Nicola O Posted December 14, 2010 Share Posted December 14, 2010 The pump seems to have packed in this morning so the rads are not heating up and it is SO COLD. I've fortunately got a gas fire so that is going full blast at the moment. Phoned my really good heating engineer and he recons he can come on Thursday so I've just got to last until then - lots of jumpers and blankets I think. I just hope that this next 'arctic blast' they are predicting holds off for a few more days. Nicola. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted December 14, 2010 Share Posted December 14, 2010 Brrrr. Poor you. Glad you only have a couple of days to get through. DIg out that Wii dancing game to keep you warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted December 14, 2010 Share Posted December 14, 2010 When our pump used to stop sometimes loosening of the screw on the front of it would get it going again. Hope you're managing to keep warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyhenSG Posted December 14, 2010 Share Posted December 14, 2010 Ours often gets stuck and a quick thump normally gets things moving again. Worth a try, at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunty e Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Pumps are easy! You might have done some of this already, but if not: First check the fuse in the plug - they blow quite a bit actually. Second give the pump a firm whack with a rubber mallett (repeat as you feel necessary while it's not working, it honestly does get blockages through and sometimes pumps will just start working after a good wallop) Next, get a large basin, a two pence piece and a tiny flat head screwdriver. _Place basin under pump if possible, if not put some newspaper or towels down. Carefully, very carefully as they get hot, remove the large screw at the front (with the two penny piece). It will spit hot water, so do be careful. Then poke the little flat head screwdriver in the hole and try and manual start the impeller screw by turning it (clockwise). We used to do it with the CH on, and then give the screw a good quick twist. Sometimes that will do it quite happily, and it can take a few tries. If it does get going, carefully replace the big screw (which will get hot very quickly) and keep the pump running for an hour or two. Finally, pumps are really not that expensive to replace, they do give up after a few years, but they cost between £30 and £100 depending on how hardcore you go. It took me thirty minutes to replace our last pump and that was with a certain amount of trouble getting the washers to fit, so plus your (much more efficient I expect) plumber's time, you shouldn't be looking at a massive bill. If you are, I would be suspicious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 So sorry to hear of your problems ... I'm in the same boat really, although i can just about keep my heating going. BG are coming out on Monday to change various "bits" including the pump, so fingers crossed, it'll be working for Christmas (maybe if everyone on here who has heating problems sort of huddles together, we'll all keep warm!!) Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 My YD has had no heating or Hot water for 10 days , she has three children under 7......awaiting spare parts to arrive for the Boiler. I was so worried , as the 11mth baby has a chest infection and teething , that i phoned the fire dept to ask advice... Those lovely men, made a few phone calls and went straight round with heaters for her.( Not bad that i am in yorkshire and she is in Cleveland). Parts still not arrived and they promised to have it fixed today........ But she says it is okay cause the lovely fireman are welcome any time, and they pop round to see if she needs anything, especially with the weather about to change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatieB Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 I was so worried , as the 11mth baby has a chest infection and teething , that i phoned the fire dept to ask advice... Errr sorry am I missing something??? What on earth made you phone the fire dept for advice in this situation??? I have this odd little picture in my head "um yes not really their area of expertise but I'm sure that a visit from hunks in uniform will take her mind off the situation" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Hah sounds odd i know ....but you see following fire and water damage the fire bridgade actually have heaters that they use to help families dry out their homes. Sooo i just made a few enquiries and they were glad to help. She does say that the nice men were very " Fit " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola O Posted December 15, 2010 Author Share Posted December 15, 2010 Tried a few of the things you've suggested and it's still not working. To honest, a few months ago when I had the boiler and whatnot serviced he did say that there was not a lot of life left in the pump and it could go at any time, but I thought it would be fine (as you do). It's just typical that it packs up in the winter. But........way-hay........I could get hunky firemen to keep me warm fantastic - I'll ring now Nicola. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
