Plumbing expert - help diagnose the problem - at wits end!
Discussion
Please help
Inlaws live in a bungalow. Their gas boiler (Alpha) does both hot water and heating. It is in the garage on the wall. 7 years ago, the entire heating system was replaced - even down to running 15mm copper pipes to all radiators, replacing the microbore. There is an immersion heater in the cupboard.
Six weeks ago, the heating and hot water stopped. Original fitting plumber attended, diagnosed a faulty pump. He fitted a new pump. It made no difference. He diagnosed a broken bypass valve. Fitted a replacement. Again no difference. Each time he turns up was a week, apart, going off to 'research the problem'. Eventually he stops answering calls, ignores messages, basically disappears off the face of the earth. 4 weeks gone. Inlaws find another plumber who has diagnosed a bypass valve within the boiler. Replaced it. No difference. Still no heating. He has also replaced another bypass valve I think. He now proposes to flush the system, but I think is guessing rather than knowing what the problem is.
The boiler is producing heat. The radiators are lukewarm rather than stone cold. Occasionally it will get warm, then stop again.
Any ideas? Current plumber has over 10 hours in this, yet to be invoiced. Original plumber (if he ever reappears) will want a wedge for parts and labour (which he will have to get via Small Claims now as hes pissed me off). What the hell can it be? Getting silly now as its now costing me as I cant send my kids there while its freezing, so I am paying for childcare where they could and should be at their grandparents.
Inlaws live in a bungalow. Their gas boiler (Alpha) does both hot water and heating. It is in the garage on the wall. 7 years ago, the entire heating system was replaced - even down to running 15mm copper pipes to all radiators, replacing the microbore. There is an immersion heater in the cupboard.
Six weeks ago, the heating and hot water stopped. Original fitting plumber attended, diagnosed a faulty pump. He fitted a new pump. It made no difference. He diagnosed a broken bypass valve. Fitted a replacement. Again no difference. Each time he turns up was a week, apart, going off to 'research the problem'. Eventually he stops answering calls, ignores messages, basically disappears off the face of the earth. 4 weeks gone. Inlaws find another plumber who has diagnosed a bypass valve within the boiler. Replaced it. No difference. Still no heating. He has also replaced another bypass valve I think. He now proposes to flush the system, but I think is guessing rather than knowing what the problem is.
The boiler is producing heat. The radiators are lukewarm rather than stone cold. Occasionally it will get warm, then stop again.
Any ideas? Current plumber has over 10 hours in this, yet to be invoiced. Original plumber (if he ever reappears) will want a wedge for parts and labour (which he will have to get via Small Claims now as hes pissed me off). What the hell can it be? Getting silly now as its now costing me as I cant send my kids there while its freezing, so I am paying for childcare where they could and should be at their grandparents.
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