After removing a radiator and filled the boiler, the pressure stabilised for 2 hours then went up to 3 bar. The system drained the water out. Since then I have not been able to fill the system. I have replaced the combination filling loop, but still no water in the upstairs radiators. The downstairs radiators are full but not the upstairs. The pressure gauge is still zero.

Can anyone help?

Danny, May 2008

Hi
We recently had a problem with our 8 yr old boiler, which has never been serviced. Various friends had said it might possibly need this or that. We called out a local plumber who just looked but checked nothing then quoted us £200 + Vat to replace the heat exchanger which he said may fix the problem -as "the heat wasn't getting around properly".
We then rang Vaillant who said they would charge £215 inc Vat which would include all parts, labour and call out fee, (except if we needed a Heat Exchanger or expansion vessel which would cost an extra £100 each). The Call centre also said that if we decided not to go ahead with the repair following the call out, then we would be charged about £80.
We decided to go ahead and risk this, and we're so glad we did! Everything was expertly checked and tested. Our boiler was fixed, the Vaillant Engineer fitted about 8 new parts and it now works like new- all for £215!. All the chrome pipes leading to the heat exchanger were silted up with gunge and this was the problem, not the heat exchanger itself. Moral of the story... Call out the experts in the long run it's cheaper -than tinkering yourself or asking a local plumber who could have charged us for all sorts, (including parts not even needed) and still not fixed the problem.
Vaillant- Tel: 0870 6060 777.
P.S. I'm not on commission - just trying to save you some money!

Val

Val, May 2008

Have you tried bleeding air from the rads upstairs while the filling loop is open?

If you have, look at zone vales and gate valves, make sure all are in the open position, make sure all radiator valves are open.

T, May 2008