pressure on combi boiler at highest!

rothchick

HI

Quick question. I added some pressure to my Alpha combi boiler yesterday and today I have noticed leak outside from the pipe that releases water from the boiler? (not sure what this is called)

The pressure on my boiler is now on 4 which is highest it can be. I bled radiators and only water came out...a few cupfulls did the trick and the pressure went into the green band (safe level) but within an hour the pressure has gone again and the leak is back

I have called the Ultimate Reward cuurent account from Halifax and through their home emergency cover they are now sending a plumber tomorrow. In the mean time I'm worried about putting hot water on as this turns the boiler on.

I can manage without heating...lots of jumpers can be worn.

Anything I can do?

Any ideas how bad this problem is

I'm slightly worried about the cost as I'm only covered for £250 with Halifax

thanks

I_have_spoken

I added some pressure to my Alpha combi boiler yesterday

99% certain the filler loop valve isn't closing properly and/or you haven't removed the filler loop pipe.

That's why the pressure relief valve is open and releasing water. Trying to fire the boiler would only increase the pressure and make the boiler safety trip.

Now the pressure relief valve has opened, you're better getting it replaced; they often don't close again properly and keep dripping.

rothchick

I've had the boiler 12 years and have topped up the pressure a few times, usually twice a year. Does the valve just go as part of wear and tear?

Is this an expensive job to fix?

thanks for your response

rothchick

also, should I release more water from the radiators?

southcoastrgi

if the filling loop is def turned off, then the expansion vessel has either failed or will need re-pressuring, plus as post #2 the prv will prob need replacing

macman

Changing a filling loop is a simple 15 minute plumbing job, assuming clear access. A failed EV is much more complex, and often inacessible.
You've only got to have the valve a fraction off the 'closed' position and it will allow a flow, as it's under mains pressure. Recheck it.

rothchick

macman wrote: »

Changing a filling loop is a simple 15 minute plumbing job, assuming clear access. A failed EV is much more complex, and often inacessible.
You've only got to have the valve a fraction off the 'closed' position and it will allow a flow, as it's under mains pressure. Recheck it.

Thanks. I have just checked and I can feel that its in the off position, plus I can't hear anything, usually I can hear the pressure being released into the boiler when I adjust it. There is no noise whatsoever.

espresso

rothchick wrote: »

HI

Quick question. I added some pressure to my Alpha combi boiler yesterday and today I have noticed leak outside from the pipe that releases water from the boiler? (not sure what this is called)

The pressure on my boiler is now on 4 which is highest it can be. I bled radiators and only water came out...a few cupfulls did the trick and the pressure went into the green band (safe level) but within an hour the pressure has gone again and the leak is back

I have called the Ultimate Reward cuurent account from Halifax and through their home emergency cover they are now sending a plumber tomorrow. In the mean time I'm worried about putting hot water on as this turns the boiler on.

I can manage without heating...lots of jumpers can be worn.

Anything I can do?

Any ideas how bad this problem is

I'm slightly worried about the cost as I'm only covered for £250 with Halifax

thanks

What pressure did you bring it down to?

You need to set the pressure to 1 Bar when cold, just lowering down into the green is not sufficient as it will rise again when the boiler operates.

rothchick wrote: »

Thanks. I have just checked and I can feel that its in the off position, plus I can't hear anything, usually I can hear the pressure being released into the boiler when I adjust it. There is no noise whatsoever.

You would not hear a small flow of water if the valve was leaking a little but it would cause problems see this thread here where the valve was faulty. Can you remove the filling loop to check the valve really is off?

rothchick

I wouldn't be confident removing anything to check. I'm not a DIY kinda person.

Thanks for the link.

I really hope we don't get ripped off by the plumber that comes out tomorrow

rothchick

I brought pressure down yesterday, before I put the heating on, to within the green level as stated on my boiler (this is the safe lever when boiler is cold)

espresso

rothchick wrote: »

I brought pressure down yesterday, before I put the heating on, to within the green level as stated on my boiler (this is the safe lever when boiler is cold)

You should have reduced the pressure to the low end of the green band e.g. 1 Bar.

If the person who comes tomorrow doesn't remove the filling loop to check the valve really is isolating the supply then get suspicious.