PigletJohn/boiler people?!

[goodasitgets]

I went for a nap, woke up and the boiler is as dead as a dodo
No hot water, heat or well, anything really
Any vague ideas on what it could be? I had it serviced within the last year

[ThatWasNice]

I've copy 'n pasted.


Boiler Power Supply
First check the power supply to your central heating is on. Sounds silly? This happens a lot and because customers panic about their heating problems it gets missed. Maybe it’s a fuse or the main circuit breaker board has tripped and just needs resetting.

Reset Button
Most boilers have safety devices built in, so if these are tripped a simple reset may get your whole system working. The reset button is normally on the front of the boiler. Sometimes it's a dial that needs resetting to zero and turned back on.

Can't find your reset button? Check your boilers manufactures instructions - it will be in there.

Heating Controls
The problem with central heating programmers, timers or room thermostats is that customers often find these very complicated, so check your instructions and make sure that they're all set for operation. Some controls send signals remotely and can stop working, so check these too.

All it takes is one wrong button pressed and no heat or hot water, so a quick battery check can solve this.

Gas supply
Gas supply can cause lots of central heating or boiler breakdowns, especially if you have a payment meter with a card. if you run out of credit, the gas will be switched off. So top-up the credit and re-insert the card. Also, press the gas meter reset button in order to re-establish gas supply to your boiler.

Pressure
System pressure in boilers can run low, causing the boiler to stop working and is especially common with combi gas boilers. There is a pressure gauge or dial with 1-4 bars showing. Your system pressure should be at 1 bar when the system is cold.

If it's lower than 1 bar, most sealed systems won't function due to boiler safety devices.

[goodasitgets]

Thank you - am checking now... Pressure I have put back up by letting water in. Reset button won't work as no lights or anything coming on
Fuses seem ok...

[PigletJohn]

Is it a combi?

Is the electrical connection via a plug and socket? Is it on? Has the fuse blown?

Is the display/all lamps/timer off?

Has the timer been set to "off?"

[goodasitgets]

Combi - ideal boiler
Um, all fuses I think are in a wall box which all appear ok. Thermostat hasn't been touched, everything is on as it should be

[goodasitgets]

Picture of front of boiler

[goodasitgets]

I think electrical connection is via a switch in the wall - it's a new build so just a switch visible, it's next to the boiler so I am presuming now

[PigletJohn]

Does the switch have a small rectangular hatch for a fuse?

[PigletJohn]

Does the switch have a small rectangular hatch for a fuse?

[goodasitgets]

Yes... I think so
Sorry I'm crap. A hatch above the actual switch, it sits horizontally

[PigletJohn]

Take the fuse out. Test it with your fuse tester. Or put it in the plug of a table lamp or clock radio, nothing bigger, and see if the appliance works.

It should be 3A. Don't fit a 13A fuse. If blown there is probably a water leak or chafed cable inside the boiler and you need a mender.

[goodasitgets]

Yeah that's going to be my issue. I feel like a right dick - I don't have a toolbox of any description, any means of getting the hatch off or a clue what I am doing
I've found a boiler person to come Monday am but I will feel like a total idiot if it's just the fuse

[PigletJohn]

Tesco sells sets of screwdrivers (you will need a very small one) and fuses (you will need 3A)

[goodasitgets]

Thank you - I have access to b&q etc tomorrow
Now for the stoopid question, I have managed to move the slit bit which I presume pops the fuse hatch open but it won't pop out
Should the slit bit be horizontal or vertical when I am trying to pop it out because either doesn't seem to be working?
And can you recommend a DIY course for dummies?! (Thank you)

[PigletJohn]

If there is no retaining screw for the hatch, then it probably levers out with the small screwdriver after you have turned off the power. There will be a small groove for the screwdriver tip. The cartridge fuse is in the white carrier than levers part-way out (it does not usually detatch)

[goodasitgets]

Yes, that's the word, there is a screw thing that turns, I can hear it click, but neither way seems to help it pop out
I stopped trying before I broke it (heavy handed)

[PigletJohn]

Post a photo.

It probably unscrews about half an inch, and drives the fusecarrier out.

[ThatWasNice]

Is it like this?

[goodasitgets]

Pic

[PigletJohn]

In Nice's pic, you turn the screw and the carrier comes out (or goes in)

In yours it looks like a screwdriver goes into the slot to lever the carrier out. I don't recall seeing them with both a slot and a screw. Perhaps as you say there is a latch. Look at some others in your house and see which way the screwhead points.

[goodasitgets]

No joy
I'm getting pissed off at myself now. The switches all seem to face different ways (damn builders)
I can swivel it vertically or horizontally and hear it click but it won't lever out and am so wary of breaking it
Will try and knock for a nice neighbour tomorrow
If it is the fuse though I guess it's worth the boiler person coming out in case it's a leak...?

[ThatWasNice]

In my uninformed opinion I would guess the screw slot should be horizontal then you should just be able to prise the fuse cover off?

[goodasitgets]

I knocked for my lovely neighbour who came over. She popped the fuse out and swapped it for me, and still no joy so have ruled the fuse out

[goodasitgets]

Thought I would update you
Excuse my not technical terms
The main PCB supplies the control bit on the front (the bit that says min/max, lights up etc)
Anyway the PCB is working and supplying feed but the control bit is dead
The boiler man rang the boiler company who obviously have come across this before and said instantly the main PCB has to be replaced
£220 for the PCB and £60 for boiler man

[PigletJohn]

OOI, what make is it, and how old?

[goodasitgets]

Ideal (don't grimace!) HE24
8 years old next month