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Overheating power switch and motorized valve on indirect unvented water heater

Am really hoping that someone can offer some insight on this: last night, both the electrical power switch (of the white casing and switch on the wall variety) and a silver Honeywell motorized valve sitting between copper pipes on the exterior of our Oso unvented indirect hot water tank were extremely hot. We were drawn to them initially by a fishy smell emerging from the boiler room, which we tracked down to the white power switch, and so immediately turned it off at the wall, noticing that a green spark was emitted. Perhaps an hour later, the silver Honeywell motorized valve felt cool to the touch; however, this morning, the valve again felt hot.

Does this sound like an electrical issue, or a job for the boiler serviceman?

Should we run all the hot water out of the taps?

I've read various horror stories online, and am concerned in case we see the cold water tank filling with hot water, or the hot water tank exploding due to the pressure being too high...

Seriously hoping that another 'Martinite' will be able to shed some light and offer some advice - many thanks! :)

Yours hopefully,
Saxophonic

Comments

  • keystone
    keystone Posts: 10,916 Forumite
    Fishy smell from an electrical socket/switch means it's old, breaking down and needs replacing.

    When was the last time your unvented was serviced? They should be done every year. Its not a DIY job and you need a plumber with a G3 ticket to do the job and sign it off. Sounds like if it has not been serviced for a while that now would be a good time to get someone in.

    Cheers
    The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits. - Einstein
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