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Hello all - we have a Megaflo unvented cylinder. It's been working fine for 5 years+. Recently the hot water pressure has dropped to about a third of normal. Mains pressure is fine. the Megaflo has been serviced and pressure mirrors mains pressure (3 bar). The pressure release valve has been replaced. Boiler has been serviced as has the water softener (Harvey). All to no avail.
Our plumber says it's an issue with the water softener even though it's been serviced. He says there must be a 'build up' and there's nothing more he can do. However, doesn't seem logical to me as the mains water pressure (cold) is fine.
Any ideas as to what we should try next?
Thank you
There seems to be a blockage somwhere. Is the watersoftener a separate unit, that is filled with salt etc? If so, he sounds about right, the pipes insode it need a clean out. Reasonably easy to check it, fit a bypass, then see how the water runs then.
Thanks for your reply - how could cold water flow out fine and hot water not?
To answer your question, yes it is a separate unit with salt in it.
Apologies for the q but how often should these be serviced as I've just inherited one.
Every year as part of the boiler service.
CG: theoretically every year, but I had one installed probably 18 years ago and never had it serviced - I just recharge the air gap at the top (instructions are on the side of the tank).
Not sure what else there is TBH. Just works.
theoretically every year
Agreed - it should be every year but, unless you have to (landlord, foster carer etc) then you don't have to.
Thanks both, most helpful. Will have it serviced along with the boiler for peace of mind.
Presumably your plumber has checked and cleaned out the filter in the pressure reducing valve (you say the pressure relief valve was replaced, which is a different component).
I have a 14 year old Megaflo and the hot water performance is a bit rubbish for what I’d expect when compared to the cold supply. The strainers for showers etc are clean, though, so I can’t conceive what failure inside the tank could be causing it.
what Flaperon said...
Does the pressure / flow start high but diminish quickly?
If so I would suggest either failed control group (PRV), or strainer full of debris.
The springs fail in some of the control groups, causing low flow or pressure
What is the lifespan of these, does anyone know? Thanks!
Could be your balls are blocked .
Water softeners contain hundreds of resin balls that collect calcium and magnesium from hard water on to the surface by way of voodoo magic and electrostatic attraction.
After a certain time the tank is washed in a brine purge cycle to remove the calcium and replace the sodium that clings to your balls.
Could be your tank isn't regenerating properly and your balls are completely covered with salts , decreasing the flow.
Is it low pressure, or low flow? That is, when there's no flow, is the pressure normal or down?
Could be your balls are blocked
I'd expect some kind of uncomfortable swelling..