running a boiler when drained

lampy · 2 Jun 2014

got a greenstar 30si had to drain heating to change a rad while decorating
the rad is still off wall and heating empty
had hot water for over a week and this has now stopped no fault lights boiler just sounds like air in pump any ideas welcome

Dan Robinson · 2 Jun 2014

Refill the heating system.

Hope you haven't goosed your budget boiler and flaky heat exchanger.

Elkato531 · 2 Jun 2014

Do not try to run the boiler with the heating system empty. Most boilers won't allow you to as the low pressure will cause lockout. I'm surprised the Worcester will run with no water in the system but you risk causing it terminal damage by doing this.

lampy · 2 Jun 2014

Elkato531 said:
Do not try to run the boiler with the heating system empty. Most boilers won't allow you to as the low pressure will cause lockout. I'm surprised the Worcester will run with no water in the system but you risk causing it terminal damage by doing this.

I turn off boiler is it possible I have caused a fault which could bite me when I refill heating

Elkato531 · 2 Jun 2014

Unfortunately it is not only possible but likely... Sorry

But on the other hand you may have got away with it. Won't know until you try.

lampy · 2 Jun 2014

Elkato531 said:
Unfortunately it is not only possible but likely... Sorry

But on the other hand you may have got away with it. Won't know until you try.

strange though it supplied hot water for over a week just sounds like pump is labouring and no fault lights so any idea what could be damaged

Elkato531 · 2 Jun 2014

pump possibly because its been running dry.

Heat exchanger because the water normally passing through it stops it overheating.

Any of the plasticky bits in there which have overheated.

However checking it out involves removing the cover and should only be done by an RGI for safety reasons.

lampy · 2 Jun 2014

Elkato531 said:
pump possibly because its been running dry.

Heat exchanger because the water normally passing through it stops it overheating.

Any of the plasticky bits in there which have overheated.

However checking it out involves removing the cover and should only be done by an RGI for safety reasons.

ok so last thing how do I re fill heating I know about re fill key which goes in slot and 1/4 turn anti clock then open plastic bolt next to it is that correct
also do you think any damage be covered by boiler people as only two years old

JohnD · 2 Jun 2014

lampy said:
do you think any damage be covered by boiler people as only two years old

No because you have caused damage by abuse.

Elkato531 · 2 Jun 2014

Yes fill via the filling link as you describe. make sure the valves are closed where you've removed the rad. Vent all the air from the system via the other rads. Keep your fingers crossed.

Unlikely you'd be covered under the warranty as the problem has not been caused by a faulty boiler or parts. You may possibly be able to argue that the boiler should not have been able to run dry and the fact that it did was due to either a fault or bad design.

lampy · 2 Jun 2014

Elkato531 said:
Yes fill via the filling link as you describe. make sure the valves are closed where you've removed the rad. Vent all the air from the system via the other rads. Keep your fingers crossed.

Unlikely you'd be covered under the warranty as the problem has not been caused by a faulty boiler or parts. You may possibly be able to argue that the boiler should not have been able to run dry and the fact that it did was due to either a fault or bad design.

might be a issue as if what you say is correct it supplied hot water for over a week!
I assumed it would be ok as used to a feed and expansion with hot water tank,and again no fault lights or lock outs or re sets

rjm2k · 2 Jun 2014

Sounds like a wind up thread but if its not, when you get your new boiler just remember you don't need to drain the system to change a radiator. Expensive bit of decorating .

lampy · 2 Jun 2014

rjm2k said:
Sounds like a wind up thread but if its not, when you get your new boiler just remember you don't need to drain the system to change a radiator. Expensive bit of decorating .

no wind up drained down and left it supplying hot water again for over a week
I though was ok to do it,as boiler was giving hot water with heating drained down

transam · 2 Jun 2014

dear oh dear

what a plank

bazdaman · 2 Jun 2014

Its a wind up if its not its due to your incompetance and lack of knowledge serves you right for ****ing around with it

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running a boiler when drained

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