Boiler not firing and plumber busy - anything I can try in the meantime?

angelavdavis

Hi all,

I have an Alpha combi boiler.

I have recently upgraded all the radiators, so have repressurised the system, but unfortunately the boiler (which has been off for two months) is not firing up.

Having contacted my usual plumber, they are inundated with house calls and won't commit to a certain day for a visit, so it looks like we have another heating-free weekend.

I have tried to reset the boiler, checked that electricity is definitely getting to it, but am at a loss what else to check (that I am able to check without a Gas license).

Any other suggestions?

Thanks everyone

EliteHeat

So, you have had no hot water for 2 months already?

What does the boiler do when you run a hot tap or turn the heating on as far as you can tell? there is always a sequence of events and checks that must be done / satisfied before the boilers main burner can fire.

MrShed

Upgraded all the rads and it has never worked since?

Sounds like an air lock in the boiler to me.

As EH says, does it not fire for DHW, CH, or both?

No error codes I assume?

angelavdavis

No, basically my combi is setup so I also have a hot water tank. The combi heats the water up in the tank on timer, but my kitchen and utility rooms (only) operate with instant water from the combi. I have been able to use the immersion while I have been installing the radiators to heat water for the bathrooms, so it has only been the kitchen and utility that have been restricted to cold water only - as my dishwasher and washing machine are cold fill this isn't as bad as it first appears and the odd kettle boiled up has filled the gaps during this time.

I suspect trial and error has helped me meet this checklist you describe as I have just actually managed to resolve the boiler issue myself.

I persevered in trying different scenarios to reset the boiler and change the thermostat settings and have managed to get the boiler to fire up. The hot water function within the combi worked at this stage once the heating was on.

Now I have tested it without the heating on, and the hot water function in the combi is now ok. I suspect there was a valve/switch seized or something similar. I will be annoyed if it goes again as I suspect I had this part replaced in February this year when our hot water suddenly went from the kitchen and would only work when the heating was on - hope its not on its way out again.

Thanks for your help.

angelavdavis

MrShed wrote: »

Upgraded all the rads and it has never worked since?

Sounds like an air lock in the boiler to me.

Possibly, but as you will see from post, I have managed to sort it (somehow)

MrShed wrote: »

As EH says, does it not fire for DHW, CH, or both?

Wasn't firing up in any scenario.

MrShed wrote: »

No error codes I assume?

No - boiler isn't that fancy!

MrShed

I recently had nearly exactly the same issue, and it could be an airlock - quite often forcing the pump on the boiler (by switching on and off repeatedly) may force it clear.

I would ensure all of your rads are bled.

In addition, it may be prudent to take out a basic boiler cover in case it re-occurs!