Urgent advice needed about hot water

[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!