Vaillant Ecomax PRV

[Basecoat]

Hi all

You Guys helped me identify the pressure loss on my ecomax boiler. I picked a new PRV locally from a boiler spares shop. I fitted the PRV and the pressure drop stopped. It was a aftermarket part.

Same problem has started again. This evening I checked the pressure relief pipe outside its a constant drip. I would have thought aftermarket parts are just as good as original. This time I am wondering if the valve can be stripped to check for correct seating. Is this possible or I have to buy a genuine PRV. Positive feedback will be highly appreciated.

 

[Boilerman2]

PRV's rarely start to leak, something makes them lift and then they do not re-seal check your Expansion vessel with the water pressure at zero, you should have an air charge of 1-00Bar in the vessel (it has a schraeder valve fitted and can be pumped with a foot pump or similar
P.S. the charge in the vessel SHOULD be checked annually when the boiler is serviced -I wonder how many bonus paid homeserve types have time to actually do this!!

 

[Beerlover]

Agree with boilerman about service issue, however 10 psi or 0.7 bar is the recommended precharge - for the average system.

 

[ChrisR]

We can't recommend taking it apart as it's a "safety component".
You could try putting the boiler pressure up higher then opening the PRV which will get a good flow of water to maybe clear it, then get it to Snap shut by turning.

 

[Basecoat]

PRV's rarely start to leak, something makes them lift and then they do not re-seal check your Expansion vessel with the water pressure at zero, you should have an air charge of 1-00Bar in the vessel (it has a schraeder valve fitted and can be pumped with a foot pump or similar
P.S. the charge in the vessel SHOULD be checked annually when the boiler is serviced -I wonder how many bonus paid homeserve types have time to actually do this!!

Hi "Boilerman2"

Thanks very much for analysis. I did exactly what you wrote. The pressure is now holding and I will keep watching it for couple of days. The Boiler was serviced in march whether the expansion vessel was looked at I couldn't say.

 

[Basecoat]

We can't recommend taking it apart as it's a "safety component".
You could try putting the boiler pressure up higher then opening the PRV which will get a good flow of water to maybe clear it, then get it to Snap shut by turning.

Hi "ChrisR"

Thank you to you also.

I have also done as you have suggested. Hopefully this will have cleared any debris stuck on the PRV seat. Also I agree with you PRV is a safety device therefore should be used as such without any repairs undertaken.

 

[Basecoat]

Agree with boilerman about service issue, however 10 psi or 0.7 bar is the recommended precharge - for the average system.

Hi "Beerlover"

Thank you for your input. Sound advice. I would buy you all a pint for sure.