Bypass pipe clips leaking on Alpha Ocean combi

[xanthophile]

Ends of bypass pipe linking CH flow to return on back of boiler are held by spring clips. I have dripping from both clips. System still ran although pressure was 0 Bar. Topped up to 1 Bar and is running fine.
All rads getting hot, suggesting no blockage, so why would bypass pipe be in use anyway?
If boiler does decide to route water via bypass, why are both joints dripping, not sealed?
I noticed it when CH was off. Could this be related to the cold weather?
Thanks.

 

[bellairaphon]

what is the system pressure? when cold and when ch on?

Nath

 

[xanthophile]

After dripping had been happening for however many days: 0 Bar.
After I topped it up this morning (cold) 1 bar (green zone).
Now that it's been running 1.5hrs and house warmed up: 1.8 to 1.9 Bar.

 

[petit_pablo]

The bypass pipe will always have water in it regardless of what the boiler is doing.

There is a o ring on each end of the pipe, these will be whats leaking. Its a right PIA to replace these too

 

[xanthophile]

Cheers Nath & Pablo,
I am intrigued as to why both O rings should leak simultaneously, not having done so before. It does look to be in a right fiddly place.

It appears that I could shut the flow & return valves, leave the rads full and drain only the boiler. Does that sound right or must I go for the full drain down?

Are these O rings standard across many boilers so that I could buy a pair from my local boiler spares or would they be so specialised as to have to come from the manufacturer?

 

[petit_pablo]

You will only need to drain boiler.

The o rings are specific to that bypass pipe iirc but any heating spares centre should be able to source the correct ones. You will also need a washer or two as the expansion vessel is tee'd into the bypass too

 

[xanthophile]

Hi Pablo,
Had a good look behind boiler and also on diagram in the manual. Can't see any sign of a pipe from the expansion vessel teeing in to the bypass pipe.
Am I missing the obvious?
Cheers.

 

[petit_pablo]

Hi Pablo,
Had a good look behind boiler and also on diagram in the manual. Can't see any sign of a pipe from the expansion vessel teeing in to the bypass pipe.
Am I missing the obvious?
Cheers.

Possibly not, i might be getting my boilers mixed up as they are pretty much the same as a few others inside.

 

[Agile]

It sounds as if you exp[ansion vessel is failed or needs repressurising!

See FAQ to test and repressurise.

Sometimes rotating "O" ring seals sometimes helps them to reseal. other times the ring needs replacing and I always use a bit of silicone grease to reseal.

Tony