Unvented Cylinders
An unvented cylinder is a pressurised hot water storage system connected directly to the mains cold water supply. Unlike traditional vented systems that rely on a header tank in the loft to supply water by gravity, an unvented cylinder draws water directly from the mains, which means hot water is delivered at mains pressure throughout your home.
This translates to a noticeably stronger shower, consistent hot water flow to multiple outlets simultaneously and the freedom to position outlets anywhere in the property without restrictions imposed by tank height.

The Advantages of Upgrading to an Unvented Cylinder
The performance difference between a vented system and a mains-pressure unvented cylinder is immediately apparent, particularly in homes with more than one bathroom. A powerful, even hot water flow makes a genuine difference to daily comfort, and with no cold water tank to maintain or take up space in the loft, the practical benefits are equally clear. Unvented cylinders also benefit from high-quality factory insulation, which means heat is retained for longer and energy consumption is reduced compared to older, less efficient storage solutions.
For households with higher hot water demand, such as families with multiple bathrooms or properties with a bath and several showers, the performance and convenience of an unvented system make it a worthwhile upgrade. They are also well-suited to properties where a combination boiler is not appropriate, providing excellent hot water storage capacity alongside a system or heat-only boiler.
Servicing And Maintenance For Unvented Cylinders
Alongside new installations, we provide servicing and maintenance for existing unvented cylinders. An annual service by a G3-qualified engineer is recommended to check the condition and function of all safety components, inspect the anode rod where applicable and ensure the system is performing as it should. Unvented cylinders have a long service life when properly maintained, but safety components do wear over time and should be checked regularly. If your existing cylinder is ageing, losing efficiency or developing faults, we can assess whether a repair or replacement is the most practical solution and give you an honest recommendation.
Get in touch with Pettifer Plumbing and Heating to discuss an unvented cylinder installation or to book a service for your existing system.



