Automatic filler

Gagetman

Hi, does anyone know where I would get an automatic filler to replace the manual filling loop on my boiler. I keep forgetting to check the pressure until it's too late and then it cuts out leaving us without heating

Outkast_IRE

Gagetman wrote: »

Hi, does anyone know where I would get an automatic filler to replace the manual filling loop on my boiler. I keep forgetting to check the pressure until it's too late and then it cuts out leaving us without heating

You should be more concerned with why the pressure is dropping so regularily.

Gagetman

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

You should be more concerned with why the pressure is dropping so regularily.

It's not dropping regularly maybe once a year it needs to be repressurised, it's just an inconvenience when it happens

Tom44

Automatic fillers are not as automatic as you think.
They jam.

I'm not a big fan of their use for a number of reasons.
Either jamming or constantly filling a leaking system resulting in complete system (radiators and boiler) having to be replaced.

At least with the manual fill, you'll notice if there's a problem before it does damage

Gagetman

What does one of theses automatic fillers look like and where would I get one?

jca

Gagetman wrote: »

What does one of theses automatic fillers look like and where would I get one?

Any plumbers merchants will have them. I'm on my second one which is currently disabled, believe what the others have said they are complete junk. Both of mine failed by sticking and allowing the system to fill to the point where the prv lifted on the boiler sending water everywhere, luckily my boiler is outside. I was lucky the house wasn't flooded as the pressure vessel was ruptured too. Put a reminder on your phone or something but don't use an auto filling valve, you'll regret it.

K.Flyer

Once a year to top up a heating system is acceptable. If thats all it is just make sure it is correctly pressurised on the next boiler service and every service after that.
Fitting auto fill valves is asking for trouble and will not allow you to be aware of leak issues should any arise.

Tom44

If your fitting one yourself you need to also know how to regulate the pressure to the desired setting, normally 1.25 bar and also check that the pressure expansion vessel is fully charged to the correct pressure and checked annually.

Gagetman

Very interesting advice there I will take it on board, how much would one of theses auto fillers cost me?

I'd advise against fitting a auto filler to a perfectly good heating system, auto fillers were originally only fitted by bad men to cover system leaks which can cost homeowners many thousands of euro repairing the mayhem of a undiagnosed heating system leak which you would of spotted very very quickly if you were topping up the heating system yourself.

Dtp1979

Hey will you guys stop criticising automatic fillers.
They're one of the main money makers for me. I constantly replace rads, safety valves, heat exchangers, expansion vessels.
Fit new boilers and powerflush heating systems. And All because of these wonderful valves.
Thank you auto fillers.

K.Flyer

Dtp1979 wrote: »

Hey will you guys stop criticising automatic fillers.
They're one of the main money makers for me. I constantly replace rads, safety valves, heat exchangers, expansion vessels.
Fit new boilers and powerflush heating systems. And All because of these wonderful valves.
Thank you auto fillers.

Tom44

Dtp1979 wrote: »

Hey will you guys stop criticising automatic fillers.
They're one of the main money makers for me. I constantly replace rads, safety valves, heat exchangers, expansion vessels.
Fit new boilers and powerflush heating systems. And All because of these wonderful valves.
Thank you auto fillers.

Nice list,
But do you replace the "auto" filler or leave the existing ?
:):)




You can't help admiring people who plan ahead for the future.

Dtp1979

Tom44 wrote: »

Nice list,
But do you replace the "auto" filler or leave the existing ?
:):)




You can't help admiring people who plan ahead for the future.

I'd make the customer aware of what's causing the problem. If they wish to change it then I will

Gagetman

So basically if there was an automatic filler that could distinguish between a normal pressure drop and a leak and only fill for a pressure drop then all problems would be solved?

Dtp1979

Gagetman wrote: »

So basically if there was an automatic filler that could distinguish between a normal pressure drop and a leak and only fill for a pressure drop then all problems would be solved?

Yes it's called a filling loop. But it's not automatic unfortunately