To complete the installation a number of issues remain:-
1. The hot water take off
2. Re-Fitting the pressure relief valve.
3. Fitting the new shower mixer valve
The first was very straightforward. Just a matter of connecting in the existing pipework (which also includes the hot water shower feed)
The second required some juggling with the range of fitting I had anticipating would be needed.
The third proved impossible given that I could see no way of removing the existing taps without risk of damaging the tilework.
To test for leaks without the risk of leaks I shut off all hot taps and pressurised the air in the empty cylinder with the water pump feeding water into the bottom of the tank, then testing the joints with gas fitters leak testing solution. Loads of bubbles at the pressure relief valve site. My daughter (the plumber) says she always used 14 turns + of PTFE tape on these kinds of fittings. I just hadn't used enough. Releasing the pressure in the cylinder it was easy to remove and refit the valve without the need to drain anything down. Job done? No. The pressure vessel feed leaked at the pipe joints and just needed a few more turns on the jubilee clips.
We now have hot water.
We have decided not to try and replace the shower valve. It will be difficult to source one for the right pip centres in any case.
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