Heating system losing pressure.

[rash_decision]

Hi all. I'm working offshore just now and have just called home to check all is well, to be told the heating has lost almost all pressure!! I knew there was a small leak somewhere, but I had not been able to find it recently and had been putting off ripping the floors up until the better weather came in.

The other half has said she filled the system last night to 1.5 BAR as usual, and this morning it was at almost 0 BAR.

My Dad is going up to have a look, more because he's nosey, not handy, but I was wondering if any of the leak fix additives on the market are any good for small leaks with Combi Boiler systems? Does anyone have any experience? The only thing with this is that come Spring time, I'm thinking it may stop me from finding the leak, only for it to come back in the colder weather again??!!

Any experiences similar??

[The Walrus]

Yep just had mine fixed but it was at the temp valve and on the double nut joint just needed re-packing, I assume you have checked all the pipe's to the rad's and the valve's on them as this is a common area for the leak and a 5 minutes fix ?

If it is not this it will be most likely a hidden joint, where do you live maybe able to recommend someone local ?

[rash_decision]

I checked all the radiators recently and there was no sign of any leaks. I'm fairly sure it's under the floor somewhere.

A couple of my mates are plumbers. I've left messages with them to see if they can help me out with some sort of leak additive until the weather is better and a full repair can be carried out. When I call someone's mobile from offshore, no number comes up, which I know will not help trying to get a plumber to answer his phone at this time of the year!!! Lol.

The Fernox F4 leak sealer seems to have good reviews???

[Busamav]

rash_decision said:

I When I call someone's mobile from offshore, no number comes up, which I know will not help trying to get a plumber to answer his phone at this time of the year!!! Lol.

The Fernox F4 leak sealer seems to have good reviews???

text them first to let them know you will be calling.

I would guess every plumber in the world at the moment is ducking normal calls to make way for emergency call outs

Edited by Busamav on Monday 21st December 21:24

[Ferg]

Busamav said:

I would guess every plumber in the world at the moment is ducking normal calls to make way for emergency call outs

I'm just working.

Yeah, try F4, but are you sure it's a leak? It isn't discharging out of the relief valve due to a pressure vessel failure is it?

[rash_decision]

Busamav said:

rash_decision said:

I When I call someone's mobile from offshore, no number comes up, which I know will not help trying to get a plumber to answer his phone at this time of the year!!! Lol.

The Fernox F4 leak sealer seems to have good reviews???

text them first to let them know you will be calling.

I would guess every plumber in the world at the moment is ducking normal calls to make way for emergency call outs

Edited by Busamav on Monday 21st December 21:24

I would text if I could, but no mobiles on rigs unfortunately!!!

I'm fairly sure it's a leak, there are no signs of water at the pressure relief point or anywhere around the boiler, that would have been too easy for me at this time of year!!! I think the floors will be coming up sooner than expected!!

[Wings]

Ferg said:

Busamav said:

I would guess every plumber in the world at the moment is ducking normal calls to make way for emergency call outs

I'm just working.

Yeah, try F4, but are you sure it's a leak? It isn't discharging out of the relief valve due to a pressure vessel failure is it?

Agree, to the OP ask your partner to see if boiler exterior overflow pipe is releasing water, if not check radiator valves pipes for leaks, but leak fix will not work and should not be used. Ask partner to keep topping up.

[Ferg]

Wings said:

.....but leak fix will not work and should not be used. Ask partner to keep topping up.

I can't understand why you would type this.


An internal leak sealer most probably WILL work and the sooner you do it the better. As long as you keep 'topping-up' you will be introducing more oxygen into the system which will be doing the pump and radiators no good at all.

[eldar]

Ferg said:

Wings said:

.....but leak fix will not work and should not be used. Ask partner to keep topping up.

I can't understand why you would type this.


An internal leak sealer most probably WILL work and the sooner you do it the better. As long as you keep 'topping-up' you will be introducing more oxygen into the system which will be doing the pump and radiators no good at all.

How do you get fernox or the like into a sealed system? Always wondered that.

[anonymous-user]

When i had the same problem it was a sticky pressue relief valve-check the vent pipe, it will be easier to find in this weather if it is that as you will have a nice icicle there!!

[rash_decision]

eldar said:

Ferg said:

Wings said:

.....but leak fix will not work and should not be used. Ask partner to keep topping up.

I can't understand why you would type this.


An internal leak sealer most probably WILL work and the sooner you do it the better. As long as you keep 'topping-up' you will be introducing more oxygen into the system which will be doing the pump and radiators no good at all.

How do you get fernox or the like into a sealed system? Always wondered that.

You need to drain the system down a sufficient ammount then add the sealer/corrosion inhibitor/flush, whatever it may be, through a radiator fitting. You need to remove one of the blank plugs, then make a small pipe up on a fitting with a funnel on the end to pour the additive into. It helps if you open the bleed screw on the other end, then it doesn't start gurgling back out at you! Then stick the original blank back in, refill the system and bleed as normal. I would do it myself but I'm stuck offshore!!

I managed to get a hold of a mate who's a plumber. He's going up tonight to stick some leak sealer into the system. It's a very small leak, so it should work!!!

[Matt_Tilda]

Just had a new expansion tank fitted to my Baxi(?) combi boiler, due to a leak. Might be worth checking that.

[NorthEast]

eldar said:

Ferg said:

Wings said:

.....but leak fix will not work and should not be used. Ask partner to keep topping up.

I can't understand why you would type this.


An internal leak sealer most probably WILL work and the sooner you do it the better. As long as you keep 'topping-up' you will be introducing more oxygen into the system which will be doing the pump and radiators no good at all.

How do you get fernox or the like into a sealed system? Always wondered that.

If you have a towel radiator-these are ideal for dosing a sealed system as they normally have a large plug on the top. isolate the radiator-drain a little water off and pour in your inhibitor/sealer. (may need a small funnel)