Gas And Electric
Gas And Electric | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Manchester
Enjoy the comfort of endless hot water and lower energy bills by trusting HEP’s seasoned plumbers with your tank water heater needs in Manchester. Whether your current unit is sputtering or you’re planning an upgrade, our team delivers swift diagnostics, transparent pricing, and precise installations that keep mornings steamy and laundry day on schedule. We’re locals too, so we know the region’s water quality and building codes inside out—meaning fewer surprises and a job done right the first time.
From high-efficiency gas models that slash utility costs to reliable electric setups ideal for tighter spaces, HEP pairs the perfect system with your household’s habits and budget. Every project is backed by genuine parts, manufacturer-approved techniques, and courteous pros who tidy up before they leave. Call, click, or swing by our Manchester office today and discover why neighbors keep our number on speed dial whenever hot water is on the line.
FAQs
What size tank water heater do I need for my Manchester home?
The right capacity largely depends on the number of people living in your property and your typical hot-water usage. As a rule of thumb, a 30–35-litre draw per person per day is considered comfortable. That means a 120-litre cylinder usually meets the needs of a 3–4 person household, while larger families may prefer 150–210 litres. Our engineer will also ask about simultaneous demands—such as multiple showers running at once—to ensure the recovery rate (how quickly the heater reheats water) covers peak usage.
Should I choose a gas or an electric tank water heater?
Gas units generally heat water faster and can be cheaper to run on today’s typical UK tariffs, especially if you have a modern condensing boiler that can feed a vented or unvented cylinder. Electric heaters (often called immersion or direct cylinders) are simpler to install because they do not require a flue or gas line; they’re ideal where mains gas isn’t available or in all-electric flats. If you’re on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff, an electric cylinder can be very cost-effective when programmed to heat overnight. We’ll discuss your fuel costs, available connections, space, and hot-water demand to help you decide.
How long will my tank water heater last and when should I replace it?
With regular maintenance—annual inspection, sacrificial anode checks (on steel-lined cylinders), and a flush to remove limescale build-up—most glass-lined or stainless-steel cylinders last 10–15 years. Signs that it’s time to replace include recurring leaks, rusty or discoloured hot water, loud rumbling from sediment, or a dramatic drop in recovery rate. If your cylinder is more than a decade old, upgrading to a modern, well-insulated model (ERP ‘B’ or higher) can cut standby losses by up to 25 %, saving both energy and money.
How much does it cost to install a new tank water heater in Manchester?
Pricing varies by capacity, fuel type, vented vs. unvented design, and how much pipework or electrical upgrading is needed. As a guideline, a like-for-like replacement of a 120-litre vented electric cylinder starts around £650–£800 including labour and VAT. A larger 210-litre unvented indirect cylinder paired with a gas boiler can range from £1,100–£1,600 installed. Complex conversions—e.g., replacing an old gravity-fed tank with a mains-pressure unvented system—may add £300–£500 for additional valves, expansion vessels, and Building Control notification. We always provide a fixed quote after a free site survey.
Do I need a permit or inspection to replace my water heater in Manchester?
Yes. Under Part G and Part L of the Building Regulations, installing or altering an unvented hot-water storage system above 15 litres must be carried out by a qualified engineer who is registered for this work (e.g., G3 certification). For gas-fired appliances, the installer must also be Gas Safe registered. Once the job is complete, the engineer self-certifies the work with the local authority and you receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate—important for home insurance and future property sales. We handle all notifications and provide the certificate at no extra cost.
What routine maintenance does a tank water heater require, and can you service it?
All cylinders benefit from an annual check that includes: 1) inspecting and testing the temperature & pressure relief valve; 2) checking expansion vessels and pressure-reducing valves (for unvented models); 3) draining a few litres to flush out sediment; 4) examining the immersion or gas burner for efficiency; and 5) verifying thermostat accuracy and safety cut-outs. In hard-water areas around Greater Manchester, descaling or replacing the immersion element every 3–5 years prevents limescale from reducing efficiency. Our service visit typically takes 45–60 minutes, keeps your manufacturer warranty valid, and gives you peace of mind that the system is running safely.