Header Tank in Loft Question

[abring8]

- The overflow from the header tank in the loft is spitting out every now and again... I went upstairs to check it out and the ball cock and value seem fine.

Then upon a second visit I nearly got burnt because hot water came out of a pipe, not the cold feed(but presumably from the boiler) into this tank...

Why is hot water going into this tank?

Please help all advice welcome!

 

[GasAid]

You probably have poorly configured pipework which is starting to block - As such; your system is "pumping-over", try turning your pump speed down as a temporary repair; then get your system powerflushed and reconfigured in the airing cupboard by someone that knows what they are looking for.

 

[croydoncorgi]

If it's VERY hot water coming intermittently out of the vent, the boiler may be overheating (many possible causes).

If hot water is dripping or running out of the vent all the time the pump is on, then the likeliest (but not only) explanation is that the cold feed is partly blocked.

Either way - it needs fixing ASAP.

 

[bathjobby]

I posted the following over a year ago, a search would have found it for you, but here it is anyway;

What is the normal level of water in the F/E tank ? If it is too high it will pump over. With the system at rest (off) you should have only just enough water in the F/E tank to cover the feed pipe at the bottom of the tank (the point is that whatever water level you have in the tank will also be the water level in the expansion pipe (gravity is a wonderful thing) so if it is high, it will take very little expansion for it to over pump). You also ideally need the highest point of the expansion pipe to be at least 12" (40cm) above the top of the tank (accomodates more expansion before pumping over). But firstly lower the water level in your tank as described above and reset your ballcock to operate at that level then let us know the results.

So the easiest and first thing to check is that your water level in the feed & expansion tank is not too high.

 

[Donki]

Expansion pipework flowing (HOT WATER) over in to the F&E tank.

1. Is there any banging/knocking (loud) noise from the boiler. if yes then the boiler thermostat or pump may have gone.

2. Does the system pump over more when just on for the hot water, central heating turn off. If yes then more than likely blocking up coldfeed & expansion pipework near the pump inlet, TO CHECK THIS WITHOUT DRAINING DOWN & CUTTING THE PIPEWORK GET A STRONG MAGNET AND TRY TO STICK IT TO THE EFFECTED AREA, if it sticks/pulls towards the pipework then you've got a blockage and it will require powerflushing®.

3. Check the height & overhang of the expansion pipe in to the F&E tank if its bit on the low side it can cause the pump to push some water in to the tank. If it just lips over the top of the tank then get a Corgi plumber to increase the height.

Hope this will help
Donki