Back boiler on open fire in old house query

whiteandlight

Hi all,

I've just moved into an older estate, I'd say circa 80s. There is an open fire with a back boiler. Theres a standard light switch on the wall beside it which I assume is for turning it on and off. There is a handle in the top middle of the fireplace which can be pulled forward and back.

Basically I've tried turning on the switch and pulling the handle forward but while the radiators have got mildly warm it doesn't seem to work well at all. None of the radiators are more than marginally warm (enough to not be stone cold, but not enough to heat it) and the hot water tank is not hot at all.

I started with briquettes and added coal once it was started.

I'm just wondering has anyone got any idea what I'm doing wrong or is the thing just broken?
Thanks!

demanufactured

You need to put on a serious fire for those back boilers , Im guessing its a Grant Triple Pass by the description.

Asking19302

Check out the pump it may be clogged and need clearing or replacement. It should be close to the fireplace maybe even under floor boards which is not recommended.

whiteandlight

It's in the side of the chimney I reckon, there's a panel on the wall. Gonna get the h2b to check it tomorrow and then maybe get a plumber if it's not looking right. I doubt the landlord has done anything with it lately judging by the state of the fire grate (falling apart, replacing it next week)

heinbloed

Get the plumber in.
The handle might be the damper, it might be as well the flap.
The switch could be the pump.

If the fire is lighted and the radiators aren't geting hot there could be several reasons for this, so better get the professional in.

If the place is rented with 'features' then it is up to the landlord to make sure they work. Incl. the maintenance and/or repair, check the contract.

kscobie

The pump should be controlled by a pipe stat, fitted on the flow pipe, not on a switch