Hot water problem All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[carlt]

Hello, hope someone can help me. I have a standard hot water tank and central heating system. When I turn on the hot water tap downstairs there is a reduced flow then nothing after 30 secs. Upstairs there is next to nothing.I live in a hard water area and the tank is at least 15 years old. As the outlet is at the top of the tank I am unsure as how this can affect it. Is there anything I can do to remedy it in the short term? i am able to drain the tank and undo pipe connections for inspection, but don't want to attempt a tank replacement myself if this is the problem. Could it be something else?

[htg engineer]

It's probably as simple as renewing the ball valve.
If the tank is full and the ball valve works it could just be an airlock, try backfilling - useing a hose to connect the cold water tap to the hot, turn on both taps and the cold water will fill the hot pipework back to the tank.

htg

[carlt]

Thanks htg engineer,
did that, it was an airlock and is sorted. Thanks again.