Worcester filling loop leak, can I turn it off?

[crtgodd]

Went to repressurise the boiler. After tightening the square bit, and removing the key (key in unlocked position), there were some drips coming out. It seemed continuous rather than the left over splash that normally comes out. I only used my hand to tighten it but I did it quite tight.

I put the key back in and left it unlocked in hope to stop any water coming out.

Questions:
I'm guessing the plastic part that the key goes in can be replaced, Worcester Greenstar 30 Si model? Any idea on price?

There's two brass bits behind it with screws on the bottom, can I use these to shut off the water to the filling loop in case it has a continuous leak? There's no other taps on the pipes going in.

Obviously we should get an engineer but last time we had to wait a week after calling all the ones we could find and I'd rather not have something continually leaking.

Is it ok to leave the key in the unlocked position like that?

 

[Iddy]

If it's leaking from the mains side i.e. the isolation valve with the square white knob is 'passing', it'll slowly pass water across to the heating side if the white key is left in. The white key forms a channel between the 2 sides (water passes across between the o rings on the key). Being in the locked or unlocked position makes to difference, other than being able to pull the key out. Many do leave the key in, though it ought to be taken out after filling to comply with water regs which state that there shouldn't be a permanent connection between portable cold water and the contaminated water in the heating system.

 

[Iddy]

You can replace it by turning off the 2 isolation valves on the brass valves behind (mains inlet and central heating return), removing the grub screws with an Allen key (should be 4 altogether). Silicone grease on the o rings on fitting the new one...

 

[crtgodd]

So is there a one way valve in the black plastic filling loop component to stop the heating water coming back out when the key is out?

I did see on YouTube some swapped it with a keyless loop, that would be better I think. Though this is quite old so the current piece will probably be brittle and hard to remove. I might give it a go but I always have trouble with plumbing and things still end up leaking afterwards.

 

[Iddy]

Yes a check valve built in, otherwise you wouldn't be able to remove the key. They can be a beggar to remove

 

[crtgodd]

So last time I managed to stop it dripping by turning the mains stop cock down to lower pressure. Accidentally the filling key was left in last night when refilling and the pressure on the boiler went all the way to the Max past the red mark taken the filling key out and using a bucket now until someone comes.
I'm guessing the PRV was triggered because the pressure went so high (I bled radiators and got it back to normal).

There's now orange mark and damp towels which I believe is from a new leak (although nothing leaking now) on the left most pipe to the boiler. Worscester Greenstar 30i combi.

Could this be something like PRV leaking? I'm waiting for my aunt to give her boiler person recommendation.

 

[mattylad]

Are you completely sure that you have turned the square knob all the way off to stop the flow into the boiler?

 

[crtgodd]

Are you completely sure that you have turned the square knob all the way off to stop the flow into the boiler?

I have used both hands to tighten as much as possible. I fear about taking pliers and twisting it more as it feels it could snap and cause a greater leak. Each time repressurising it the plastic square became harder to tighten. Last time I did it as tight as possible the water was still dripping fast so I had to turn the stop cock slightly which did dry it up. It's about 15y old so I think it's just worn out!

 

[mattylad]

Could be.

I didn't catch the model but this appears to be the filling loop.

WORCESTER 87161073030 FILLING LOOP | Direct Heating Spares

Buy the Worcester 87161073030 Filling Loop from Direct Heating Spares. DHS Part Number: 1015147 - Manufacturer Code:87161073030. We have over 20,000 items in stock and available Next Day. Free Boiler Manuals also available to download.

www.dhsspares.co.uk

Or there is also a keyless version available.

Although all it really needs is likely to be a few o-rings replaced.

Disclaimer, you will need an RGI to fit it as your not supposed to remove the cover unless qualified.

 

[dilalio]

An external loop would be better.
But you need to be able to isolate internal one completely from mains.

 

[crtgodd]

Could be.

I didn't catch the model but this appears to be the filling loop.

WORCESTER 87161073030 FILLING LOOP | Direct Heating Spares

Buy the Worcester 87161073030 Filling Loop from Direct Heating Spares. DHS Part Number: 1015147 - Manufacturer Code:87161073030. We have over 20,000 items in stock and available Next Day. Free Boiler Manuals also available to download.

www.dhsspares.co.uk

Or there is also a keyless version available.

Although all it really needs is likely to be a few o-rings replaced.

Disclaimer, you will need an RGI to fit it as your not supposed to remove the cover unless qualified.

I have someone next week to look at it. It hasn't been serviced in 15 years (I'm not the owner) so hope there isn't other things wrong inside the case.

An external loop would be better.
But you need to be able to isolate internal one completely from mains.

Yes I have that at my partners and it's very straight forward to do. Don't understand why they think this plastic key thing is better.

 

[dilalio]

I have someone next week to look at it. It hasn't been serviced in 15 years (I'm not the owner) so hope there isn't other things wrong inside the case.

Yes I have that at my partners and it's very straight forward to do. Don't understand why they think this plastic key thing is better.

It (internal filling loop) would be covered under warranty.

Not serviced in 15 years!
It's done well then and owes nothing to the owner.

 

[mattylad]

Mine has not been serviced for a similar (if not longer) period.
Most of the water bearing parts have already been replaced, so if you have not had to then it really is doing well.

Don't let the person that visits con you into needing a new boiler if it's otherwise been working OK just for the case of a few seals or new part.