We have the above boiler, about 2 1/2 years old. It s sprung a leak in the DHW cast plastic pipe out of the LH distro.
Pic here: http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s76/bajw92/bits/boiler4.jpg
We drained the tank and have temporarily repaired the pipe and plan on getting a replacement part once we have sold a kidney to fund it.

We are having difficulty refilling the system. The manual is a bit vague.
We have tried the blue refil loop tap but it does nothing and the pressure is still 0.0bar.
I think it just needs a tube fitted onto the drain tap and nd the other end to a mains tap and then opening the taps.
Other people in the house have outvoted me (to be fair, they are the ones who paid for the boiler in the first place)

The only other place I can see to add the water is a threaded pipe on the Low pressure bit the blue fill loop goes to.

There is logic in both of these options.

Its now the weekend. We dont want 2 more days of not hot water, and dont really want to call a plumber out for such a simple job when they will have to return for replacing the LH distro block when we get the replacement.


Anyone have an idiots guide to refilling a GW 38cxi?

Also, I feel a plastic pipe in a non-moving part should not fail after 2.5 years. The hole is suspeciously next to a mould mark on the pipe. Do I have any comeback from GW?

Mart, June 2008

I cannot comment on the leaking part of your problem as i am NOT a plumber, But I had the same problem with refilling my boiler. It would appear the most likely fault is the sheering of a plastic internal part in the top up valve (the bit which the screw piece is attached too).
Glow worm updated this piece which is now made of metal internal parts. I bought a new one for £13 and from start to finish, it took less than 10 minutes to replace. Anyone who can use a screw driver and remember to turn the water supply to the boiler off first, can do this simple job. It even came with new fixing clips and washers.
Oh and you don't even have to drain the boiler first. Just have a towel ready for any spillage and make sure the electics are covered.
Hope this answers your question.

Gary (Not a plumber), September 2008

Yep indeed u do. this should of been done under warranty.

how to kill while ure still alive, July 2008

Thank you.

The water leak is a fine mist from a pinhole spraying to the left side of the boiler. The fix is good.
The PCB (which is housed in front of a plastic plate) is sealed off from most water spray by design. Its a design that works as, judging from the puddle on the floor it was leaking for a good half day before we came home and discovered the problem.

Gas does kill but as I want to FILL THE TANK WITH WATER I don't think this will be much of an issue.

I understand how boilers work, I understand water and electricity dont mix, I understand fire hot.
I dont understand how to fill it up with water.

Mart, June 2008

GW: response, out of warranty....sorry

as regards your 'REPAIR' if you leak water in there you run the risk of blowing the pbc board (many more vital organ sales required)

get the plumber to sort it out, don't mess with that you barely understand!

PS...gas can kill

T, June 2008