Back from hols - can't light boiler

[ajsdoc]

So went on hols for just over 2 weeks and decided to turn gas off at mains (never have done before, so why I did this time I've no idea).

Now can't light my trusty ideal mexico floorstanding boiler (oldish but reliable - has permanent pilot and thermocouple, only ever had to have thermocouples replaced apart from a new gas valve a few months ago).

Pilot won't light, just see the flash from the ignitor. Have been through the procedure - twist valve wait 3 minutes. Even tried holding button down for ages (got it into my head I could have air in pipe after switching it off which needed purging). Remember my Dad when I was younger lighting boiler with a taper after coming back from hols, but is not in instructions so I've left well alone.

Anyway, no joy, guy coming tomorrow am - any ideas what I've done by switching gas off? Other point of interest - should I switch gas off at mains when going on hols or not bother?? (Gas fire/cooker working normally btw)

 

[baxpoti]

I wonder why you joined xmas day 2004, are you just unlucky in life.

Keep the button pushed in halfway for 30secs and keep trying

 

[bengasman]

Shouldn't have air in the pipe, no matter how long it was turned off. When was it last serviced and checked?

 

[ajsdoc]

Serviced every summer, last one about 10 months ago. (Tried holding button half way down, no joy)

 

[bengasman]

Do you have gasfire or gascooker?

 

[ajsdoc]

Yes, both working.

 

[bengasman]

Guess it will be an early service this year then.

 

[ajsdoc]

Yes - guess so. Good time of year for a breakdown I suppose.

 

[bengasman]

Probably, seems to be less busy than when it was minus 10.

 

[ajsdoc]

Well, feel a bit silly - boiler now lit. Gas man said just needed longer to "purge the system" - that said was here half an hour with some banging and clattering....

I'll leave the gas on next hols!