Combi Boiler pressures and leaking overflow pipes

[nav123]

OK - here i go !

I have just moved into a new house and have found myself confronting a rather hostile heating system. I don't know much about these things - so please bear with me as I attempt to explain.

The radiators are heating very well and the pressure in the shower is amazing - BUT - (a very big but!!!)

- some of the radiators keep burning even when the thermostat is down to 10deg.
- On turning off the radiators i notice a couple of drops dripping from the valves on the sides of the radiators.
- the 'overflow/safety' pipe (which opens in the conservatory!!!) keeps dripping.

On looking inside the airing cupboard i noticed 2 red cylinders - and a water tank. (no labels of make!!!) but the pressure gauge had the black needle at 2.5 and the red one at 2. (which to me means TROUBLE!).
There is a boiler in the garage with 'Potterton' and 'suprima' labelled.
I believe I have a high pressure combi-boiler system.

I did discharge the pressure by turning a safety valve - which turned the conservatory into a swimming pool - and then I opened the valve to set the pressure back to 1. all seemed fine but 12 hrs later there was a puddle in the conservatory - from the overflow pipe.

Does anyone have any ideas what I need to do - or what am i doing wrong ?

I have tried turning the 2 valves in the airing cupboard to various positions - but no luck !
I have even called plumbers in - who have marvelled at the 'system' - but not given any useful solutions. One of them wanted to change ALL the valves on the radiators - saying they were substandard and causing the trouble !!!!

HELP !!! please !

 

[cowley]

You haven't got a combi boiler.
Check faq's for re-pressure expansion vessel.

 

[twgas]

firstly a suprima isnt a combi boiler.

the "overflow" pipe should go to outside and continual dripping is likely to mean a new PRV is reqd, and possibly expansion vessel needing attention.

rad valves leaking will usually mean replacement.

looks like you may need an expert.

 

[nav123]

ok - some one told me its a combi - but I guess not !!
are the 2 red cylinders linked to the suprima ?

and its good (in a way!) the overflow pipe is in the conservatory as i would have never noticed it dripping had it been out in the garden !!!!

what is a PRV ? and whats with the expansion vessel ? will a plumber be able to sort this out or do i need an engineer ?

Thanks.

 

[cowley]

Can you post pic's of airing cupboard/ red cylinders etc.