What type of hot water system do I have?

There are three main types of hot water system in the United Kingdom – gravity fed, mains fed: combination boiler, and mains fed unvented cylinder.

Gravity fed

• If you live in an older property there’s a good chance you have a gravity fed system, renowned for poor pressure and flow.
• These systems are identified by a hot water cylinder stored in an airing cupboard, and a large cold water storage tank, often located in the loft.

Mains fed: Combi boiler

• Combination boilers are common and rely solely on mains pressure to deliver water around your home.
• These systems are identified by a wall hung boiler.
• In a combi boiler system hot water is available on demand, and there are no water storage tanks.

Mains fed: Unvented

• Unvented systems require a separate hot water cylinder to store a quantity of hot water at mains pressure.
• These systems are identified by a wall hung boiler and metal-clad hot water storage tanks and no cold water storage.

Click here for more information on identifying your water system