Back Boiler not firing up

polkadot100

Hi guys, another DIY issue I'm afraid! Just put out heating on and noticed it was not getting hot. When I investigated I noticed I could not hear the boiler firing up as usual when I switched on the heating.

We have a very old back boiler connected to a fire. I had a look under the fire to see if I could see the pilot light, I couldn't see anything, does this mean the pilot light has gone out? I wasn't really sure where to look TBH :question:

Can anyone help? Could be worse it could be winter!

Thanks

Canucklehead

Hi
Does it work for hot water?
Is the electrical supply to it ok?
Is there a motorised valve? Does it work?
Other than that, the thermocouple would be the usual suspect .
If the boiler has not been serviced in the last 12 months then there could be other reasons.
You need someone Gas Safe Reg. as the fire needs to be disconnected to get to the boiler.


GSR.

gas4you

You should be able to see the pilot light if alight, or even hear it burning.

polkadot100

Hi Canucklehead, not sure about hot water will give it a try but I am guessing no as I don't hear it fire up. As for the supply and valve no idea how to check that Thanks gas4you I think the pilot light is out then, will try and relight if I can figure out how...

ormus

what make and model is it?
ie the baxi bermuda has a strange lighting proceedure.
you can bypass it by using a very long matchstick.
be careful.

polkadot100

Yes it's the Baxi Bermuda

gas4you

You should be able to see the pilot light from under the fire front on the right hand side.

Press the grey button on the gas valve and hold it in, whilst at the same time press the black ignition button next to the boiler thermostat.

If the pilot lights, then goes out when you release the grey button (after about 10-20 secs) it is most likely the thermocouple gone.

Needs a gas man to replace as you have to disturb gas joints. Expect about £65-£90 + VAT for this, depending which model you have.

polkadot100

Thanks gas4u , I have tried this several times, I can hear the gas coming out when I push in the grey button and can see sparks when I'm pressing the ignition but it won't light, will this be the thermocouple or something else?

polkadot100

Update: I can now get the pilot lit but goes out as soon as I release the grey button so looks like it's time to call the man....

ormus

thermocouples are dirt cheap. its the labour part thats expensive.

Owain_Moneysaver

You may have to hold the grey button in for quite a while ...