Hot Water Cylinders
Hot water cylinders are available in several configurations to suit different heating and hot water systems. Options include vented, unvented, solar, combination and thermal storage designs, so the correct cylinder will depend on how the property produces, stores and distributes hot water.
Direct cylinders heat the stored water using an electric immersion element, while indirect cylinders are normally heated through a coil connected to another heat source such as a boiler. Some systems may use more specialised arrangements, so it is important to match the cylinder type to the existing or planned heating setup.
Cylinder capacity should reflect the hot water demand of the property as well as the available installation space. Consider household usage, cylinder dimensions, heat source and system pressure before choosing. Always check the full specification to make sure the cylinder is suitable for the intended installation.
Hot water cylinders are available in several configurations to suit different heating and hot water systems. Options include vented, unvented, solar, combination and thermal storage designs, so the correct cylinder will depend on how the property produces, stores and distributes hot water.
Direct cylinders heat the stored water using an electric immersion element, while indirect cylinders are normally heated through a coil connected to another heat source such as a boiler. Some systems may use more specialised arrangements, so it is important to match the cylinder type to the existing or planned heating setup.
Cylinder capacity should reflect the hot water demand of the property as well as the available installation space. Consider household usage, cylinder dimensions, heat source and system pressure before choosing. Always check the full specification to make sure the cylinder is suitable for the intended installation.
Hot Water Cylinders
Hot Water Cylinders & Hot Water Tanks
Whether you're replacing a leaking hot water tank or upgrading to mains-pressure hot water, we stock replacement hot water cylinders for every type of system – vented and unvented, direct and indirect, solar, heat pump and thermal store – from Telford, Vaillant and Heatrae Sadia, at trade prices.
Which hot water cylinder do I need?
- Vented cylinders – fed by a cold water tank in the loft. The simplest like-for-like replacement for most older homes.
- Unvented cylinders – run at mains pressure for stronger showers and no loft tank. Must be fitted by a G3-qualified installer.
- Indirect cylinders – heated by your boiler through an internal coil, with an immersion heater as back-up.
- Direct cylinders – heated by immersion heaters only; ideal for all-electric homes and Economy 7.
- Solar cylinders – twin-coil cylinders that take heat from solar thermal panels.
- Heat pump cylinders – large-coil cylinders designed for air source heat pumps.
What size hot water cylinder?
As a rough guide, allow around 35–45 litres per person. A 1–2 bedroom home with one bathroom usually suits 120–150 litres; a 3–4 bedroom home with a shower and bath typically needs 180–250 litres. If you're replacing an old copper tank, measure its height and diameter – many of our vented cylinders come in standard sizes such as 900 x 450mm and 1050 x 450mm for easy like-for-like swaps.
How much does a replacement hot water cylinder cost?
Our cylinders start from around £314 for a standard vented copper cylinder, with unvented cylinders from around £546 and heat pump cylinders from around £1,265. Installation is extra and varies by job – unvented cylinders need a G3-qualified installer.
Not sure which cylinder fits your system? Contact our team with the size and model of your existing tank and we'll help you choose.
