Hi all
I've got the annoying GW 30ci combi boiler and unsuprisingly, it has a new problem!
Just fired up the central heating for the first time since last year and the pressure went up to nearly 3 bar after about 15 minutes. When I let it cool down the pressure dropped to about normal 0.8 bar.
Now, thanks to this wonderful forum I've got an idea that the braided expansion vessel hose is probably full of sludge which has now solidified due to not being used for a good few months. So as this isn't the first time I've DIY fixed this boiler I'm going to have a crack at it again - before calling in the pros.
I have taken the front off the boiler and can see the hose in question. I understand there is modified part available, but as a cheap trial/temp fix I'm going to clean and re-use the existing one.
However, as much as I can read, I'm an IT guy and don't do boiler repairs generally! So my questions are:
- Am I right in thinking that closing heating in, heating out and cold water in will allow me to drain the boiler to work on it?
- The boiler has what appears to be a drain tap behind the filling tap. I assume I use this in conjunction with a bucket once the above in/out taps are closed off?
- Does the expansion tank have to be re-pressurised via the valve on top of it? Or is this only if necessary? I saw the section in the FAQ but don't really know if I will need to do this step regardless? I understand the air will be pressurised above the rubber diaphram in the tank so I don't see how draining and refilling would affect it... unless it's leaked or something?
Many thanks in advance.
I've got the annoying GW 30ci combi boiler and unsuprisingly, it has a new problem!
Just fired up the central heating for the first time since last year and the pressure went up to nearly 3 bar after about 15 minutes. When I let it cool down the pressure dropped to about normal 0.8 bar.
Now, thanks to this wonderful forum I've got an idea that the braided expansion vessel hose is probably full of sludge which has now solidified due to not being used for a good few months. So as this isn't the first time I've DIY fixed this boiler I'm going to have a crack at it again - before calling in the pros.
I have taken the front off the boiler and can see the hose in question. I understand there is modified part available, but as a cheap trial/temp fix I'm going to clean and re-use the existing one.
However, as much as I can read, I'm an IT guy and don't do boiler repairs generally! So my questions are:
- Am I right in thinking that closing heating in, heating out and cold water in will allow me to drain the boiler to work on it?
- The boiler has what appears to be a drain tap behind the filling tap. I assume I use this in conjunction with a bucket once the above in/out taps are closed off?
- Does the expansion tank have to be re-pressurised via the valve on top of it? Or is this only if necessary? I saw the section in the FAQ but don't really know if I will need to do this step regardless? I understand the air will be pressurised above the rubber diaphram in the tank so I don't see how draining and refilling would affect it... unless it's leaked or something?
Many thanks in advance.