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Post by ladyplumber on Apr 26, 2017 14:23:27 GMT
Today I was asked to look at a broken boiler, When i got there they told me the boiler was at the back of the radiator, I was completely astounded I've never seen or learned of such a thing so I had a quick look, Apparently the radiator is a front cover that swings out and the boiler and pump is at the back, I tried pulling the rad open but it did't want to budge and i did't want to pull too hard and break it, So I did a quick retreat, I said I do some research and return with any knowledge I'd acquired,
thanks for any help, Lizzy,
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Post by ladyplumber on Apr 26, 2017 14:29:45 GMT
no one about I see, I'll pop back on tonight, see you later alligator,
Lizzy
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Post by rocketmanbkk on Apr 26, 2017 16:07:42 GMT
Did you take pics?
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Post by tomplum on Apr 26, 2017 16:56:35 GMT
that will be the old servowarm master, quite a thing in its day, You did right not to force the ' door' it relies on rubber washers to seal, if you force the rad to open and the rubbers rip, you're in big trouble, Attachment Deleted |
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Post by tomplum on Apr 26, 2017 16:59:36 GMT
see where it hinges top and bottom, there are rubber seals in there, they corrode over time and if you force it open the rubbers will split and the water will flood the room,
I worked for Servowarm during the 80's and these where very common,
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Post by ladyplumber on Apr 26, 2017 17:22:26 GMT
WOW, that's the one Tom, How would I open it up to get at the problem ? Its an old couple and they don't want the upset of a new boiler,they've been offered a free new boiler for their bungalow, they said no,they are thinking that " a good service" will fix it,
Lizzy
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Post by tomplum on Apr 26, 2017 17:38:46 GMT
I'm afraid things look bad, they're hoping a service will fix it but I'd put money on its only worth scrap but this is what I would do, Drain off from a nearby rad, when its empty put plenty towels round the boiler, there's still a few gallons in the boiler and there'll be a drain off inside the cabinet once you've opened it. So open the boiler by pulling at the rad, In some cases the hinge will split and whats left of the water will come out, If that happens the boiler is dead, you won't get a replacement hinged rad. that  , IF it does open without breaking and leaking spray the top and bottom with WD40 and work it about and it might survive, then you will see all the boiler components, the combustion inspection plate is at the bottom held on by about 20 phillips screws inside is the burner tray, outside is a standard honeywell gas valve, a stat,a overheat stat,thermacouple,injector and igniter all very straight forward, So if it opens you could get it up and running, its all on thats door/radiator, good luck Lizzy, that boiler will be older than you. |
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Post by ladyplumber on Apr 26, 2017 17:46:21 GMT
Thanks Tom, I'm going to give it a try, If I win, I'll be their heroine,If I lose they'll still be grateful for my trying to save the boiler.I'll make sure they understand the consequences first, then take the boiler challenge on,
Thanks again Lizzy
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Post by tomplum on Apr 26, 2017 17:47:31 GMT
you're welcome,  |
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Post by rocketmanbkk on Apr 27, 2017 6:38:22 GMT
I'd also have a go to fix it for £60 ph!!
Other than that it's a new boiler & rads.
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Post by ladyplumber on Apr 27, 2017 21:41:04 GMT
Hiya Tom, I'm glad I asked here, I did exactly as you advised and the rad did precisely what you predicted, It spilled out, luckily i protected the carpet and it limited the damage, The boiler is now useless, The old couple sort of knew it anyway so its a new dawn for them, they are now contacting social services to arrange a new boiler, I just charged them £50 for my time and expenses,
thanks Tom
lizzy,
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Post by tomplum on Apr 27, 2017 21:51:57 GMT
thanks for coming back and giving feedback, there's no cure for old age, in people,boilers or cars, We all have a best by date,  |
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Post by ladyplumber on May 2, 2017 10:07:17 GMT
You're welcome to the feedback Tom and I'm grateful for the guidance, If I'd just pulled the rad open like they wanted me to, We' d have been in trouble,
Since then they asked me for a boiler quote, They are getting a free one but, Its a condition of the boiler installer who is fitting it that, they get three quotes from local installers, Some kind of price fixing surveying policy, so that the boiler company is not ripping off the public purse, Its all good practice for me though and in return the old couple will let me know how my quote compares with the others,
cheers all,
Lizzy
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