Running temporarily without expansion vessel

[jotto1]

Hi All,

First post but long time lurker. Did a quick search but couldnt seem to find the answer.
This morning our old Worcester 280 RSF boiler made a strange noise and stopped working. Upon checking, the expansion vessel sounded like it was glugging and I pressed the schrader valve and water came out. I assume the diaphragm has split and a new vessel is required. Does this sound correct?

Would it be possible/safe to use the boiler for short periods of time ie run sink of hot water or short shower for a couple of days?
What are the implications of running heating in this state?

I know the boiler is old and its on our to replace list but if we can get one more season out of the old girl that would be ideal.

Appreciate any and all help.

 

[hazetimesfive]

safe enough if the PRV is working ok, the vessel might be possible to repressurise, hot water shouldn't be a problem, depending how big your heating system is you may get some function out of it.

 

[jotto1]

Many thanks. Will use temporarily until new vessel arrives.

safe enough if the PRV is working ok, the vessel might be possible to repressurise, hot water shouldn't be a problem, depending how big your heating system is you may get some function out of it.

 

[Newboy]

safe enough if the PRV is working ok, the vessel might be possible to repressurise, hot water shouldn't be a problem, depending how big your heating system is you may get some function out of it.

How do you re-pressurise an exp. vessel if the diaphragm is split?

 

[hazetimesfive]

how do you know it is split

 

[Newboy]

Because water is coming out of the valve (post #1)

 

[Agile]

You can press that valve and see how much water comes out.

It may just be a little water has got to the air side.

If it stops after a few cc then you can repressurise with air. See FAQ as has to be done in a particularly way.

Tony

 

[AlanE]

Partially drain system with a radiator bleed valve open so you get some air into a radiator.

Then re-pressurise system but DON'T bleed this radiator.

You now have a working system albeit with one rad that will only get hot at the bottom! Choose which rad to act as a temporary expansion vessel to cause the minimum inconvenience.

 

[hazetimesfive]

Because water is coming out of the valve (post #1)

Yes I used to replace every EV that had water coming out the valve, happy that I know better these days.