plumbing advice needed - urgent!!

matty_hunt

Hi. Please help! My combi boiler was showing low pressure so I have attached a filling loop, similar to this one http://www.screwfix.com/prods/13806/Plumbing/Boilers-and-Accs/Combi-Straight-Filling-Loop (if link doesnt work - its a basic filling loop with isolation valve and a non-return valve) Ive turned the valve, pressure went right up into the red. turned off the valve, went to remove loop but now water is pouring out of the non return valve. I assume the valve is stuck, correct? Ive tried knocking it with a spanner but it still leaks. Thinking there was too much pressure I have bled the system but now at 0.3 bar it still leaks. Is the non return valve broken or am I missing something?
Many thanks.

Note to self - never do anything on a sunday. The shops arnt open long enough should something go wrong!!

matty_hunt

Forgot to mention, Ive had a washing up bowls worth of water out the system so far. Will I need to add some inhibitor to top up?

KeithP

Why take the filling loop off?
Just leave it in place, but of course, turn the tap off.

EliteHeat

Well in the short term, put the filling link back on and keep it shut. If the pressure relief valve operated, I hope it re-seats OK.

Don't worry about the inhibitor for that volume of loss.

matty_hunt

KeithP wrote: »

Why take the filling loop off?
Just leave it in place, but of course, turn the tap off.

Regulations state it must be detached. I think its to do with potential cross contanination from the cenral heating system back into the mains water line.

ormus

mine is integral with the boiler. its just a tap/valve to open it.

Wookey

If you feel you need to comply with water reg's here and still want a short term fix then buy a compression stop end and fit it onto the filling loop to the end that screws of the 1/4 turn valve. This will stop any more water leaving your system. If the 1/4 turn valve is holding mains pressure and not leaking thru atm then it is unlikely any contamination will occur in the short term, you will still need to replace your NRV though at some point. A word of caution to here, the 1/4 turn valves are notorius for leaking, best practice is to close them, remove your loop and then fit a small piece of pipe with a stop end fitted to it, you should also do this for your NRV, this means should something ever decide to leak thru then water is still contained.

matty_hunt

Thanks guys. Youve brought me some time. Its amazing how fuzzy the brain can be when faced with mild panic that water is leaking!
cheers