Alpha CB24 - CH fault

[kiwitheiwik]

Hello, folks - first-time poster, long-time reader...

Isn't it hilarious to find that boiler faults generally occur when you least need them, and at the most inopportune time of the year?!?

Well, I've an Alpha CB24 boiler which I've kept alive for many years. Yes, it's a dog. Yes, it's got no water pressure. Yes, plumbers who used to arrive at my door to repair it would try their utmost to convince me to part with vast quantities of cash in order to provide me with the latest and greatest.

And as much as I wish I could, being a solo dad in a cash-strapped world doesn't give me that luxury...

So - here's the problem.

I found a distinct lack of hot water coming out of my taps (even though the Central Heating worked fine), and went about repairing the problem. I checked the thermisters - fine. I replaced the DHW Flow Switch - no change. I then purchased a diaphragm kit, and went about replacing it. Not a problem. Piece of cake.

But when it came to attempting to commission the system, water leaked from virtually every orifice. I drained it, and called a friend who was an apprentice plumber. I thought he'd have the right tools to tighten up loose nuts.

Sure enough, he came over - and went about tightening everything required. Unfortunately, he also undid the gas pipe (something I NEVER touch...) in order to get to a loose nut - of course, he reattached the gas pipe again afterwards.

When he tried to commission the boiler, water still dripped from everywhere. Now he's gone off on holiday, and I was stuck with a leaky boiler.

During a bit of down-time a few weeks back, I decided to have another go at commissioning it - so I put down some big pots to catch the drips. Sure enough, the water came dripping out. But then, when it came to pressure, all the leaks stopped. It seemed all the seals just needed to sit properly. So I tested the hot tap - it worked fine. Hot water on demand.

But now, I don't have Central Heating.

Moreso, when I turn on the gas now, I get a faint whiff of it from the boiler. Not good.

So - with all your collective brilliance, what can you suggest?

Is it a faulty diverter valve? Do the radiators need to be bled? What about the gas smell? Could the test screw be loose, releasing a small quantity of gas? Or is it all far more sinister?!?

Thanks so much for your help - I really appreciate it.

I'll just be sitting on the couch under 3 layers of duvets...

 

[slup]

Given that the gas has been messed around with, I think you have no choice other than get a properly qualified person round to sort it out...

 

[gas4you]

Whilst I can appreciate you being a hard up single dad, something like this must be looked at by a professional, especially if you even suspect a smell of gas.

I assume that when you changed the diaphragm you used the new seals that were supplied with the kit for re-attaching the plate HE?

I have never known any leaks when using the new seals (as yet).

The ch not working is the least of your problems at the moment. Call in an RGI for tomorrow.

 

[Agile]

I am not quite sure on what basis the "apprentice" came to you but he seems to have done something with the gas that he was not qualified to do and did not test it afterwards as a CORGI would have done so you are now in a worse situation that before.

As all the others have said you must have a competent CORGI come and check it and hopefully identify the fault with the heating. I am wondering if the diverter valve is stuck in the DHW position.

Tony

 

[kiwitheiwik]

Thanks for your comments, folks.

I do understand the danger of a prospective gas leak, which is why I've been sure to leave the gas shut off until I can get the issue solved.

I knew as soon as he'd touched the gas pipe my problems escalated...

I guess I wanted to know just what I was going to be in for when I made that dreaded call to a plumber...!