3 problems in house.

dippy-dora_2

Hi, got quite a few house problems so will put them all in this post and any advice is appreciated.

1. Hot water system.
I have a back boiler and radiaters. For 2 years there were no problems, but this year I have been unable to get hot water out of my taps, although the radiaters are still working.
The box things works (it's lighting up and the sound of it kicking in behind the fire starts up but is only heating the radiaters). I never use a timer so it isn't a timing problem. It just decided one day to not heat the water up.
I also have an electric switch for hot water as back up (have never used this before but previous owner said it worked), but although the light is going on and it runs up electricity, still no hot water!

So is it a problem with the tank do you think? I get water out of the hot water tap so it isn't a problem where it is dry or anything.

A few months ago a gas man came to turn the gas back on after digging up the road (he condemned my fire and I have since had it serviced) and I asked him if that had anything to do with my lack of hot water, he said no but to most problems like that are sorted by jiggling the ballcock in the water tank.(The gas man told me this not the one who serviced the fire)

This I'm afraid to do without more information as in my last property my water tank overflowed constantly due to a bad ball !!!! and I can't afford to have a flood through the ceiling.

So any advice on that is most welcome as a plumber is too expensive at the moment and if it's something simple that I could do myself then I'll have a go.


2. Leaking shower
I live above someone else and when I used to use the shower I didn't know it was leaking to downstairs. Should I just replace the sealant round the cubicle and plug hole and have another go and hope for the best?
I don't want to flood the neighbour again but how can I test it without perhaps doing this?
I need to have some washing facilities and until I can get the hot water sorted then it's a kettle in the sink.


3. Gas hob
One of the whatemecallits only half lights, but will light fully if i keep clicking the hand thing to light with. Could there be a blockage in the thing where the gas comes through? If so how do I go about unblocking it, and igf there is a blockage how come it will light by clicking all round it?


I think that's about it for now.
I can't get on the internet during the day but will check back tonight and see what you knowledgeable people suggest
And thanks alot.

never_enough

Can only help with the hob problem. I had one that was doing the same thing. Took all the bits off, gave it a good clean & it was fine. If yours is already clean try just turning the ring around & see if that helps.

dippy-dora_2

Thanks neverenough! I'll try the cleaning tomorrow and fingers crossed that's all it is x

Anyone who can help with the other 2 problems?

Mikeyorks

dippy-dora wrote:

Anyone who can help with the other 2 problems?

Dora - I suspect you've had no takers - because it sounds so odd!

Water - sounds very puzzling. But there's probably a simple explanation - however I'm not sure what it is. Sounds as though you live on one level? So it's possible the hot water is pumped from your back boiler (as opposed to gravity flow) - and the pump has gone. But that is partially contradicted by the fact you have an immersion heater, which sounds to be working - from what you say. I'm assuming you have a domestic hot water storage cylinder (in the airing cupboard?) - does that get hot if you put your hand near the top?

Shouldn't be anything to do with your ballcock - as you're getting water out of the tap. Equally that rules out an air lock between the hot water tank and the taps.

Have you got a friend / neighbour who's a bit DIYish and can take a look? 'Cos in writing it doesn't add up - and needs someone to look at how the overall system works - and hence where it could be wrong.

In isolation (been working 2 years - then stopped) sounds like a pump / diverter valve has gone. Still suspect that is the case. Are you sure the immersion is working (they don't last for ever as the element can go - but the light could still be on) - and the electricity consumption wasn't something else?

Shower - yes, unless the tray is cracked it should only be a leak from around the edges (usual) - or the waste plug (unusual). I'd replace the sealant around the edges (i.e take it out and start again - don't go over the old stuff) - then let it set 24 hrs and try it, with your neighbour peering at his ceiling.:rolleyes: