Hi,

Our boiler has started to act up on us. I had the heating on constant the other day. I was up in the bathroom and heard a strange sound coming from the boiler. I ran the hot tap to wash my hands and the water spurted out and it was brown in colour.

The boiler had locked out. I tried turning on the heating again but the pipes made a funny sound before the boiler locked out again.
It's working fine for hot water but any time we try to turn it on for heating the pressure gauge shoots up to 4 before the pipes start to rattle.

We're just back from holidays and our cat was very ill so we can't afford to pay for a plumber until next week but I was hoping somebody could tell us what they think it is and if we could fix it ourselves or how much we would expect to pay.


The gas boiler is a potterton combi 80.
Many thanks,
Pam:)

You better call for service before more damage is done.

Can you give me any indication as to what the problem may be?

Thank you

You have a pump that circulates water through the radiators. It sounds like it has a problem, perhaps something blocking its outlet. Look for an electric motor with something on the end of it with pipes in and out. With the power off, try to turn any of the shaft coming out of the pump. If it doesn't turn easily, you have found the problem. I am not sure repairing or replacing the pump is a good DIY starter project. Maybe a little oil in a cap near the end of the motor would be all it takes.