DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi, I hope someone can help. I have a problem and not sure what to do. When I run both taps in the bath, the tank in the loft empties, there is water going in but not fast enough. Is it a pressure problem or could there be something wrong with the workings inside the tank, or has the plumbing been configured wrong. The pressure is ok around the rest of the house.

Many thanks

if your cistern in the loft is slow to fill, gtrying replacing the float valve seating with a low pressure one (it had a larger orifice) and will allow the cistern to fill quicker. But maybe you just need a larger cistern if it empties too quickly???

the inlet to CW tank in the loft will be mains pressure and that isnt the correct solution.

I know the water is mains pressure (usually 2.5-3 bar pressure), but if it's coming in too slow then what other solution would there be? If the problem is just the cistern being too small, then a larger cistern (230 litres min) will ne required.

it is likely that the inlet valve needs replacing.

It may depend on the age of your property. I had the very same problem on my 1920's property which had lead piping feed. After much investigation from the water co and plumbers etc, I ended up replacing the mains feed wter pipe to the property. There was a lot of digging up of my garden and the water borad charged a few hundred quid to fit it at the kerbside, but the change in the volume delivered was superb. Before I couldn't really have a shower without the tank emptying half way through. Now it's not a problem.

I also agree with the other response about fitting abigger tank. Good luck

I agree with the post also about the inlet valve. Your inlet valve (float valve entry) may even be clogged up with debris that has buolt up over the years. Thus reducing the flow rate. Try cleaning this out or better still, replacing it. They only cost about 4-5 pounds.