Vessels that can store water for domestic purposes are known generally as either a tank or a cistern. They are made to store a certain amount of water to supply the needs of the home. Cisterns today are made of black plastic. This makes them light and semi-flexible which can make it easier to fit them into the loft and they also resist algae. Insulation prevents freezing, but it also minimises warming of the water. Installation of these type of cisterns can be done by professionals such as Highgate Plumbers

Cistern Inlet.

A valve called a ballcock or ball ‘diaphragm type’ valve controls the water supply. The valve discharges water from the top which allows an air gap to prevent backflow. Because of this, the cistern will fill and stop automatically according to the water level. The valve can be adjusted which allows a specific maximum water level to be maintained.

Position.

These flexible cisterns need the base to be fully supported. It is unsafe to stand them across joists without having a solid platform between the two. The weight of water would distort the cistern. The cistern’s outlets should be higher than any points where water can be drawn from fittings and appliances.

Overflow.

Always sited above the maximum level but low enough below the inlet to maintain the air gap. The pipe is sloping and should be insulated and covered with a mesh screen to stop anything entering the system. This pipe is normally 19mm. Any question about your ability to carry out the work you should call an expert like a local Highgate Plumber for advice and guaranteed work.

Outlet.

This connection for a cistern should be close to the base or even underneath so that debris cannot build. Inlet and the outlet should have shut off valves allowing the cistern to be isolated. The inlet is usually a plug type and the outlet a regular gate valve.