hot water cylinder

[aljones90]

How do I recognize an indirect hot water cylinder as opposed to a direct system. I know there is a coil involved in the indirect system but how do I check that before I start.

[gasman]

An indirect cylinder will have three pipes going to it at the sides and one coming from the top ( header tank feed, hot water draw off, central heating flow and the heating return ). Where as the direct cylinder will have only two pipes a pipe at the side ( header tank feed and a pipe coming from the top ( hot water draw off ). thats it....

[aljones90]

thanks,that sorts out the confusion.

[Steviegb]

Easiest way is to check in your loft. If you have 2 header tanks ( 1big and 1 small ) its a indirect cyl. If you only have 1 big tank its a direct/primatic cylinder

[gasman]

Not always so Steviegb, it could be an unvented cylinder with no header's could'nt it !!!! and i am sure it is easier to count 2 or 4 pipes in the airing cupboard than it is to climb into the loft...And what if they have a totaly seperate heating system ??? they may have two tanks or even two smaller tanks married up to supply the dhw cylinder. So counting header tanks could be missleading to the DIY'er.