Vokera gas boiler pressure guage dropping frequently.

missile

I had a Vokera boiler. Spent a fortune on repairs. Eventually replaced it with a Weismann boiler. I was surprised at how quiet and energy efficient it is compared to the old boiler.

[Deleted User]

Thanks missile - I'm sure I will need a new boiler.  If this one can keep going until after this awful Covid crisis is over I'll be pleased.  If the problem is not actually the boiler itself, but another leak in 'the system,'  I'll be advised nearer the time.  I'm keeping a close eye on it with the help of others who have posted here.

Crimson

[Deleted User]

I definitely can't see any obvious sign of leaking anywhere but will keep an eye on it. I can't see fully behind the covers - I think they are there to prevent accidental burning if someone falls against it, but I have never removed the covers myself.  I can just peer through the grills.

I'm posting some more photographs below, Jeepers_Creepers.  The diameter of the lower pipe is about 5 cm.  Because it has been painted white it looked like plastic but it is metal.

The white pipe at the top looks like plastic and,  looking closer, it actually fits into another pipe (metal but also painted white) on the wall.  The bottom part of that pipe is not firmly attached to the wall - I was able to slip a card in to check and there is an almost invisible gap at the bottom.  

Crimson

This is the bedroom radiator.  Although you can't see it, the TRV is at the side and I can turn it up or down.  Apart from the hall radiator, the others are the same.  I am struggling with the photographs and I haven't been able to post the other ones I took today.

Thanks, Jeepers_Creepers.  It may take some time, till this Covid crisis is over but I'll post again once the mystery is solved and a solution reached.Thank you, again, for all the time you have taken to reply and point me in the right direction.

Crimson,

[Deleted User]

I forgot to say that if you look at the bottom grill you can see the white plastic pipes from the radiator and they go down into the floor.

Crimson

Jeepers_Creepers

"The diameter of the lower pipe is about 5 cm.  Because it has been painted white it looked like plastic but it is metal.

The white pipe at the top looks like plastic and,  looking closer, it actually fits into another pipe (metal but also painted white) on the wall.  The bottom part of that pipe is not firmly attached to the wall - I was able to slip a card in to check and there is an almost invisible gap at the bottom."  

The bottom pipe is 5cm diameter?! Are you sure? That's 2". And it's def metal? If so, it ain't the condensate pipe, 'cos the condensate would rot it.

The top pipe is copper - these corners are soldered elbows. It ends up pointing at the wall (tho' quite tight...) because if the safety release valve does open, the water ejected can be scalding. Are you certain there are no drips coming from that pipe? 

Never seen rads like yours! Just keep feeling the carpet next to it at regular intervals. A leak there might take a while to show itself. 

A_Lert

Had a similar issue in a rental property, but the leak was more rapid. Turned out to be in a pipe under the floor downstairs, made itself apparent by water seeping up in the bathroom.

[Deleted User]

My measurement must be wrong because the bottom pipe is definitly nowhere near 2 inches in diameter  - guessing it is less than an inch, maybe smaller - it is painted white on the outside and looking in, it is very dark like metal.  I apologize, Jeepers_Creepers.  I tapped it and thought it was metal.  Even with my hearing aid my hearing is far from good.
Yesterday evening,  with the heating off all day (internationally to monitor the dial) although I used hot water, and the dial was close to red,  I topped it up before going to bed to 'one mark' under 1.5 and it is still at this mark this morning.

You have been great with good  guidance and information and it is very much appreciated.  I'll be vigilant looking for signs of a leak/damp  and, if essential during lockdown, I will call a gas safe person in.  It may sound like an excuse but I really  am also trying to avoid this to keep myself and everyone else as safe as possible until things are better (still Tier 4 here) - and we have that much needed vaccine.

Crimson

Jeepers_Creepers

You've done all you can. Just keep monitoring it, and you may have to bite t'bullet if it suddenly becomes worse (which is not necessarily likely).

If it hasn't dropped pressure overnight, then it may only occur when either the pressure increases in use, or due to heat expansion. But all guesswork!

Come back if there's any developments. Keep an eye on that top - bent - pipe too. 

Vaccines about to be rolled out... :-)

[Deleted User]

Thanks very much, Jeepers_Creepers.  I'l keep a check on things.  You've been a great help. 

Yes - encouraging news about Covid vaccine - hopefully end of this is now in sight.

Crimson

eamon

That pipe to the outside looks like plastic coated copper. The OP  has said that the boiler is old so I doubt that it's a condensing variant. To the OP when the boiler is running (hot water or heating) do you see what looks like white steam/smoke coming from the flue? (the exhaust from the burning gas will be a light grey colour). If its white thats a big hint that the heat exchanger is rotting away and water is dropping unto the heating element, evaporating and exiting via the flue. If true then your pipework etc is likely to be ok. Should you need to call out a heating engineer mention  that you can see white steam/smoke coming out if the flue.

I also have a Vokera combi boiler and had a similar problem as you and finally a heating engineer put 2 +2 together.