A gravity fed system begins with the supply to the home, entering through a valve called a stop-tap. After the stop-tap the water splits in two, with one feed going straight to the cold tap in the kitchen and the other moves up into a storage cylinder fitted in the loft space. Barbican Plumbers can fit, service and repair a central heating system. The natural force of gravity allows the water to leave the tank, to your boiler and then on to the radiators so as soon as the central heating system has filled the valve closes, meaning that this circuit of water will now flow around the pipework for many years in some cases. With this type of system you are now able to turn off your cold water mains when you go away, yet still leave your central heating running.
What System?
The loft space will give the best clue as to which system you have fitted. If there is a small tank in the loft, this will be called a feed and expansion tank. This tank holds the water that has expanded when it is heated via the boiler so that the system does not run the risk of become over pressurisation. This is a considerably smaller tank than a storage tank. It measures 500x300x300mm in, with the water that sits inside having a very distinct dirty and dark look. Sometimes this particular tank is fitted inside an airing cupboard. Of course being part of a gravity-fed system any tank or cylinder must be situated as high as possible to give the best flow, which feeds the central heating and its radiators. Broadgate Plumbers are trained to identify and work on all types of heating systems.