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Property/DIY

Boiler not working

23 replies

HexBramble · 17/08/2015 07:07

Been away for a few weeks and the trip switch for the boiler is on 'off' so the pilot light is off and the control box in my kitchen is powerless too.

I've re set the trip switch but still nothing. Boiler is only about 6 yrs old. I can't see any power switches on the boiler itself, just the temperature dials.

It's a Vaillant. Any ideas?!

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RoganJosh · 17/08/2015 07:13

How does the pressure look? It's usually the reason our boiler doesn't work.

addictedtosugar · 17/08/2015 07:38

Is control panel still blank? If so, see if a fuse has tripped.
We have a fused socket next to the boiler to stop all power like this . Got one of those?
Sometimes you need to run a hot tap, or put the heating on to get everything going again, but you'll need power to the control panel first.

HexBramble · 17/08/2015 07:52

Hi RoganJosh, thanks.
Yes, checked the pressure and it's looking too high. Not sure how to deal with this. It's just touching the red.

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HexBramble · 17/08/2015 07:59

AddictedToSugar, thank you.
Yes, control panel still blank. I've run the hot water tap to see if it will kick start anything, but still nothing.
Am having trouble clicking your link too - think problem is my end though (since getting back last night a few things seem to be a bit knackered ).

Going to see if there are any hidden away switches for me to prod at now.

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addictedtosugar · 17/08/2015 08:02

Need to get power going first.
Google images of fused spur switch to see if that trigger and memories, and have a look for n the fuse box.
Are you sure the control box isn't battery powered?

addictedtosugar · 17/08/2015 08:04

Just touching red should be OK, but it might increase when the boiler goes on.

HexBramble · 17/08/2015 08:06

I have vague memories that tell me that its electrically powered but not certain.

Will go google what you said now.

Am really grateful for your advice. Everyone else still in bed here and DH is poorly so want to get it sorted.

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HexBramble · 17/08/2015 08:07

Is there anyway of dropping the pressure manually?

Also, what would trip the electrics of the boiler and not effect anything else? Does this suggest a more serious problem, do you think?

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HexBramble · 17/08/2015 08:14

No fused spur switch.

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addictedtosugar · 17/08/2015 08:15

Just checked our fuse box. Heating is on its own circuit, so everything else could be OK. But yes, something has happened. But you say lots of things are funny. Is it possible you had a power cut while you were away, and that has messed some things up? I can tell when the power has been cut as I have a clock that resets to midnight when the power comes back, so it reads wrong!

There will be a valve somewhere that will release pressure.... I'd turn all the ones round it tilnthe pressure drops, but would prob also increase pressure in the process!!! I don't think touching red is a problem. I'd focus on getting the panel working as step one.
What time do you think PigletJohn will find this thread? If he contradicts anything I've said, go with what he says.

00100001 · 17/08/2015 08:20

Don't fiddle with the gas and pressure, not worth the risk!!

Are you covered by a policy at all? British Gas or something?

If not, call a gas safe engineer out and ask them to look at it.

HexBramble · 17/08/2015 08:28

All help gratefully receieved. Was wondering if PJ was on holiday

Strangely, even though I've not touched anything, the pressure dial has increased yet again and is now beyond the red

Yes, bedroom clock was flashing on 12:00 so something has interrupted the power to our house. Just hope that it was something outside the house and not inside!

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HexBramble · 17/08/2015 08:29

001 no I won't touch anything with the gas - definitely not.

Still getting no luck with the power to control panel.

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HexBramble · 17/08/2015 08:31

Taps in the house are firing out water with more pressure than normal too.

Have we had goblins in our house whilst away?!

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HexBramble · 17/08/2015 09:39

Have found the fused spur switch, but am unsure if it's an old one for the old boiler and not this existing boiler.

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PigletJohn · 17/08/2015 10:02

If the pressure is increasing, it either has an internal leak (rare) or the filling loop has not been turned off. Turn off the incoming water valve under your boiler (might be blue) and the filling loop. You may find water starts coming out if the pressure release valve that squirts though a pipe on the outside of the house hehind the boiler. You can release a little using the radiator bleed key, or the drain valve if you know where it is.

You may need to find the boiler instructions.

The pressure rise and the absence of power may be unconnected, or it might be that leaking water has shorted the electrics.

Call your boiler mender.

HexBramble · 17/08/2015 12:33

Thanks PigletJohn.
Have done that now - he'll be here this pm. DH has worsened (D&V) so I'm not going to try and sort it anymore

Thanks for everyone's input.

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HexBramble · 18/08/2015 07:58

Update - fuse had blown. There were spares inside too. All up and running again. Toaster was kaput when we returned too so maybe related?

Thanks all!

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00100001 · 18/08/2015 08:13

Good news :) hope your DH gets better soon

addictedtosugar · 18/08/2015 08:14

Glad you've got hot water again. Sounds like something has happened. If its a one off with screwy electrics, I'd assume it's something external. If it happens again, look carefully at what is going on in the house.

PigletJohn · 18/08/2015 09:01

But why was the pressure rising?

HexBramble · 18/08/2015 12:48

Hi PigletJohn. The pressure thing was playing on my mind too but eldest DD admitted that she'd turned on the tap to alter the pressure without realising that it was already fine.

Mr Plumber sorted this too and it seems to be holding steady.

A virtual Pint to you all.

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PigletJohn · 18/08/2015 15:58

it is rare, but possible, for a lost neutral in the street to cause voltage to rise towards 415. This can cause fuses to blow, and damage electrical equipment. It mostly happens when someone is digging the road up clumsily, but in older areas might be the result of heavy rain.

Ask your neighbours if they experienced anything odd while you were away. If you (or they) have a burglar alarm, it might have a log of when the power went off.

IME it is very difficult to claim compensation off the power co unless they admit negligence. The network operator's name and number will be on your electricity bill (it will usually be the company succeeding your old Regional Electricity Company, and need not be the company that sends you the bill).

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