we have this massive header tank in the ceiling space at a guess id say 400l capacity. When we bought the house 8 months ago it was mentioned in the building inspection that the galvanised tray under the header tank is rusting. So how does one replace the tray under a huge tank such as this?
We were thinking if it was going to be a take the roof off situation we would be cheaper putting in a mains pressure cylinder, but just googling the prices seem quite horrific for the mains pressure plus we need one that can be connected for a wetback as well - ching ching, not a cheap option either.
So back to the replacement of the header tank tray any bright ideas
mansonprincess,
Apr 20, 11:50pm
I was going to buy a house the same situation you have described. the advice I was given was go for the mains cylinder. That is the best option
pico42,
Apr 20, 11:54pm
Empty the tank, lift it up, sled the old tray out, slide a new one in, drop the tank back and refill.
Now mention all the individual problems with that.
daves01,
Apr 21, 12:17am
Just access I guess .
jojo76,
Apr 21, 3:07am
As mentioned access, how does one get a large tray up there? Take off iron from the roof is the only option I think.
pauldw,
Apr 21, 5:45am
What are the dimensions of the header tank? Is it really 400l? That would be twice the size of most hot water tanks. Plastic trays can be rolled up to get them into the attic.
How well secured is the tank?
lythande1,
Apr 21, 7:25am
Looked at The Cylinder Guy website? I'd go mains.
cagivachick1,
Apr 21, 7:42am
gas hot water
omamari,
Apr 21, 8:05am
Just go with Pico. I have never seen a 400 litre header tank. Most are around 100l
dastedly,
Apr 21, 10:39am
To be 400litre tank .then you not on town water ? the hot and cold water is from the tank? do you have water pump? Things like that is why you have big tank. I have put in alots tank in that size when I was in trade .most time on farms. lose power still have water .My own place I have large tank up on hill and lose power alot but still have water .People say go main pressure or gas not right thing to do in lots cases.
jojo76,
Apr 21, 10:51am
The tank dimensions are at least 1200mm diameter and 50cm high, yes we are in town (small rural town), but i suspect that maybe many moons ago it wasnt on mains water? Anyway the tray itself measures 1420mm x 1420mm.
fast4motion,
Apr 21, 10:56am
Bypass the header tank and install an Ajax valve at the hwc instead.
toyboy3,
Apr 21, 10:59am
Look for a discarded stainless steel shower tray with the waste at a corner
jojo76,
Apr 21, 11:14am
It more about getting it in there!
We are going to price up a gas system and a mains pressure/wetback as well and go from there.
Which bring me to my next question if we were to go gas approx how much does it cost for the big (45kg?) gas bottles and for a family of 4 how long do they last?
pico42,
Apr 21, 11:44am
How big is the access? Take the tray up in parts and assemble it in the roof?
moltenfire,
Apr 21, 11:51am
Absolutely.
Compare that solution with installing a main-pressure system and the need to change your mixers, HW pipes that let go inside the walls, plumber costs. It's a no-brainer - pico is right.
moltenfire,
Apr 21, 11:51am
They are plastic and will 'fold' and fit thru the manhole.
trade4us2,
Apr 21, 12:47pm
Do this. Ignore all the other advice.
However, as well, you will need either an overflow pipe on the roof or a pressure release valve. I recommend a 7.6 metre overflow pipe with a 2 litre mosquito-proof tank on top.
Pressure release valves are horrible. Header tanks are also very horrible.
jojo76,
Apr 21, 1:08pm
Can you tell me where to get one of the plastic trays? Ive googled and cant find any!
jojo76,
Apr 21, 1:14pm
Just to give you an idea of how big it is here is a photo, not alot of room for movement! But if installing an ajax valve is the best and cheapest way to rectify issue then we will do that. https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/774306407.jpg
nzmax,
Apr 21, 1:26pm
How bad is the rust in the tray. actual holes or a little surface rust? If it is not completely rusted out and full of holes, then lining the tray, and part way up the side of the tank, with butynol or a paint on waterproofing membrane could be an option, and could probably be done without moving anything.
jojo76,
Apr 21, 1:32pm
Just surface rust around the edges of where the tank sits i think, building report says to replace, ill get up there again and have a poke around a see if there are holes.
dastedly,
Apr 21, 1:37pm
So you small town ,are you on full flow or restricted flow? if a restricted flow as a lot small town can be then need a good size tank.
A folding plastic tray would probably be the cheapest option. It would need to have an overflow pipe to the outside. The valve in the header tank would need occasional maintenance (replacing the rubber washer in the ballcock valve). Installing an Ajax valve and overflow pipe would be a few hundred dollars. A new cylinder would be a couple of thousand including installation. The old thick copper cylinders usually last forever.
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