced Installation Complexity
Fewer pipes and components compared to traditional vented systems, making installation cleaner and more straightforward.

Better Water Quality
Direct connection to mains water supply means fresher, cleaner hot water without the risk of contamination from storage tanks.

Faster Heat-Up Times
Modern unvented cylinders heat water more efficiently, providing hot water when you need it with minimal waiting time.

Multiple Outlet Capability
Run multiple hot water outlets simultaneously without significant pressure loss - perfect for busy family homes.

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Our Unvented Cylinder Services

Professional Installation
Our qualified engineers handle every aspect of unvented cylinder installation:

• System design and sizing calculations
• Cylinder positioning and connections
• Pressure relief valve installation
• Expansion vessel fitting
• Temperature controls and safety devices
• System commissioning and testing
• Full certification and documentation

Cylinder Replacements
Upgrade from traditional vented systems or replace old unvented cylinders:

• Assessment of existing system compatibility
• Recommendations for optimal cylinder size
• Professional removal of old equipment
• Complete new system installation
• System balancing and performance testing

Repairs & Maintenance
Keep your unvented cylinder running efficiently:

• Annual safety device testing
• Pressure relief valve servicing
• Expansion vessel checks
• Thermostat and immersion repairs
• Cylinder insulation upgrades

System Upgrades
Enhance your existing hot water system:

• Solar thermal integration
• Smart controls and timers
• Additional immersion heaters
• Improved insulation packages

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Why Choose R. Foster Plumbing & Heating?

Qualified Installation
Unvented cylinders require specialist knowledge and qualifications. Our engineers are fully trained and certified to install these systems safely and in compliance with building regulations.

24+ Years of Experience
With over two decades in the plumbing and heating trade, we understand hot water systems inside and out, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Building Regulations Compliance
All our unvented cylinder installations comply with Part G of the Building Regulations, with full documentation and certification provided.

Local Service
Based in Kettering, we provide reliable service across Northamptonshire and Rutland, with ongoing support for your hot water system.

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Unvented Cylinder Types

Direct Cylinders
Heated by immersion heaters only, ideal for properties with electric heating or solar thermal systems.

Indirect Cylinders
Heated by your boiler via an internal coil, with backup immersion heater for summer use or boiler breakdowns.

Thermal Store Cylinders
Advanced systems that can provide both central heating and hot water, perfect for larger properties with high demands.

Combination Units
Space-saving units combining boiler and cylinder in one compact appliance.

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Sizing Your Unvented Cylinder

Small Households (1-2 people)
120-150 litre cylinders typically sufficient for basic hot water needs.

Medium Households (3-4 people)
180-250 litre cylinders recommended for family homes with multiple bathrooms.

Large Households (5+ people)
300+ litre cylinders for homes with high hot water demand and multiple simultaneous users.

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Safety Features

Modern unvented cylinders include multiple safety features:

• Temperature relief valves preventing overheating
• Pressure relief valves protecting against over-pressurisation
• Expansion vessels accommodating thermal expansion
• Balanced cold water connections
• Tundish discharge arrangements

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Maintenance Requirements

Regular maintenance ensures safe, efficient operation:

• Annual safety device testing (legal requirement)
• Expansion vessel pressure checks
• Temperature and pressure relief valve operation
• Thermostat calibration
• Insulation inspection

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Integration with Renewable Energy

Unvented cylinders work excellently with renewable technologies:

• Solar thermal systems for free hot water
• Heat pump integration
• Biomass boiler compatibility
• Smart controls for optimised efficiency

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Professional Hot Water Solutions

Whether you're building a new home, renovating an existing property, or simply want to upgrade your hot water system, R. Foster Plumbing & Heating provides expert unvented cylinder services across Kettering, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Get mains pressure hot water:

• Qualified engineers with specialist training
• Full building regulations compliance
• 24+ years of experience
• Complete installation and commissioning service
• Ongoing maintenance and support
• All major brands supplied and fitted