Boiler pressure zero but no visible leaks - please help!

SausageCat_2

Thank you everyone for replying.

There's no visible smoke coming out, and I have no idea where the condensate pipe is. I don't really want to touch anything unless I know what I'm doing, especially as I'm renting and I can't just call up a plumber if I make the situation worse.

Should the plumber still check the expansion vessel, even though the pressure gauge never goes up? I'm trying to find a way to get this plumber into action. I've already topped up water 3 times today, but the plumber says there's nothing he can do unless a leak appears somewhere.

Or, it would be good if I could tell my agent what the plumber should have checked but haven't, so that I can press for a different plumber.

SausageCat_2

The boiler just doesn't seem to retain water now. I put water in to just over 2 bar about 45 minutes ago, now is almost 0. I'm really desperate and appreciate help.

Alex1983

I’d refill the boiler and shut the valves off for a period of time, if the pressure then holds you will have proved you hav a leak on the system

bris

If you're renting isn't this the landlords problem?

malky39

For the little amount of time it takes to check the expansion vessel,prv i dont see why the plumber isnt checking it to properly eliminate it. As for waiting for a leak to appear, sound like he is just avoiding doing a trace and repair as this can be very time consuming

SausageCat_2

Alex1983 Sounds like a good starting point. Could you tell me which valves to shut? I haven't a clue...

bris the properly is managed by agency which in turn has chosen plumbers.

malky38. I can't help feeling that way as well, I need something to happen.

Alex1983

The heating flow and returns. They will be the 2 22mm pipes, 1 on the far right and 1 on the far left. You will not be able to use the heating or hot water while you have it isolated.

SausageCat_2

Thank you I'll try that before going to bed tonight.

arjar

You should call the landlord repeatedly - it's his/her responsibility to fix this. If no response, go to the local authority housing officer and get them to apply pressure. If that doesn't work, phone up local radio. Pile on the pressure...

On a technical note, if your boiler has a pressure vessel, the plumber really should test the non-return valve. It's just like a bicycle inner tube valve that allows repressurisation. If that has failed, it's not possible to maintain system pressure. It costs pennies (well, perhaps a few pounds) to replace.

Hope this helps.

SausageCat_2

Thank you. I'll speak to the agency tomorrow whatever happens, as the problem got so much worse in the last 24 hours.