Leak in the system?

Question

I've recently had a new boiler installed (not a combi) and have had the system sealed in my 2 bedroom flat. It has been losing pressure regularly which means the boiler doesn't start up when the gauge hits zero completely. They have tried putting a leak sealer into the system and changing the expansion vessel. Now, when the boiler is off the gauge sits at, or just above, zero. It now loses pressure every 5 days or so. I've been told that there is likely a leak in the pipework which is enclosed in a concrete floor. Could it be an alternative problem or I will have to have new pipework all through the property. Suggestions welcome! Thanks.

Answer 1

yep, its likely a leak.

However it can easily be isolated by splitting the system into sections and narrowing down the pipework without ripping it all out. A decent ( or even a rubbish one ! ) plumber can do this for you.

If all the system is in concrete with no isolation valves then there is a design lesson for you.

I would first isolate the system as it leaves the boiler just before it enters the concrete. At least that will prove the bolier is OK. Is the boiler holds the pressure for a week, then yes, its down to the pipe work and you might end up with surface mount pipes by the end of January.

Either way, leaks dont heal themselves so I suggest you get onto it soon as it could be introdcuing long term damage if left unfxed for any period of time ( weeks are ok, months not ).

As you now have a sealed system the pressure has gone up to mains pressure. Its likely the increases pressure has found a weak point that the gravity system could cope with. Its not the fault of the recent plumber who installed the boiler, i don't think cowboydoc understood the question fully. As i understadn it, the pipework was existing and used to be a gravity feed system. Your original concrete embedded system might have been laid with gravity systems in mind, do you know what joints are used in the concrete ?

anyway, isolate the boiler, if it hold pressure and you can't isolate the pipes in the concrete then you'll have to run surface mount and box them in, or channel into the walls.

Between £1K-£3K to redo the pipes.

Answer 2

I know what "I'd be doing "I'd be looking for the people that did that work real fast" I'd have them doing my work only until they had that system working.
Why in the heck didn't they check that system out before sealing it in? This almost happen to my daughter in Northern Minnesota. She called one day and said "Dad it's 98 above in the kitchen, so we can keep it warm in the bedrooms, it was 48 below zero outside. They hadn't sealed in the kitchen floor yet (plumbers) Since I've been in the business for half my life, I knew what that meant so I told her, under no circumstances she should let them finish or "off the hook" until they correct it" They found the leak, but she made them leave it for another week, to make sure.
They are responsible. Get them back and make them correct it, for whatever it's going to cost them, it's their mistake, not yours, make them correct it.

Answer 3

looks like the ductwork would not be insulated or good? occurring on warm days bc the cooler air from vents closer to the plenum or substantial air grant creates condensation...Which builds up moisture, then swimming pools bc no forced air is present and makes water droplets... If the insulation isn't the wrongdoer and you may desire to not be certain the rest... attempt putting a diverter into the ductwork to equivalent out the air grant interior the gadget.

Answer 4

They think it might be a leak ? Come on - they can test for leaks, and tell you for sure what the problem is and where it is too.

If you have a leak, where is the water going ? It must be escaping somewhere, and will likely be storing up trouble for you later on if you don't get it fixed.

Answer 5

How is it you have an expansion vessel and a water gauge if it is not a combi boiler????

Answer 6

your best bet is to go to some one that is an expert in that