How to re-fill a boiler/losing pressure (was gurgling rads)

[clueless78]

I had a new boiler - a Vaillant EcoTec plus 612 - fitted a few months ago. After the boiler was fitted the radiators were flushed. I haven't used the heating until the last few days so have only discovered now some strange noises going on when the heating is on!

The radiator closest to the boiler makes a constant water gushing/flowing noise when the heating is on, I presumed it was trapped air so bled the radiators but it has made no difference. The boiler also ocassionally makes a low grumbling noise, it almost sounds like drilling/motorbike engine outside the house - not massively loud but very 'vibrational' (if that's a word!) and makes my poor cat leg it upstairs every time it happens!

Any ideas? Do I need to ask the installers to come back or is it something that is normal with a new boiler?

 

[bellairaphon]

When you bled the rad, did you refill your boiler? The gushing could be the lock shield that's been closed down abit to much. Also the grumbling could be a blocked condensate.

Nath

 

[clueless78]

When you bled the rad, did you refill your boiler? The gushing could be the lock shield that's been closed down abit to much. Also the grumbling could be a blocked condensate.

Nath

Only a teeny bit of water came out (no sound of any air, just water straight away). There is an indicator on the boiler for what I presume is the pressure and after doing this I checked and it was just above the bottom line, I've just looked now and it's level with the bottom line - see pic. EDIT - NOW FLASHING LOW PRESSURE?

Could you give me a clue as to how to 'refill the boiler' please? As per my username I really am clueless! EDIT: SEE NEW PIC BELOW

Funny you should mention about a blocked condensate as after they fitted it there was a tiny drip from the condensation pipe which they put a bit of sealant on to fix but don't know if it's connected to the grumbling from the boiler?

NEW PIC

Just looked again (haven't touched anything) and it's now flashing 0.7 bar with a spanner sign! Have turned the heating off and would be grateful for any input!

 

[bellairaphon]

You will have a couple of valves possibly with a silver braided hose connected if not they should be capped. They will be either around your boiler or possibly in the cylinder cupboard. If they are remote to the boiler have someone watching the display while you open the valves to fill the system. Your installer should off shown you this.

Nath

 

[clueless78]

You will have a couple of valves possibly with a silver braided hose connected if not they should be capped. They will be either around your boiler or possibly in the cylinder cupboard. If they are remote to the boiler have someone watching the display while you open the valves to fill the system. Your installer should off shown you this.

Nath

I remember the flusher asking for the silver hose when he went into the airing cupboard upstairs (where the water cylinder is) but nobody mentioned refilling/topping up.

The pressure has dropped to 0.6 now, not sure if taht means something else is wrong?

I have taken pics of what's in the airing cupboard and would be eternally grateful for a step by step instruction of what to do please. I've read the manual and it says 'ask your approved competent person'!

There are two pipes that appear to be capped off but am obviously worried that if I take the ends off to attach the silver hose water will come flooding out! There are also two physical water taps??

Pics below...

 

[clueless78]

Just to add...

I bled the radiators over 24 hours ago and the pressure was fine, could it be a completely different problem that's causing the boiler to suddenly lose pressure ie it was within range when I first posted about teh gurgling, then dropped to 0.7 and now 0.6

 

[bellairaphon]

Ok take the caps off. Attach the hose. Then open the valve with a flathead screwdriver. Then open the tap before the valve till the pressure rises to 1.5 when the boiler pump is not spin. Then turn the tap off and close the penny valve.
Nath

 

[bellairaphon]

Also check your radiator valves have not developed a leak. If you had an open vented system the leak may be on the pipework. But you should call your installer back.

 

[clueless78]

Thanks everso much, that sounds simple enough but will attempt it tomorrow morning in daylight - your help is very much appreciated.

 

[bellairaphon]

Welcome.

Nath