We have an old-ish Potterton Flamingo boiler that we inherited when we bought our flat 3 1/2 years ago, it isn't the prettiest thing but it works - until now!

The boiler is firing and we have hot water from the taps but our radiators are cold. They have all been bled so it isn't trapped air. It sounds like it might be the pump, it's making a weird whining noise! Is it time to get the whole thing replaced? I hope not as could do without the cost just before Christmas!

Justine, December 2006

Yes it is proberly the pump, depending on the make and model there should be a speed selector on the pump , try turning it up to 3 or 4 max speed to see if this kicks it into turning again, if it's making a whinning sound then it's ceased or is on it's way to being so. There should be a little round inspection plate held in by a pozi screw, undo this and see if it's turning inside.
But a new pump is quite easy to fit and about £45 upwards.You just turn the isolator valves off each side of the pump then using a big adjustible or wrench spanner undo the fitting each side of the pump, this is a standard industry fitting and the new one will fit straight in, make note of the flow direction and the elctrical connections (obviously isolate the power first) or get a electrician to change over the wiring if you don't feel competent to do so..

Daz, December 2006