Header tank in the loft Help and information on all topics relating to your central heating, air conditioning and ventilation issues.

[maurice9741]

Hello, I live in a house that was built in 1968 and it has a header tank in the loft, which has been working perfeclty well since then, I looked at it recently and I happended to mention to someone that there was no cover on it, but it was insulated. My question is this, should I have it covered or is it fine as it is

[plastic_man77]

It's fine as it is- just plonk a bit of wood or other hard material over the top of it as covering, insulate it and forget about it unless it gives you any trouble.

[plumbbob]

I am sorry, but a wooden cover is absolutely not sufficient. With the condensation, wood will rot quickly and bits will fall into the tank.

You have to remember the water can end up being drunk so the tank must have a lid to protect it from contaminates such as falling insulation and other nasties.

I have personally removed dead birds, flies, wasps and mice from uncovered header tanks over the years.

[plastic_man77]

As well as all the birds and bees you've found, how many tanks have you found with a bit of wood dropped across? I'd imagine plenty more than you have found with birds inside. I've seen plenty with wood over and I've never found any bird or bees, so you must be lucky there.

Alternatively spend a lot of cash and get a new "plastic" tank installed with a bye-law 30 kit fitted and have it insulated- that will stop the birds, the bees and the debris.

[plumbbob]

As well as all the birds and bees you've found, how many tanks have you found with a bit of wood dropped across?

Precious few fortunately, but of those I have they have been either disintegrating or at best covered in black mould.

I'd imagine plenty more than you have found with birds inside. I've seen plenty with wood over and I've never found any bird or bees, so you must be lucky there.

I wouldn't say I was lucky, once is more than enough to find any dead carcass in what is potentially consumable water: although I wish it was only once.

Alternatively spend a lot of cash and get a new "plastic" tank installed with a bye-law 30 kit fitted and have it insulated- that will stop the birds, the bees and the debris.

If the existing tank is in poor condition, it would be extremely advisable to replace it and in that case it must be to the current building regulation standard. So what's wrong with that?