Header tank inspection in Exeter
Professional header tank inspection services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30-60 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Loft header tanks inspected thoroughly to spot problems before they cause damage. I check tank condition, ballcock operation, overflow, insulation, and support - then give you honest advice on what (if anything) needs doing.
Your Loft Tank - Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
Most people never go in their loft, so the header tank sits there for decades unnoticed. Until it cracks and dumps water through the ceiling, or the ballcock fails and the overflow's been dripping outside for months wasting water.
💡 Pro tip: Get your loft tank inspected before buying or selling a house. Buyers' surveys often flag tank issues, and it's better to know beforehand than have it scupper a sale or become a negotiating point.
Quick Look vs Proper Inspection
There's glancing at a tank, and actually checking it properly:
| ✅ Proper Inspection | ❌ Quick Glance |
|---|---|
| Tank checked for cracks, corrosion, limescale | "Looks OK from here" |
| Ballcock operation tested | Assume it's working |
| Water level checked against overflow | Not measured |
| Support checked (across joists?) | Didn't look |
| Insulation inspected | Didn't notice |
| Overflow traced to outside | Assume it goes somewhere |
What You Get
🔧 The Inspection
| What I Check | What I'm Looking For |
|---|---|
| Tank body | Cracks, splits, corrosion, limescale buildup |
| Ballcock | Shuts off properly? Worn washer? Arm bent? |
| Water level | Correct height below overflow? |
| Overflow | Directed outside? Working properly? |
| Support | Tank sitting across joists? Proper platform? |
| Insulation | Jacket fitted? Lid in place? |
| Connections | Pipes secure? Compression joints tight? |
📦 You're Left With
- Full understanding of tank condition
- Photos of any issues
- Written report if needed
- Honest advice on repairs or replacement
- Quote for any work needed
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Header tank inspection | 30-60 mins | £60 (minimum) |
| Inspection + minor adjustment | Within 1 hr | £60 (included) |
£60 minimum callout. If inspection reveals work needed, I'll quote separately.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Pre-purchase survey - check tank before buying house
✅ Pre-sale check - fix problems before listing property
✅ Periodic maintenance - spot problems before they cause damage
✅ After plumbing issues - check if tank's contributing to problems
Why Choose Us for Header tank inspection in Exeter?
Tank condition assessed properly
Potential problems identified early
Ballcock and overflow checked
Honest advice on repairs or replacement
What to Expect
Step 1: Access Loft
I climb into your loft and locate the header tank (and expansion tank if you've got one). Check there's safe access and I can get to the tank properly.
Step 2: Visual Inspection
Look at the tank body for cracks, splits (plastic tanks), rust or corrosion (metal tanks), limescale buildup. Check it's sitting properly on joists or platform.
Step 3: Ballcock Check
Watch the ballcock in action - does it shut off cleanly when water reaches the right level? Is the arm bent? Washer worn? Valve corroded?
Step 4: Water Level
Measure water level relative to overflow outlet. Should be about 50-75mm below. Too high and it'll overflow with pressure fluctuations.
Step 5: Overflow Check
Trace the overflow pipe - does it actually go outside? Is it dripping? Some old installations have overflows that just dump into the loft (very bad).
Step 6: Insulation & Lid
Check if tank jacket's fitted and in good condition. Check lid's in place (keeps dirt, insects, and debris out).
Step 7: Report Back
Come down, explain what I found, show you photos, advise what (if anything) needs doing. Written report if you need one for mortgage/survey purposes.
🔧 DIY Tips
You can inspect your own loft tank:
🔧 What to check
- Tank body - cracks, leaks, rust (metal), cloudy plastic (age)
- Water level - should be 50-75mm below overflow outlet
- Ballcock - watch it fill, does it shut off cleanly?
- Overflow pipe - trace it, make sure it goes outside
- Support - tank should sit across joists, not between them
- Insulation - tank jacket fitted? Lid in place?
- Pipework - connections tight? Any drips?
⚠️ Safety first
- Loft access can be dangerous - don't go up if you're not confident
- Only step on joists, never between them (you'll go through ceiling)
- Use a torch - lofts are dark
- Don't move insulation around rafters (it's doing a job)
💡 Pro trick: Take photos of your tank and pipework while you're up there. Useful reference if you need to explain problems to a plumber later, or for insurance claims.
When to call a pro: If you find cracks, leaks, constant overflow, or you're not sure what you're looking at, get someone in. Tank failure means water through your ceiling - expensive.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Two tanks in your loft? Older houses often have a cold water storage tank (big one) and a smaller expansion tank for the heating system. Different purposes - make sure you know which is which.
Age matters - plastic tanks last 20-30 years typically. Galvanized steel tanks last longer but corrode from inside. If your tank's 20+ years old and you're buying the house, factor in replacement cost.
Insulation - tank jackets aren't just about heat loss, they stop the tank freezing in cold winters. If yours hasn't got one, you need one. £20 well spent.
Support critical - full tank weighs about 230kg (50-gallon tank). Must sit across joists or on proper platform. If it's between joists resting on plasterboard, it'll eventually fall through your ceiling.
Overflow outside - building regs say overflows must discharge where they're visible (so you know there's a problem). Some old installations just dump into the loft - rot central. Needs fixing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you check during a header tank inspection?
Tank condition (cracks, corrosion, leaks), ballcock operation (shuts off properly?), water level (correct height?), overflow (works and directed outside?), insulation (tank jacket fitted?), lid (keeps dirt out?), and support (tank sitting on joists properly?). Full check to spot problems before they cause damage.
How often should I get my loft tank inspected?
Every few years is sensible, especially in older houses. Also get it checked if you've had plumbing problems, notice reduced water pressure, hear constant running water, or planning to sell (buyers' surveys often flag tank issues).
Can you tell if my tank needs replacing during inspection?
Yes - I'll check for cracks, corrosion (metal tanks), limescale buildup, sagging support, and age. If it's got years left, I'll tell you. If it's about to fail, I'll tell you that too. Honest assessment, no BS.
What happens if you find problems?
I'll explain what's wrong, what needs doing (if anything), and give you options. Might be simple fix like adjusting the ballcock, or might need new tank. You decide what to do and when - I just give you the information.
Do I need to be there during the inspection?
Not necessarily - as long as I can access your loft, I can do the inspection. I'll take photos and give you a full report afterwards. But if you want to see what I'm talking about, you're welcome to climb up and have a look.
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