Urgent advice needed about hot water

[BobbyJoe]

Hi everyone, newcomer here looking for urgent advice as I am not sure what to do. I moved into my flat about 6 months ago and the landlord had installed a compact combi boiler which is about 3 years old and said it doesn’t need servicing. The problem is that whenever I use the hot water to (shower/bath/wash hands) my skin gets chapped I break out in a terrible rash which starts out as an itch then always a tiny cluster of little blisters appear which then bleed when scratched (looks similar to a fracking rash). I have never had any skin problems before and only when I moved into the flat that I noticed after about a month I was always itchy after using the hot water, so I decided to do some detective work.
The stopcock under the sink was replaced last month so that is fine, the pressure on the boiler is also fine, the mains cold supply is safe and I don’t have a water tank as the water is supplied via the cold mains. I told the landlord who said there shouldn’t be a problem as the boiler was checked a few years ago. I was told not to touch the “cold water inlet stopcock” which is just under the boiler but I did turn it to see what it does, instead of the cold water it controls the hot water pressure and clockwise it turns the water off and anti-clockwise it turns it on. Now for the strange part, when I turned it halfway I noticed within days that whenever I used the hot water I didn’t itch and the rash started to clear so what could the problem be does something need be replaced or is some inlet/outlet part in the wrong way around? How much is the cold-water inlet stopcock meant to be turned because when I turn it fully anti-clockwise and have a lot of water pressure, my skin breaks out, becomes chapped and the blisters appears.
Would anyone be able to offer any help or advice on this because I finally managed to get this flat and this problem is stressing me out that I am considering moving out and will then have to forfeit my deposit. I feel disappointed that the landlord and agency are not considering this as a problem because they say that everything such as the safety of the drinking water is safe but I know the problem lies with the hot water as I left for a few weeks and stayed at a friend’s house and my skin cleared up including the blisters but as soon as I came back to my flat within days it reappeared.
I would be very grateful if anyone can offer me any advice or suggestions thank you.

 

[Masood]

You've been adjusting the filling loop? If so mate this is rubbish

No, from descriptions in previous posts I think he's reducing the cold inlet flow into the boiler with the square black knob on the inlet pipe.

 

[Masood]

Okay so I have taken some photos of the filling loop and valves (sorry they aren't exactly the best). On the black lever on the right side of the filling loop there is an arrow pointing upwards yet the black valve is facing another direction. With the black valve on the left side of the filling loop I can't see an arrow pointing anywhere on the valve. Any further clarification on this thank you.
View attachment 27919View attachment 27920View attachment 27921View attachment 27922View attachment 27923View attachment 27924View attachment 27925

The position of the black valve handle on the right is fine - it shows that the valve is closed. The handle on the right shows the valve is open, and it should not be. Actually, to comply with water regs it must not be, and the braided hose must be removed from between the two valves unless filling the system.

The right-hand valve is facing the wrong way but that is not the non return valve, the left hand one is, and there will be an arrow on there somewhere. Please have another look and post the photo..

 

[BobbyJoe]

No I haven't touched the filling loop but adjusted the cold water inlet stopcock. How does the filling loop seem, as I am not sure if the left side of it is turned the right way because the black lever is turned fully anti-clockwise and I am not sure if should be turned clockwise or not (see previous pic) I will take another picture.

 

[Masood]

No I haven't touched the filling loop but adjusted the cold water inlet stopcock. How does the filling loop seem, as I am not sure if the left side of it is turned the right way because the black lever is turned fully anti-clockwise and I am not sure if should be turned clockwise or not (see previous pic) I will take another picture.

You need to turn the left hand valve of the filling loop to the off position - ie crosswise to the valve body. It should turn 90 degrees clockwise.

 

[BobbyJoe]

I have now turned the left hand valve of the filling loop to the off position (fully clockwise) I took a picture of what it looks like now does it seem okay because before it was turned fully anti-clockwise.
P.S I had asked my landlord for the boiler installers' details and he said that he couldn't remember and gave me a number instead, but the number he gave me doesn't exist anymore.

 

[Masood]

I have now turned the left hand valve of the filling loop to the off position (fully clockwise) I took a picture of what it looks like now does it seem okay because before it was turned fully anti-clockwise.
P.S I had asked my landlord for the boiler installers' details and he said that he couldn't remember and gave me a number instead, but the number he gave me doesn't exist anymore.
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Yes that is correct but we still need to see the arrow on that valve. It contains a check valve, so it can only be fitted in one direction.

 

[BobbyJoe]

I looked at it and at the back of it there is a arrow pointing upwards how does that seem? In fact both of the black levers on filling loop on the left and right side have arrows pointing upwards, thanks

 

[Masood]

I looked at it and at the back of it there is a arrow pointing upwards how does that seem? Thanks

Pointing upwards is correct - it's allowing water into the system from the mains but not back the other way. If my theory is correct about contamination, the non return valve could be stuck. There is a way of checking but I'm reluctant to suggest it as it could cause a bit of a flood. Remove the braided hose (the U-shaped silver pipe that sits between the two valves), making sure that both valves are closed, and that there are no drips from either of them. Whether your rash clears up or not will prove or disprove my theory. In any case, it will mean you're complying with water regs...

 

[BobbyJoe]

Thank you so much for all of the information provided so far. If I can't open the braided hose will the water now be okay as I turned the left valve on the filling loop to the correct position. Also because the valve was turned the other way (anti-clockwise) what exactly was it doing to the water as contamination was mentioned. My skin looked like it was burnt as it would dry out and burn which continued for 6 months, if this issue has been resolved then I can not thank everyone enough and can finally focus on healing. I will keep you updated on this issue many many thanks.

 

[Masood]

Thank you so much for all of the information provided so far. If I can't open the braided hose will the water now be okay as I turned the left valve on the filling loop to the correct position. Also because the valve was turned the other way (anti-clockwise) what exactly was it doing to the water as contamination was mentioned. My skin looked like it was burnt as it would dry out and burn which continued for 6 months, if this issue has been resolved then I can not thank everyone enough and can finally focus on healing. I will keep you updated on this issue many many thanks.

It's just a theory at the moment. It would be irresponsible to speculate. Let us know how your skin fares over the next few weeks. I'm genuinely curious and interested to know if my thinking is correct (and in your wellbeing, of course!)

The braided hose should come off easily enough - it's the two nuts with "wings" on them that you need to undo. Should only be finger tight...

 

[BobbyJoe]

I will test the waters (pun intended) and keep you all posted about how things are going.

 

[joni os]

The static water pressure in the mains supply will be higher than pressure in boiler and rads. Backflow contamination of mains water will only occur when pressure is equal or less. However, mains pressure drops significantly when tap is opened.
The OP mentions that restricting hot water flow by adjusting inlet valve at boiler improves situation. This would keep mains pressure higher, reduce backflow contamination, and is consistent with Masood's hypothesis.
Disconnect fill loop as advised. Hopefully, your condition will improve and your posts have been informative for others.

 

[BobbyJoe]

Thank you I will do as Masood and Joni have suggested as last night for the first time after taking a shower I didn't itch myself to death! I will check the filling loop later today and yesterday once I turned the left side (filling loop) lever to the correct position I also turned the cold water inlet stopcock (black square) fully anti-clockwise which has given me full hot water pressure throughout the flat. The reason for doing this was to assess if this will help or hinder my skin and I will turn the cold water inlet stopcock clockwise whenever I feel the need to for example if my skin gets dry/itchy again because when it was turned more than halfway clockwise I had low hot water pressure but my skin was improving. Only time will tell and I am really hoping the fact the left lever on the filling loop was the problem because it was turned in the wrong position and Masood pointed out that it should have been turned clockwise not anti-clockwise, so lets see what happens and I will keep posting with updates.

 

[BobbyJoe]

Thank you I will do as Masood and Joni have suggested as last night for the first time after taking a shower I didn't itch myself to death. I removed and checked the filling loop and there was no leak in either side of the pipes, also yesterday once I turned the left side (filling loop) lever to the correct position I also turned the cold water inlet stopcock (black square) fully anti-clockwise which has given me very powerful hot water pressure throughout the flat. The reason for doing this was to assess if this will help or hinder my skin and I will turn the cold water inlet stopcock clockwise whenever I feel the need to for example if my skin gets dry/itchy again because when it was turned more than halfway clockwise I had low hot water pressure but my skin was improving. Only time will tell and I am really hoping the fact the left lever on the filling loop was the problem because it was turned in the wrong position and Masood pointed out that it should have been turned clockwise not anti-clockwise, so lets see what happens and I will keep posting with updates.

 

[BobbyJoe]

I checked that there was no leak from both valves which connect to the filling loop would it be safe to remove it from the two valves or must that silver braid stay in place."Remove the braided hose (the U-shaped silver pipe that sits between the two valves)". When I disconnected it at first there was a little water sitting in the pipe not much but I drained it out.

 

[Masood]

I checked that there was no leak from both valves which connect to the filling loop would it be safe to remove it from the two valves or must that silver braid stay in place."Remove the braided hose (the U-shaped silver pipe that sits between the two valves)". When I disconnected it at first there was a little water sitting in the pipe not much but I drained it out.

As long as neither of the valves are dripping, it's best to leave the braided hose off. If either of them is dripping, it needs to be replaced.

 

[BobbyJoe]

Thank you I will take off the braided hose as nothing is leaking or dripping. Out of general interest what is the purpose of the braided hose, why was it in there in the first place and what's the difference when removed?

Thanks

 

[Masood]

Thank you I will take off the braided hose as nothing is leaking or dripping. Out of general interest what is the purpose of the braided hose, why was it in there in the first place and what's the difference when removed?

Thanks

It's there to allow the system to be filled or topped up. Most people are lazy and leave it there, but water regs stipulate that it should be removed when not filling or topping up the system.

 

[BobbyJoe]

I have now removed the filling loop (braided hose) how does that look and is it perfectly safe as I didn't touch the valves they are in the same position as yesterday, thanks.

 

[Masood]

That's fine BobbyJoe. Do let us know whether your skin clears up! Good luck!

 

[BobbyJoe]

Thanks and I will keep you all updated :yesnod:

 

[acecharly]

Have you changed your washing powder at all? I know lots of people whove had bad reactions with some types...just a suggestion as I cant see this is boiler related. If its a combi your domestic hot water is allways fresh and not out of a tank.

 

[BobbyJoe]

Hi could someone tell me which is the correct way the Heating return connection and Heating flow connection should be turned according to the picture because both of these black valves are movable (they move to the right) and I want to make sure they are in the right position thanks

 

[Gasmk1]

bobby joe stop looking fro problems where there isnt one, if the tap handles are inline with the pipe they are on if the are across they are off leave them as they are they are correct

 

[joni os]

Hi could someone tell me which is the correct way the Heating return connection and Heating flow connection should be turned according to the picture because both of these black valves are movable (they move to the right) and I want to make sure they are in the right position thanks View attachment 27951View attachment 27952

Quarter turn anti clockwise open, (Levers in line of pipe). Quarter turn clockwise closed,(levers across line of pipe).
Levers in photo appear to be in open position.