Steam in header tank

hodgey · 8 Nov 2006

I have recently replaced the pump on my system which is fired by a Potterton Flamingo 50 boiler but after 3 or 4 minutes of firing up there is a loud surge of hot water shooting up the pipe into the small expansion tank in the roof followed by bellowing steam. There was a blockage in the system that was removed but this problem still exists. The water temperature is boiling despite turning down the thermostat, does the thermostat need replacing?

EliteHeat · 8 Nov 2006

What happens next? what other symptoms do you get? how was the blockage cleared?

hodgey · 8 Nov 2006

EliteHeat said:
What happens next? what other symptoms do you get? how was the blockage cleared?

The steam doesn't subside so I have to turn off the system altogether.
The blockage was removed by unrolling a reel of solder down the pipe to reach the blockage.
The pump is situated adjacent to the imersion tank and the feed from the pump down to the boiler has a bad kink in it just below the floor boards. I have two rads down stairs in the living room and one comes on every now and again when it feels like it!

Estman · 10 Nov 2006

Try your air seperator if its full of magnetite the water can't cross to return and goes up to the tank straight off the boiler. Hold a magnet against copper air sep if it sticks you've got sludge try gently tapping the pipe to return (the lower one off the air sep) you can sometimes get it moving again. Put in some X400 to desludge the system follow the instructionns.
You may have to change the air seperator.
Ultimately a powerflush may be needed as well.

Good luck. Don't be tempted to hit the air sep they're very thin and will buckle.

Sonicdruff · 24 Nov 2006

I have much of the same problem after having a new circulation pump fitted along with two new two port valves. I also have steam in the header tank that makes lots of noise when it bubbles. Sometimes my overflow pipe runs and pumps water into the garden as well. Is this possibly the same problem?

JohnD · 24 Nov 2006

Sonicdruff you will do better to create a new post with the details suggested in the "Announcement: before you ask a question please read this" at the top of the plumbing forum.

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Steam in header tank

hodgey

EliteHeat

hodgey

Estman

Sonicdruff

JohnD

DIYnot Local

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