Baxi Bermuda 401 - No CH, hot water fine

[jonc24]

I need help, been finding my heating a little unreliable (not heating up) over the past week, have also noticed over the last month that the noises made when the heating is on (creaking pipes etc) has been getting louder.

Now when I switch on the CH from the timer (programmer?) I no longer hear any creaking sounds and my radiators are not heating up, checked the back boiler, all is lit and kicking in occasionally, and is keeping my hot water hot, just no CH.

I am guessing that the creaking noised may have come from the 3 way valve that I have seen mentioned in these forums loads, and that maybe the motor has gone in this (assuming I do not have a fault in the programmer), so I am thinking I need to find the 3 way valve and play with a manual lever to see what that does.

The problem I face is that I have no idea where this valve would be, my water tank is in a cupboard in a bedroom, in front of this is a pump sticking up from the floor boards.

I have searched the cupboard (emptying it of all the nicely folded towels now in a heap on the bed) and cannot find it, so I figure it is probably under the floor boards, thus now I have started pulling those up, and although I cannot see all the pipe work I have not yest spotted it.

Is anyone able to give me a clue where this might be located before I do too much more damage to the house, could it be downstairs near the back boiler?

I can take photos if that would help, any assistance would be so gratefully received.

 

[Gas2Air]

It sounds very likely you have a pumped CH and gravity hot water system. Room stat up? Pump running/vibrating on CH demand? What pump is it?

 

[jonc24]

Hey Gas2Air, thanks for quick response.

Pumped CH & Gravity HW doesn't mean masses, but kinda fits with what I have been thinking. Can't feel any vibrating on CH demand, but then not sure I usually can, am aware of noises from that corner of the bedroom but never felt the pump under normal circumstances.

The pump doesn't have many markings, it is a blue metal case, with some black plastic boxes and a gromitted wire going in to it. The markings I can find are 'SMC' and 2.1 mfd, 440V, the pump case and pipes feel very (very) mildly warm.

 

[Gas2Air]

Then your pump has failed, they are pushing over 20+ years! Time to have a new shiny one fitted

 

[jonc24]

Gas2Air

Thanks for the info, it is very kind of you to help, could I trouble you for a few more answers if you can?

1) Does this mean that there is no 3 way valve, and that I should apologise to the other half for the mess I have made?

2) Is this a DIY or professional job, I have plumbed a kitchen but never done anything with heating before, happy to pay for a professional if needed but if I can read, learn and do myself then I would prefer to get a better understanding that way. Although right now the thought of 'draining a system' does scare me a little

3) Is this an expensive job?

Thanks for your help.

 

[jonc24]

As an aside, I took a few pictures anyway, and it does look pretty old

Untitled

• jonc24
• 29 Dec 2008
• 1

 

[Gas2Air]

Judging from your pic, the blue arrow on the side pointing up, where does that pipework go?

It is a relatively easy DIY job depending if the 2 pump valves turn off either side of the pump and hold. No need to drain.


It can vary with price, depending on access, if them 22mm gate valves don't hold it, etc .

Here's a free tip put your heating on, make sure your room stat is up, then get a hammer or similar weopon of choice it hit sharpish on the blue side a few times, try and wake her up.

 

[jonc24]

Ok, going to do some research on the matter and look at pumps, I have used a friendly plumber in the past who would be willing to take over if I get into difficulties.

Will give the hammer approach a little try and see where it goes.

The up pipe goes back down, another picture below.

Untitled

• jonc24
• 29 Dec 2008
• 1

 

[jonc24]

Gas2Air, you are a genius!

SHE LIVES TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY, I appreciate it might just be one more day, but tomorrow is better than today, the sharp whack kicked it into life, and all my radiators are heating up along with a gentle smile appearing once again on my lady's face.

Thank you for your assistance, it has been invaluable.

 

[Gas2Air]

You're welcome.