Bubbles in solar system

sculptor

There sems to be a lot of air in the solar pipes and the no pressure in the expansion vessel. It was commissioned on 20 nov. 08 (this is the one I lost the grant for) the plumber has been promising to come down and have a look at it since July.
<snip> do mention specifc names please... syd..... the supplier keeps fobing me off said he doesnt want to rock the boat with SEI. He was selling through a local plumbing supplier who I paid on 2/7/ but he supplied the goods 8/8, letter of offer 25/7. Should I ring them myself or is it a lost cause.
Should have went with my initial gut reaction and bought from you.

homer911

There should be a pressure gauge next to the pump. You should check what this is showing when the pump is running and when its not.

Sounds like a lost cause with your supplier - get someone else to check the system for leaks and repressurise it

quentingargan

Yes - I would look at that pressure gauge, but also, I wonderer where the pressure relief valve is routed to. If there is a container there to gather the fluid lost, then see if there is some in there. If there is, you have had a blow-off incident. If there isn't you may have a leak (ugh!), or a failed expansion vessel (especially if it is an unsuitable one, usually painted red for heating systems).

But you do need a proper diagnosis by an installer on-site. You also have a warranty issue with your installer. SEI registered installers are required to give a warranty - I know you lost your grant for other reasons, but the warranty should still stand. What use that is if someone doesn't answer their phone is another matter.

sculptor

Thanks for your replys at now least I have an idea of some of the issues involved.
The supplier told me on the phone that my plumber let the pressure out of the vessel when they were installing it but the installer signed off anyway, my plumber was to fix it, dont know why I wasnt told at the time. He said he will be down tomorrow so maybe it will be sorted.

quentingargan

I would wonder at a plumber who opted to let the air out of an expansion vessel. If that's all that's wrong, you're lucky - a few pumps of a bicycle pump and a fill and bleed should remedy it. Lets hope that's the lot...