Having a full-blown boiler-related meltdown. No hot water, which I need for medical reasons - help!

[SwampyArmpits]

Started out with hot tap water not getting hot due to a pressure gauge issue. Followed the manual/YouTube instructions to repressurise as best I could (turn boiler to "off" position, open valves until pressure gauge reads 1-1.5 bars, close valves, turn boiler back on). Seemed straightforward enough, but now not only is the water still not getting hot, there's no water whatsoever coming out of the tap.

What have I done, MN?! I'm completely fucked and going to need to get in an engineer, aren't I? Please say no...

@PigletJohn Just in case the image isn't clear enough, there is another (black) handle on pipe 3, yes.

DHW inlet "A" must be open

Filling loop "B" must be closed.

CH return "C" must be open

It's difficult to read your instruction page, but I think it says A, B and C should be vertical.

@PigletJohn

A is closed, which I assume is causing the issue, then. Christ knows what I've done to it, but it will no longer move to open position. Can you see anything in the images I attached previously that might indicate the problem?

B is closed (correct) and still opens/closes when I try it.

I haven't touched C, so I assume it's in the correct position. It won't budge when I try it, either, though.

Based on the above, I can only assume I've broken my boiler (and brain concurrently).

I think I understand how it's done now, but put them vertical, and if it then works, I can describe it.

I can't move either A or C 😑

^ @PigletJohn

Is it a very old boiler op?
I'm thinking if it is then when you turned the valve some sludge has got stuck in it which is why it's stuck now, although I would expect to see a leak of some sort in that case
Contact your landlord, if you've no other means for hot water then it might be classed as an emergency.

Try and take some close ups of "A"

The plastic handle has a cut-out quadrant in the base, where you can see brass through it. It will be hard up against a brass projection that prevents it turning further in that direction. But it should turn the other way, so that the other side of the cutout is against the projection.

Try that.

If you have average strength hands, you should be able to turn it without tools. Thick rubber gloves will give you a better grip.

I won't suggest other methods at this point as you might break the plastic lever (but not the boiler) and it will then need tools to operate it.

Very annoying that it is Sunday tomorrow so difficult to get a plumber. It is quite a minor job if it is seized with limescale or something.

@Sh05 It's almost brand new! No visible sludge or debris of any kind. EA is not known for their responsiveness, so was hoping it would magically fix itself. Alas, it doesn't look promising...

@PigletJohn This is the best close-up I can get of A. I see the cutout you're referring to, but it won't budge either way, even with gloves. Fairly confident my hands are average strength(!). Can't see anything that would be blocking it, stopping it from turning.

Image didn't post!

Do you know a burly woman with big strong hands?

@PigletJohn 😂 Who's to say I'm not one?!

Might need a plumber then.

The handle is held on with a screw, but access will be very awkward because of the other valve beside it.

If you put a wrench on it, the plastic lever will probably break. A plumber would do that, as she can just fit a new one if necessary.

I can't see why it should be jammed.

@PigletJohn A kettle, a wing, and a prayer, then, in the meantime 😣 Don't think I could fit a wrench in there anyway, such an awkward position and not just because of the valve beside it!

Appreciate you taking the time to try and help.

If you have a boa-type strap wrench for unscrewing jar lids, it might be worth a try. Halford's have them. The strap is rubber.

Turn the blue handle in the picture so it points downwards, it should only move 45 degrees. That will fix it.

@PigletJohn I don't, but I'll have a look at Halfords in case this happens again (hope not!). Thanks!

Try giving the pipe a few gentle taps with a hammer or such. Might jump it loose. (Disclaimer - I'm not an expert!)

Also have an ideal boiler and it's a pain in my arse!

I can't see "boa" on the Halfords website, but they look like

www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=boa+strap+wrench+&_sacat=0

Honestly, if you rent then your first port of call is you landlord/their agent.

I would be concerned if you continued attempting to fix it yourself and caused damage, you will be liable for any repairs.

This will be as Piglet John described, one of the taps is not closed properly
All of the taps should turn through 90 degrees

swampy - Have you done as I suggested? My DH is a gas engineer and is 100% sure this will fix the problem.

Turn the blue handle in the picture so it points downwards, it should only move 45 degrees. That will fix it.

@wineosaurus4 Afraid the blue handle's stuck, which is clearly what's causing the issue, as many more knowledgeable MNers than me (you and your DH included!) have pointed out. Will have to get in touch with the EA.