Valliant ecotec 837-losing pressure often-topping up almost daily now

[funtins]

pls advise. thanks

 

[DaveHerns]

You need to find the leak first.

 

[TicTac]

Put a plastic bag over the end of the copper overflow pipe, and see if it fills with water. If it does, then you've got a faulty PRV valve. Leave the inhibitor for now; it'll be okay for a week.

 

[funtins]

Put a plastic bag over the end of the copper overflow pipe, and see if it fills with water. If it does, then you've got a faulty PRV valve. Leave the inhibitor for now; it'll be okay for a week.

This pipe is in the conservatory next to the washing machine and there’s a drain underneath.

Where would the overflow pipe be? Near the boiler?

 

[TicTac]

Nope, they look like washing machine fittings. Post a picture from under the boiler. Here's the manual though. Look at the bottom right picture on page 23, it's the pipe in the right of that picture, and has 1,2 and 3 written in it. Trace where this pipe goes to, and see if there's a leak, and if unsure, place a cup etc underneath it.

 

[funtins]

HI. i cant see any obvious leak. There is also no wet patch.

 

[funtins]

Also I cannot locate exactly where the pipe in question goes....

Not sure what to do next

 

[TicTac]

It's the pipe on the far right. It won't be leaking inside, you need to trace it outside, and then check if there's a leak there - if there is one of course.

And if you're not sure what to do next, then the obvious answer is get a plumber in.

 

[terryplumb]

You are going to have to engage an engineer funtins. The copper pipe that disappears into the floor ( next to the white plastic pipe that also goes straight down thru the floor ) is the pressure relief pipe. This needs to be traced to its terminal end to see if water is being expelled from it ,when it should not be. The engineer will then establish if there is a fault in the boiler and replace any faulty parts. Or rule out the boiler as being at fault ,and diagnose a leak on internal CH pipework.

 

[funtins]

i was afraid you would say that! lol. well ok fair enough. do we know how i can find a reliable plumber that wont charge me a million £ for a callout? im based in berks

 

[terryplumb]

You could go for a fixed price repair from manufacturer . give them a call and enquire.

 

[TicTac]

Try and fine where the pipe comes out of the floor/wall on the other side. It may come out alongside the white condensate pipe. If you can ascertain the problem before you call an engineer out, then you're in a stronger position.

Ask the neighbours who they use.

 

[funtins]

ah i just had an idea. i can tap the pipe and follow the sound. i think that's the only way i could fine it.

 

[funtins]

ok so that didnt work too well. i will have to call a plumber...

 

[TicTac]

If you're lucky, it'll be dirt under the seat of the PRV. Look at this