Combi boiler takes days to come on

[russ765]

Hi

We have a Ideal Response 120 combi central heating boiler which works fine until it suffers a pressure drop to less than 0.5 bar. The problem is that even when the pressure is then raised sufficiently (ie, 0.5 to 1.0 bar), it takes several days for it to fire up.

A year ago it was only taking about 12 hours to kick in but it now takes 4-5 days so it's getting progressively worse.

We've had a new expansion vessel fitted about 6 months ago but the problem has re-occured since that was installed.

Can anyone suggest what needs to be done to overcome this problem please ?

Thanks

 

[MeldrewsMate]

I expect it takes several days for the boiler to stop after the pressure had dropped below the 0.5 bar pressure!

The pressure switch is at the bottom of the boiler, it may be full of cr4p and require changing. It's also just above some electrics, and they commonly drip here and blow the fuses when the pressure swich rots out.

You should also investigate why the system pressure is dropping, it could indicate a leak (in the boiler or elsewhere in the heating system - or indicate someone who likes to habitually bleed radiators!)

MM

 

[russ765]

Thanks for the reply and advice MM. I can assure you the the boiler is doing nothing at all for days before we get hot water again.

Hadn't considered the pressure switch so grateful for that pointer. Will get that looked into.

There is a very, very slow leak in the boiler somewhere as we get a drip every few hours or so from somewhere. I suppose if this can be tracked down, that might be the end of the problem.

Russ

 

[craig51]

I would be amazed if your heat exchanger isnt cracked.

You have IMO, one of the worse, baldy designed boilers I have had to work on.

As above, the pressure switch may be clogged, get it changed for a new one.

 

[Homesafe]

I would be amazed if your heat exchanger isnt cracked.

You have IMO, one of the worse, baldy designed boilers I have had to work on.

As above, the pressure switch may be clogged, get it changed for a new one.

I've never heard of a baldy boiler!!!

 

[russ765]

Craig51 is obviously very perceptive as I haven't got a hair on my head . I think he was referring to me and not the boiler !

 

[Homesafe]

Bald russ! built like a wall russ! ,, or not,,,,,I'll get ma coat

 

[craig51]

very good

Please, get it serviced now and have him check the heat exchanger. If it is cracked, it will only be a matter of time before it flood you, all the insides of your boiler, and your slapped with a bill for a new heat exchanger, pcb, and any othe electrical component waiting to get wet.

 

[Boilerman2]

Put the Response in a Skip and get a dacent steamer!!

 

[Agile]

Or take out a BG service contract pronto?

Thats if they still have the heat exchangers available.

Tony

 

[monoxide62]

Was around £500 for a HeX last time i inquired. , client opted for a replacement boiler.