Baxi 105e with leaking valve

[jhiker]

Hi,
I have a Baxi 105e with an intermittent drip from one of the valves. It appears to be dripping on startup from cold - when the system is warmed up the drip stops. It seems to be coming from the spindle on what I think is the 'Heating Return Valve' - it's the one on the extreme RHS as you look at the boiler from the front.
I can't see any way to adjust the spindle seal so I'll have to get a plumber in to replace it, I think.
Despite the water scale on some of the other fittings I can't see any other leaks ( I had my head in there for half an hour last night and again this morning).
Could someone confirm it is, in fact, the Heating Return Valve.
Does a replacement have to come from Baxi or can they be sourced at a plumber's merchants?
Is it a fairly straightforward fix for a competent plumber?
Any thoughts on cost to replace?
Many thanks!

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• jhiker
• 22 Nov 2013
• 1

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• jhiker
• 22 Nov 2013
• 1

 

[Slugbabydotcom]

It does appear to be that valve but feel around above it to make sure it isn't running down from somewhere else. These leaks are very common. Sometimes they can heal themselves up if you leave them alone, sometimes you can tighten the screw that holds the lever in place and sometimes doing this can make it worse. Occasionally you can jiggle the valve to a position where it doesn't leak.
The only sure way of course is to replace it.
With a bit of luck and good access it should take less than an hour but without that could take a bit longer.
I've just took one of these out if you have trouble getting hold of a new valve.

 

[Agile]

If the leak is not causing the pressure to go down too often then its not very serious.

It may look a simple job at first but because there is no way to isolate the system each rad needs to be turned off first and then the pipework drained to enable the valve to be replaced.

If you were local then I would charge £84 plus the cost of the valve which are usually about £35 each and that would include a service to the boiler.

Tony

 

[jhiker]

Thanks for the comments. I can't tell whether it's the 'return' or the 'DHW return' valve. Could you enlighten me?

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• jhiker
• 22 Nov 2013
• 1

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• jhiker
• 22 Nov 2013
• 1

 

[jhiker]

Ah! - think I got it..

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• jhiker
• 22 Nov 2013
• 1

 

[mfarrow]

There should be clue-giving little pictures stamped into the back plate, telling you what pipe coming through it does what.

 

[jhiker]

It may look a simple job at first but because there is no way to isolate the system each rad needs to be turned off first and then the pipework drained to enable the valve to be replaced.
Tony

Good point. Actually the boiler is in a cupboard upstairs, where the cistern used to be. The leaky valve is probably a little bit higher than the valves on the radiators. Will it still need a full system drain?