Baxi Solo - fails to stay fired

[paulheywood]

Hi there,

We've just replaced a radiator on the Central Heating, which involved draining down the system - the problem is that now when the thermostat calls for heat the boiler fires up for a few minutes then reverts back to the pilot.

This will stay in that state for a while (hrs) until you try again when the same thing happens.

I don't mind calling a plumber in but I want to make sure that I'm not missing something simple.

Any help would be appreciated.

Paul.

 

[ChrisR]

Probably there's air locked in somewhere. Is there a vent in the airing cupd or near the boiler?

 

[chrishutt]

The obvious things to check are (1) that you don't have air locks in the system blocking the circulation of water (follow pipework looking for high points that do not vent naturally. there may be manual air vents to open at these places) and (2) that the pump is working (listen with screwdriver blade on pump and handle to your ear). What you describe suggests that water is not circulating. You can confirm this by feeling the temperature of the pipes - the hot water should speed quickly from boiler towards radiators/hot water cylinder.

 

[paulheywood]

Thanks for that.... The pump is running - I ran the pump for a few minutes last night without the boiler being on... it sounded like there was water sloshing about all round the pipes, which I guess implies there's air in there as well.

I'll have a hunt around for the manual vents tonight - Dumb question I know but what do these look like ?

Thanks again for your time.

Paul.

 

[ollski]

Thanks for that.... The pump is running - I ran the pump for a few minutes last night without the boiler being on... it sounded like there was water sloshing about all round the pipes, which I guess implies there's air in there as well.

I'll have a hunt around for the manual vents tonight - Dumb question I know but what do these look like ?

Thanks again for your time.

Paul.

something like that at the top of a vertical pipe run. (usually blocked)

 

[paulheywood]

Brilliant - Found the bleed valve (as per the picture !!) unscrewed it and out came a load of air !! Screwed it back up, fired up the boiler up and bingo - stays fired.

Thanks very much for the advice, really appreciated,

Cheers,

Paul.