Yet another Boiler Question

penrhyn

bar is a measurement of pressure. Usually on Combi boilers the pressure is set ( using the filling loop )to around one bar when cold.
As the temperature increases so does the pressure.
Continually needing to top up the system can mean anything from a leaky pipe/radiator, corrosion in the system or a faulty pressure vessel in the boiler.
Do you have to bleed your radiators regularly as well?

macman

Is your regular GSR aware of this-if so why hasn't he addressed the problem, instead of trying to flog you a new boiler?

Canucklehead

Hobsons_Choice wrote: »

The boiler is serviced every October. He takes all the gubbins out and cleans everything, then tells us if anything needs replacing. He mentioned the 'topping up' last time, the dial on the front is always "below the bar" whatever that means (sorry). Will wait and see what second heating engineer has to say today - fingers crossed.

Hi

So neglect it is then.

He should have dealt with this at the time of service, or very soon after.
It might be that you wouldn't be having this 'conversation ' if he had.

If you find the pressure relief discharge pipe outside then see if it's dripping, that will tell you it's most likely the expansion vessel needs recharging or, if it's failed, replacing.
Otherwise a system leak ,maybe out of sight, is the cause.

Constant refilling with fresh water will result in system corrosion and problems with the internal components of the boiler sticking/failing.

A new boiler treated like this will last no longer or give better service than the one you have now, but will support the argument that new condensing boilers only last 5 years.

Let's hope the next one through the door can get you back on track.


GSR

garethgas

I suspect you're being taken for a ride here.
The Halstead Ace is far from the best boiler but then again, its not exactly rubbish either.
All the symptoms you've described so far are common to ALL combi boilers.
My advice would be to ask around and find a GOOD Engieer to take a look at it, diagnose what the problem(s) is and have it repaired.
Time & time again I see and hear of Engineers recommending a replacement just because the boiler is over 10 yrs old and trying the 'efficiency' and 'its old' argument.
Please bear in mind though that I haven't seen it so its quite possible that it does need replacing but I think its highly unlikely.

gas4you

Hobsons_Choice wrote: »

The boiler is serviced every October. He takes all the gubbins out and cleans everything, then tells us if anything needs replacing. He mentioned the 'topping up' last time, the dial on the front is always "below the bar" whatever that means (sorry). Will wait and see what second heating engineer has to say today - fingers crossed.

First thing I do when I see the pressure down on a boiler is to test the expansion vessel, or at least ask if they are having to top it up regularly.

Should be no more than a 5 min job with most installations. Also with the pressure at zero it is the perfect time to test it.

Hobsons_Choice

Many thanks to everyone for the useful advice. Second engineer came today and said the boiler's OK and you can still get parts..or parts that can be adapted..but they will probably be discontinued in a couple of years as more folk are "encouraged" to fit condenser boilers. He's quoted c£1800 to fit a new W. Bosch condensing boiler, taking the pipe under the landing and straight under the bath. Other stuff could be run down the outside of the house, so much less disruption - sorry, I can't be more specific, I was out and my husband saw him. He even less 'practical' than I am! There's no leak that the engineer can see either from overflow, rads or (as far as he could tell) inside the boiler. BUT he's of the opinion that the gauge is faulty. It's filling up, though slowly, and not registering. We shouldn't now top up.
So....much more helpful than the first chap and not at all pushy. Husband is going to speak to the man who does our servicing every year tomorrow. I'm going for a lie down now! :)

Lgas

Sometimes the gauge tube gets full of muck which causes it to not register the correct reading. It's a very fine tube so easily blocked by sludge and magnetite in the system. In any case that can easily be replaced.