Advice needed please!

[craigmmorq4]

HI All

Yesterday we noticed that the water was coming out slowly compared to normal - didn't think anything of it.

This morning I turned the heating on and noticed that the pressure on the boiler was in the red on 3.5 BAR - it should be between 0.5 and 2 it says on the boiler.

Our boiler is a Baxi Combi Boiler - its 3 years old as live in a newly built house.

I tried a few things. The pressure valve that I have had to move once or twice didnt do anything at all - I know it would of made it worse but it didnt even increase the pressure. I tried putting the boiler in reset mode - didnt work and then I released the pressure by opening the cover and turning the red knob which released the pressure back to normal.(1 BAR)

Left for a while and seemed fine but then noticed there is water trickling it out the overflow pipe which it doesnt normally do - but heating and hot water was still working fine.

Just came back in and the water was still trickling but the pressure was an Nil and had the pressure errror code on the boiler. I have just re-pressurized the system using that valve that didnt work this morning and its now back up to 2 BAR but the water is still trickling from that pipe.

Any ideas what is wrong please anybody and any advice?


Thanks in advance

 

[Burnerman]

It looks like you've just experienced the age old problem of pressure relief valves (PRV) not closing properly once they've been opened.....
try working the valve again a couple of times - if you're luck is in, all will be well but if it doesn't, then its time for a new one.
The pressure incidentally just refers to the central heating circuit, not the domestic hot water.
The slow flow of water couldn't be due to a semi freeze up, do you think?
John

 

[mcmoby69]

sounds like the filling loop was left sllightly open last time it was used or its passing. it over pressurised the boiler which you released by using the PRV (which you shouldnt do) because you can get dirt trapped in the valve and it wont shut properly.

get the pressure back to 1.5 bar when the system is cold , disconnect the filling loop (water bylaws) and see if the filling valve is closing off properly. then you will need to check if the PRV (red valve) you opened is shutting off properly. if not you might be able to flush any dirt out by opening it a few times. if not then its a drain down clean and re fit or replace.

 

[craigmmorq4]

Thanks for the replies. Ive just operated the PRV again twice and it was all clean water that came out - last tyime it was very dirty warty full of dirt.

There is no water coming out of the pipe anymore and the pressure is back upto 2. Lets see if it stays that way. Thanks again much appreciated.

Out of interest how much are the valves to replace roughly?

 

[Agile]

Maker's list price is probably about £18 + VAT.

But if its not leaking then it does not need changing.

A professional would probably charge from £30-£90 to come and fit it normally including a service within the price ( if over £50 ).

One wonders where you got the idea to open it? If an owner wants to reduce the pressure then a rad bleed screw is the way to go.

Tony