repressuring a boiler

clueless1

Hello peeps

I want to bled my radiators and after some research on utube, I am think I will be able to do this myself.

However I need to know how to repressurise my boiler in case. All the examples I have seen on utube tells me I should have a flex hoop connecting to two tubes with a valve on each. One end of the hoop is already attached to a tube with a valve. I have found another tube with a cap on it and I have taken the cap off and attached it to the other end of the hoop but there is no valve? I have not tried to turn just the one valve because I am scared

I dont want to bled my radiators if I dont know how to repressurise my boiler.

Any advice appreicated.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

Post a pic of the pipes underneath

System

Hi - this is really straight forward when you've figured out what you're looking for - even I can do it although my dad did kindly attach post-its to the screws used to adjust until I got the hang of it. I couldn't begin to describe where the loop should be etc but your manual (or if you don't have one maybe you could get access to one online) should give you a decent diagram to guide you.

Ectophile

clueless1 wrote: »

Hello peeps

I want to bled my radiators and after some research on utube, I am think I will be able to do this myself.

However I need to know how to repressurise my boiler in case. All the examples I have seen on utube tells me I should have a flex hoop connecting to two tubes with a valve on each. One end of the hoop is already attached to a tube with a valve. I have found another tube with a cap on it and I have taken the cap off and attached it to the other end of the hoop but there is no valve? I have not tried to turn just the one valve because I am scared

I dont want to bled my radiators if I dont know how to repressurise my boiler.

Any advice appreicated.

Your description does sound a bit confusing. If there's no valve at the other end, I'd expect to see water pouring out of it!

You should have one flexible tube, usually covered in braided wire for strength. This has screw-on connectors connecting it to valves at each end. One end is your cold water pipe, and the other a central heating pipe.

On older systems, the pipe loop is usually somewhere near the boiler. On newer ones, it may be inside the boiler itself - put your head under the boiler and look upwards.

ziggyman99

The other end has a non-return valve on it. Take the cap off and no water should come out provided the valve is OK.

clueless1

Sorry it has taken a while for me to come back, family life is a bit hetic and it also took a while for me to figure out how to post a pic on here.

The third pipe is already attached to a flex hoop which is loose and not connected to anything. This pipe has a black valve.
The last pipe has a cap which comes off but this pipe has no valve. Do I connect the third and last pipe together and just turn the one valve?
Thanks in advance.

Chunks

Topping up the boiler pressure is a breeze clueless. Basically one end of your filing loop is already attached (as per your pic) it's the braided hose. The other end of the hose has some form of valve and a captured nut with a rubber washer inside. Very nearby you will see a valve on the supply of mains water. It will have a threaded end that your braided hose connects to. Carefully screw the free end of the braided hose on to the supply valve and tighten with an adjustable spanner. On the boiler somewhere will be a dial. This measures pressure which you should take a reading of with the system cold (and off). This reading should be around 1 to 1.5 (bar).

Since you are unsure, do a quick test. Before bleeding your rads, open the value on the water supply and slightly open on the braided hose (close both if you have a leak!). You will hear water entering the system and the gauge will start to climb. You have now begun to pressurise the boiler - now stop and turn off both valves. Now go and bleed your rads.

Once done, return to the boiler (the pressure will have dropped which is to be expected) repressure the boiler (as per above). Once the reading is 1 to 1.5 bar. Close both valves on the braided hose and the water supply. Disconnect the braided hose from the supply - leave the boiler end of the braided hose as is - connected (make sure those valves are closed BEFORE disconnecting).

Job done.

Have a look here to cross refer if still unsure:

http://davidkearns.co.uk/plumbingtips.php

Good luck.

clueless1

I finally got round to bleeding the radiators and represurise the boiler. I was very proud of myself for doing this but now I so regret it.

After I repressurised the boiler, I turned the valve off and disconnected one end of hose and put the cap on. The other end of hose is still attached as in above pic (this was how it was at the start before I started any work)

I now have a constant drip from the hose. I have tried turning the valve slightly clockwise, water pours out. I have tried turning it slightly anti clockwise, water pours out. My only option is to keep the valve straight up which leaves me with a small but yet constant drip. This drip has not stopped and I have changed the plastic pot which I am using to catch the water a few times now.

To top it off, I have just found out that my boiler cover with homecare has gone in to adminstration in May 11 and I have no cover. I dont really want advice on this as I will sort out with the FSA?

I just want advice on fixing the leak asap. How much will this cost for a plumber and are there any good recommendations?

I just wished I never bothered with this in the first place. Help please.:(

keystone

Sounds like the valve is stiffed then.

Cheers

BTW bloody awful plumbing skills in that install but thats bye the bye.

clueless1

keystone wrote: »

Sounds like the valve is stiffed then.

Cheers

BTW bloody awful plumbing skills in that install but thats bye the bye.

Thanks, Shall I just start crying now?

Chunks

The flexible filing loop needs replacing, on the face of it. I had exactly the same issue. It's an easy job.

(Not to regs I guess) but to stop the leak (for now) reconnect the filing loop (as if you are repressurising the boiler). Don't open the supply side of the valve - it being closed will act to 'seal' the leak.

Either get a plumber in will take no time to fix or DIY (it's a doddle). If you want to DIY, post again.