Unvented system loosing pressure

[a1topdog]

I had a complete new installation approx 3 years ago of an unvented c/heating + hot water system.

The condensing boiler is a potterton and a megaflow for the hot water.

The trouble is the boiler is always loosing pressure. I have to top the water up at least once a month.

There were previously small leaks on the boiler connections , but these are now dry. I'm sure I don't have any leaks on the internal piping.

The only place I can think that water is escaping is on the external outlet pipes on the boiler and hotwater tank as these have small drips now and again but I am not sure if this is normal.

I can't seem to find a plumber who is experianced with my system (don't ask about the installer!!)

What checks can I do to trace the cause of the problem?

 

[Agile]

You should have had the boiler and unvented serviced anually.

Have you checked to PRV vent which usually goes to the outside behind boiler.

I saw a boiler installation in Reading yesterday with the boiler fitted in the loft and the condensate pipe taken nowhere and left to drip onto a roll of carpet!

Tony

 

[a1topdog]

Hi Tony - I have checked that , that is what I was refering to as the "external outlet pipes on the boiler"

This only drips now and again , and I'm sure this only happens if I have topped the system up a bit too much , so I assume the system automatically releases a bit of water to bring the pressure down.

I know I should have the boiler serviced every year - and believe me I try. But when I mention condensing and megaflow in the same breath the plumbers are not interested.

 

[Agile]

Plumbers work on plumbing, water supplies, draining and bathrooms etc!

Try looking for a Boiler Engineer with a G3 Certificate which many have.

This is a normal job for most of us regulars here.

Tony

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

boiler engineer - we are still plumbers

just what these new boys that have been in the trade only 2 mins like to call their selves BOILER ENGINEERS

who love their corgi badge on their van more than their wives.

 

[gas4you]

boiler engineer - we are still plumbers

just what these new boys that have been in the trade only 2 mins like to call their selves BOILER ENGINEERS

who love their corgi badge on their van more than their wives.

Sorry have to disagree with that statement.

I class myself as a heating/gas engineer as all my qualifications are gas, boilers and unvented cylinders. I am not a timed served plumber so cannot call myself that and mislead the public.

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

least you admit to not been time served as a lot won't.

but ask them anything to do with water regs / or drainage regs they run amile.

 

[gas4you]

Why do some, not meaning anyone on here, have to mis-represent themselves to the customer.

I tell my customers what I can do and what I can't eg bathrooms etc.

They are more than happy when you are up front with them. I still refuse to join the £orgi plumbing competent persons scheme though, even though I could with no qualifications

I also only use my Part P for dropping a fused spur into a kitchen for a boiler. I tell the customer that I am Part P but this does not make me a qualified sparky so don't ask me to do any other electrical jobs

 

[kevindgas]

boiler engineer - we are still plumbers

just what these new boys that have been in the trade only 2 mins like to call their selves BOILER ENGINEERS

who love their corgi badge on their van more than their wives.

Sorry have to disagree with that statement.

I class myself as a heating/gas engineer as all my qualifications are gas, boilers and unvented cylinders. I am not a timed served plumber so cannot call myself that and mislead the public.

i also don't call myself a plumber as:
1 i do not do general plumbing
2 i won't touch toilets, baths, wash basins or sinks
3. i don't do drains

and similarly although i hold G3 and Part P i only do unvented/solar cylinders and the associated electrics for them and the gas work i do.