Leak!!

[PMurtagh]

I have a Range Tribune HE boiler which was fitted when my house was built about 3.5 years ago.
I have just noticed that the water is coming out of the Temperature and pressure relief valve.

I have turned the valve to see if it will stop but it just comes out quicker. I have been told to turn off the water to the tank and that it is most prob the valve that needs replacing and that it is easy to sort, but this was from someone with a few years exp an only from speaking over the phone.

Does this sound right?

Many thanks in advance,

Patrick

 

[Slugbabydotcom]

Its not a boiler its an unvented cylinder and unless you have the G3 UDHW qualification you can't legally replace the TPR valve. In the wrong hands this could make quite a nasty bomb
The problem probably lies with whatever expansion facility you have. I'm pretty sure this will be an expansion vessel in your case.
I wont rule out an immersion heater problem or as you say a TPR valve only problem depending on who has been playing with it so far

 

[Agile]

See them here, very nice cylinders:-

http://www.rangecylinders.co.uk/tribune/

As suggested its most likely to be the expansion vessel.

This is either failed or needs recharging. This is best checked by a G3 certified person who will know how to check them for failure and how to repressurise them and to what pressure.

Tony Glazier

 

[PMurtagh]

many thanks for your response.

I have not got a clue when it comes to this.

I have a tank but also a red and white tanks attached if that explains what I have?

Is it a costly job?

 

[Agile]

It will be the white one.

During the summer we would service your boiler on a non urgent basis within 10 days for £55 and the cylinder for an additional £35 if you lived in our local area.

During the busy winter period we would respond quickly as a repair for £84.

Tony

 

[PMurtagh]

Thanks again for your help with this I will put off the father in-law and try someone with exp!

I'm doing the buffet for my fathers 60th tomorrow along with having 2 kids and a preg misses I think I'm in for a busy day!!

Do you know if this would be covered under any warrenty seeing that the house is only 3.5 years old?

 

[Aquaheat]

I'm pretty sure that the 10 year gaurantee on a new build only covers the buldings structure but its worth asking the question.

The unit should have been serviced yearly by a G3 qualified engineer for any warranties to have stayed in place from manufacturers.

This "MAY" have been the responsibilty of the builder in the first 12 months but i am not the one to say but again something else to look into.

A decent engineer won't cost the earth though and should diagnose the fault pretty quickly. Don't go for a cheap engineeer, chose someone that is good and bite the bullet for what may only be £40/£50 initially but save you hundreds in the long run!!

 

[PMurtagh]

£40/£50 I can handle, I was expecting a lot more!

Thanks again for your help, you have saved me a lot of ear bashing from the misses!

 

[doitall]

Ok lets clear one point up first.

If an unvented cylinder is discharging water, NEVER, repeat NEVER turn the water off

Back to the problem, if the temperature relief valve is blowing then you have a problem with the heat source, Boiler or immersion heater, in either case the thermal cut-out should have cut out, if it's wired up correctly.

 

[PMurtagh]

Ok I am lost now. Sorry! I havent got a clue!

I noticed that water was passing through the acetal tundish (not a great amount) and spitting out of it.

I was told to turn the pressure valve that is attached to the tank which made the water come out faster but slowley reduce again.

I was advised it could be the valve and to turn the water to the tank off.

The only things that have happened with the heating system is: about 1 year ago a rad was taken off the wall (by a mirror) but the tank was not topped up until recently. It has not been serviced in the 3.5 years as like I said I have not got a clue and didn't realise this had to be done.

Can you please advise if I need to turn this back on or what I need to do as my kids rooms are next to the airing c.

 

[doitall]

The problem is almost certainly the expansion vessel has lost it's charge, and either want's re-charging with a pump or replacing if duff.

Turning the water back on and it will start running again as the water heats up.

Personally I would leave it off until it's checked out and put back into service by a plumber that holds the G3 ticket.

I think you need to allow up to £200.00 though.

 

[PMurtagh]

200??? ouch! thats a lot more than the 40/50 mentioned by jonjb.

may I ask why is there such a difference?

thanks for your help.

 

[doitall]

It depends on whats gone.

Could be the expansion vessel needs re-charging.

New vessel if needed could be £70.00.

Pressure relief valve has probably gone, not the temperature relief valve, usually they wont reseal so a new one required. £30.00 plus

then there's Labour charges, and on that front, DO NOT get a call out Plumber who will charge you a fee to turn up, and do not get a heating engineer who will be twice the cost.

If you know any plumbers, or friends of plumbers that come recommended use them but get a breakdown of rates first.

 

[PMurtagh]

surely it being only 3.5 years the vessel should be ok?......hoping more than anything. lol

How much should the recharging be?

Do you know how long the job would take?

Thanks again for your help

 

[doitall]

Best case and no parts The £40/50 should cover it.

I believe the worse case and get a nice surprise is better than a shock.

On the other hand if you turn the water on and depress the tyre valve quickly you will get water or air, if air it needs pumping back up to whatever it says on the can, probably 3.5bar, after the water has been turned back off and the taps opened.

Quite a simple job if you have a tyre gauge and foot pump.