Heat Exchanger leaking - advice needed

[TONK249]

Hi all,

We have a 4 year old boiler. Was serviced the other day and the engineer explained the heat exchanger is leaking. Also the system is asking for water (F and E tank in the attic is constantly dripping/clear of the overflow). We are at a bit of a loss as to what has happened. At first thought a leak but no sign anywhere and only section of system where pipes go underfloor is limestone which is notoriously absorbent (i.e. we would know if a leak). No other damp patches/leaking rads etc. My question is, is it unheard of for a heat exchanger on a 4 year old boiler to break? When was installed system was flushed out with all additives/inhibitors etc added. Have bled radiator today and water is clear/no sludge. Boiler is under warranty but we are worried an underlying cause is going unnoticed. Assume dripping into F and E tank is due to the leak from the heat exchanger. Any advice/opinion as to what we do next welcome

 

[ShaunCorbs]

What's the boiler ?

 

[TONK249]

Sorry, it's a 35kw Firebird (external) open vented oil fired

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Boiler internally or do you have the external model

 

[TONK249]

External model (thankfully as leak not indoors!)

 

[Gasmk1]

Is this a condensing boiler if so could it be leaking internally and out of the condensate pipe

 

[TONK249]

Hi, it is the condensing boiler. This leak is separate to the condensing pipe (he showed me the electronic control box full of water which he has temporarily replaced with another as the original blew about 6 hours after he left)

 

[king of pipes]

Contact the manufacturer first have the installation details to hand but dont hold your breath, you will need to have it repaired or replaced best of luck. kop

 

[TONK249]

Thanks. We have contacted them and they have been very helpful. Just worried that there is something else or is it likely there is another underlying issue?

 

[king of pipes]

Let them come check it out even if there is a cost you can always claim a refund if it's proved it's a manufacturing fault cheers kop .

 

[SimonG]

5 years on shell.

Probable install error.

Any pics of airing cupboard pipework.

 

[Best]

It does happen on the odd one on all makes of boilers.
But if your system was pumping up into the f&e tank or absorbing air elsewhere, then the steel parts of system will corrode and pin hole.
A sealed heating system is the best system, if all the pipe work and valves are sound.
Hopefully your boiler is just a faulty one and you get a new boiler shell or complete boiler for free.
Could you put on a couple photos of boiler install, as well as airing cupboard?