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.

 

[Riley]

Very weird. You only need to post once otherwise the mods will think it's spam. Is it all hot water outlets or just the shower

 

[Riley]

Ps a gas boiler needs servicing every 12 months. Typical landlord thinks that a gas safety certificate is all he needs for a healthy boiler

 

[joni os]

Hi, BobbyJoe, thanks for posting. Can't give specific answer, but can confirm friend had similar problem, which, until reading your post, I had dismissed as an unspecified allergy. Her husband was unaffected and she was able to shower at other properties in the area IP33. with no adverse effects. Symptoms cleared up when they moved to new property, in same town.
Both properties had combi boilers so I would not identify combi's alone as the cause. What combi's will do is take cold water, chemically treated for safety and clarity, heat, and send it instantly to your hot water outlet. With a regular boiler, the body of water is heated at a slower pace and any transient effects of heating have time to stabilize in the DHW cylinder. Hopefully other posters will be able to clarify . Please keep us informed of your outcomes.

 

[jonnyswamp]

Get your landlord to service the boiler and change your soap, sounds like your using drain cleaner instead of shower gel
SPAM

 

[BobbyJoe]

Thank you so much everyone for the answers so far, the water in the kitchen and bathroom are both affected, I know it comes across as odd. My landlord knew I was a vulnerable adult and I feel is taking advantage because he cant be bothered to look into the matter which I don't understand because an agency handles everything concerned with the flat. I have been using a lot of ointments from my G.P and taking allergy medication for months but nothing is helping as my skin is really bad including eyelids, ears which are the most sensitive.

The Boiler is now going into its 4rth year since installation and has never been serviced so I think a servicing should be done and I will demand one because it could be a part needs updating or cleaning. The agency told me that a gas safety check was done last month and nothing is wrong however a gas check doesn't check the boiler and the parts or does it? If the landlord refuses to help any further then I will seek out a boiler engineer to check it all out because I can not keep on living with this and worse case scenario will need to move out.

Vokera 29a Compact Combi Boiler (4rth year in)

 

[BobbyJoe]

Hi I just need some clarity on something, the landlord just informed me "That a gas safety check has already been carried out on the boiler this year and the landlord does not require to carry out a service as this is not a safety check". But I was talking about a boiler engineer coming out to service the boiler but he didn't answer this question, so I need to know do I need to get a engineer to come and check it or is what the landlord stating enough not to, thank you for any clarity. If I get an engineer to service it what is an rough estimate of cost?

 

[Riley]

Sadly there is no legal requirement to service the boiler. A landlord is obligated to carry out a gas safety inspection on an annual basis if they are letting the property to tenants.

 

[Dotty]

Have you tried talking to environmental health?

 

[Last Plumber]

Can you take a water sample to a lab and get it analysed

 

[Riley]

I'm really sorry but I'm really struggling to understand what a Combi boiler can possibly do to cause this. I think as we said before if there were stored water hot or cold then it would make more sense but I'm just struggling to understand how essentially a water heater could cause such symptoms. I'm kind of with a last plumber to have a water analysis carried out

 

[Last Plumber]

You are 100 % right.

Baffled to say the very least here !

Are you sure it's not soap or a hand towel you're using ?
I know people who are affected by washing powder on clothing. If they use a different powder it brings them out in eczema !

Could it be that ?

 

[1Steven]

Try non bio detergent for your clothes and baby soap for you. give it a couple of weeks.

 

[BobbyJoe]

I know the issue is mind boggling but there has been a sign of light at the end of the tunnel which might explain the root of the problem. It isn’t my washing powder/soaps or towels because I moved out for a few weeks used the exact same products etc.… and there was no issue with dry skin/itchiness/rash. The water has been tested by the council and so far, everything ticks the boxes.
Now what I did was turn the small back square cold water inlet stopcock clockwise (it is under the boiler on a pipe) more than halfway and now the hot water pressure isn’t exactly great however my skin is not dry, itchy and so far, no more tiny bumps or the appearance of a rash. Have I solved the problem only time will tell, but is it advisable to turn the cold water inlet stopcock clockwise as another two turns and it will turn off the hot water supply, fingers crossed this was the problem.

 

[1Steven]

Doubt it.

 

[Riley]

It may have sorted it for you but it's not right you shouldn't have to turn down the water going through the Combi it should restrict it to a suitable lpm allowing the boiler to heat it properly. Post a picture of what you've altered

 

[BobbyJoe]

It doesn't let me put the image up, it keeps saying denied and forbidden. I have found a pic of what it looks like when not attached to a pipe vokera cold water inlet stopcock.

 

[Masood]

This doesn't make any sense! Not dismissing your suffering at all, but as someone said earlier on, if the hot water were stored there could be a possibility of some contamination. As it is, your hot water is nothing more than your old water running through a heat exchanger. If the cold water doesn't bring you out in a rash, I really can't see how the hot can. Even if we accept that warming the water encourages some sort of microbial growth, the water is flowing, and heated on demand, so there's no time for bacterial or fungal growth!

I just cannot see how turning the cold water isolation valve down to reduce the flow could prevent the skin irritation, unless your skin is very delicate or thin, and the hot water flow is really strong, and causing a sort of abrasion injury to you? But then I'd expect the cold to do the same...

Very very odd! I hope you do get to the bottom of this!

 

[Dotty]

It doesn't let me put the image up, it keeps saying denied and forbidden. I have found a pic of what it looks like when not attached to a pipe vokera cold water inlet stopcock.

Email your pictures to [email protected].

One of the mod team will post them up for you.

 

[michael c]

Have you been tested for allergy to lime scale?

 

[jim fennessey]

Go see your gp first

 

[BobbyJoe]

I took off the wooden panel which was covering the pipes and was inspecting the pipes and valves with the boilers' instruction manual and which way is the filling loop meant be facing such as the valves? There are two black levers at each side and I was reading something about a non return valve could this be something to look at all as they are both facing clockwise.

 

[Masood]

I took off the wooden panel which was covering the pipes and was inspecting the pipes and valves with the boilers' instruction manual and which way is the filling loop meant be facing such as the valves? There are two black levers at each side and I was reading something about a non return valve could this be something to look at all as they are both facing clockwise.

Actually you could be on to something there.. If the NRV is sticking open then system water could be mixing with the cold water going into your boiler, contaminating that, but leaving your cold water supply uncontaminated...

We need photos of that pipework. There will be an arrow on one or both of those valves on the filling loop. Close-ups showing the valves and arrows would be particularly helpful.

 

[BobbyJoe]

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.

 

[Riley]

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

 

[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.
View attachment 27929View attachment 27930View attachment 27930

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.

 

[BobbyJoe]

The hot water was okay for the first day but into the second day the same pattern emerged of itchy and skin dry/chapped around ears/eyelids and hands. The only thing which seems to help is when I turn the cold-water inlet stopcock (clockwise) which lessens the hot water pressure in the flat. When I turn it clockwise the hot water pressure is low but my skin feels better so I will keep it in that position because with too much hot water pressure it causes havoc on my skin. The following actions were carried out on the boiler, please let me know if I am missing something because I am going mental:

Filling loop was disconnected
Left side valve of the filling loop was turned to the off position (fully clockwise) as previously it was turned the wrong way around.
The stopcock under the sink turns the cold and hot water on/off in the kitchen and only the hot water in the bathroom on/off.
The cold water in the bathroom is managed by the storage tank in the building because I live in a 4-storey flat and only the council can turn it off.
The boiler is going into its 4rth year (no servicing been done since it was installed/no change of washing powder)
Cold water inlet stopcock is turned almost fully clockwise low hot water pressure however skin is not as dry. The cold-water inlet stopcock on the boiler controls the hot water is that correct because I was running the hot water tap and then turned it on and off using the stopcock so I presume this is right?
The boiler has a wireless thermostat which controls the heating and two modes such as summer time/winter time function, I don't know how to program it properly not sure if this helps.

I think I will need to get a gas engineer/boiler specialist to come and check that everything is in the right place because I don’t think I can live here anymore it isn’t worth the hassle and I know I will lose my deposit but 6 months of painful/peeling skin is enough.

Thank you to everyone your help has been invaluable.

Photos illustrate what the boiler and its components looks like at present.

 

[joni os]

Sorry to hear problem not solved. The one step you can take is to avoid hot water via the boiler for a week, and see if your skin improves. Boil a kettle for your hot water needs, and shower by mixing boiled and cold water in a large bucket and a small jug to pour as you stand in bath. Keep daily notes because, if problem persists, this will help with diagnosis. Try to get knowledgeable, independent assessment of your skin condition, (Practice nurse at your surgery).

 

[BobbyJoe]

Thank you I will give it a try and see what happens and Gasmk1 believe you me I wouldn't be on this forum unless I was really suffering and am not looking for or creating problems but I appreciate your input as of course all of this comes across mind boggling.

I have been seeing my G.P for months who is also baffled and despite the many types of ointments and medication prescribed nothing has helped, he suggested I get the boiler checked out and make sure all the valves are correctly placed etc.... My G.P looked up the type of rash and said it looked like it was similar to that of a 'Fracking rash' caused by gas' as it looks like it is burning off (itches a layer off until you see pink flesh) and said to make sure the central heating water isn't going into the hot water supply and he assumes something hasn't been correctly placed in or is coming in the wrong way in/out.

Therefore I will get an engineer to check it all out any advice or list of criteria the engineer must check just so I know that it has been 100 % assessed correctly as I will need to pay for this.

In the mean time I will improvise in boiling water and will keep a record of that, (thank you Joni os) for that tip as this will help for now.🙂

 

[joni os]

Don't pay for heating engineer until you've eliminated all other casual effects by washing, (bucket and jug), for week. If doctor can then verify improvement in skin condition, ask doctor to write to landlord. With filling loop detached, the primary water in the boiler is totally separated from the domestic hot water supply. Keep an open mind, but work with your doctor to get this resolved.

 

[BobbyJoe]

Will do thanks Joni, out of interest how much would an engineer cost for a call out for this type of situation?
The irony is my landlord is an engineer, I would not be surprised if he installed the boiler himself due to the fact he gave me a non existent plumber number when I asked for the boiler installers detail, he seemed reluctant to provide it and I searched online for the name and number of the plumber nothing came up.

 

[Riley]

Do you have the instructions for the boiler if so there should be a benchmark commissioning certificate in the back of it which will have been completed by the installing engineer

 

[BobbyJoe]

Yes I have the instruction manual which I have been using as guidance as well as the advice of forum users. There is a checklist page at the back which is blank and another page which the engineer is meant to sign/stamp which is also blank, no signed or stamped papers all are blank.
The flat didn't have a boiler in 2013 and it had a gas fire a few years ago and black water tank (now empty/disused) in the storage cupboard but the landlord changed it and got central heating put in along with the boiler. I looked at the pipes in the storage cupboard some have been cut off which probably don't mean anything.

 

[joni os]

Hi BobbyJoe , want to get at cause of your problem but don't want you to spend money with no result. An inspection or service of the boiler is unlikely to give answers. Worse the boiler belongs to your landlord, and having work done to it might not only contravene the terms of your tenancy but could absolve the landlord of his responsibilities. Have patience and if doctor can confirm skin condition improves when using kettle boiled hot water and not hot water from combi. then this is strong circumstantial evidence that combi is to blame. If skin condition persists attention should be focused on cold water supply. In either case the support of your doctor to confirm something at the premises is the probable cause of your condition, should enable you to cancel tenancy, "BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT", and get deposit returned. Keep notes, and confirm all conversations with landlord in writing.

 

[Riley]

Doesn't sound like your boilers been commissioned properly

 

[BobbyJoe]

I have started to use the water from the kitchen tap to clean etc...by boiling it using the kettle. I washed my face with boiled water and mixed it with cold tap water and it had a weird smell to it like bleach.

 

[drip-dry]

Think you are barking up the wrong tree in the wrong forest ,but a very good argument for landlords to get into another business

 

[BobbyJoe]

 

[Jones82]

Closing or altering the valve you mention can't possibly affect the attributes of the water leaving the boiler. An example of this would be running a cold tap, half close the tap, has the attributes or chemical composition of the water changed? No, all you are doing is restricting the flow of water, changing its volume, not its composition.


It is possible that plumbing or heating water could be irritant to your skin. Possibly due to a chemical, perhaps an additive used either to maintain or install the system, being present in the pipes.


However the very fact that you noticed a difference just by adjusting the flow disproves this theory. I'm afraid your symptoms appear to be coincidental, most likely related to a food or animal allergy. Or even brought on by stress?


To absolutely prove this theory, without doubt, take a sample of the hot water and have it tested, you could also ask friends and family to try using the hot water.

 

[BobbyJoe]

12345

 

[SimonG]

67890

 

[BobbyJoe]

First an update of events so far, the good news is I have been using cold water from the kitchen tap and guess what no more cuts on my hands, ears, legs etc.. dry skin is getting better with the rash almost disappearing and no itching yet. I have noticed a big difference especially today and the only thing I have done is use water and boiled it from the cold tap in the kitchen nothing else. I can’t express how much better I feel as I have been hiding and covering up for months as it looked so bad being covered in band aids!

I called the boiler customer service depo and spoke to a technical person who suggested this from what I could remember, cross contamination may be due to Non Return Valve being open and the system water is mixing with the cold water going into the boiler but leaving the cold water supply uncontaminated. The NRV has been fitted the wrong way around it’s either to the cold mains or central heating feed because the NRV allows medium flow in one direction which prevents backflow in domestic water. It isn’t the boiler which is the issue but things have been put in the wrong way around by the installer is what he told me.

An engineer is hopefully coming out next week, I also found out the last tenant only stayed for 6 months then moved out because he was getting sick (I don’t want to speculate but perhaps the hot water was also affecting him). The flat was empty for months before I moved in and the combi boiler was switched off from the mains, the landlord put it on when I moved in.

I will pay for an engineer and so far I can think of these things to ask him/her to check, DHW outlet/inlet valves, CH return/flow, DHW non return valve, set flow outlet temp, DHW outlet temp. Is there anything else in particular I should get them to definitely check as paying is not my concern but sorting this out is. Also are there any other places NRV’s would be placed that I should be aware of, many thanks.

(The flat had a gas fire place and cylinder boiler with a storage water tank before the combi boiler was installed a few years ago)

 

[Riley]

Can't be from the heating side as you removed the filling loop

 

[BobbyJoe]

Besides under the kitchen sink where else is a stopcock located within a flat? (NRV on the rising main to prevent backflow)

 

[Riley]

Backflow from what I'm missing the point

 

[Masood]

cross contamination may be due to Non Return Valve being open and the system water is mixing with the cold water going into the boiler but leaving the cold water supply uncontaminated. The NRV has been fitted the wrong way around it’s either to the cold mains or central heating feed because the NRV allows medium flow in one direction which prevents backflow in domestic water. It isn’t the boiler which is the issue but things have been put in the wrong way around by the installer is what he told me.

This is where I was going with closing the valves and removing the hose from the filling loop. Now you've done that, this theory is blown out of the water. The only other place where there is a possibility of primary/fresh water cross-contamination is within the plate heat exchanger if it is ruptured internally but the likelihood of that being the case is very small, and you would be seeing several other symptoms first.

Whatever you do, make sure that you get a Gas Safe registered engineer in, and DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DIY NEIGHBOUR TO MEDDLE. You would BOTH be breaking the law if you do that again.

 

[BobbyJoe]

I won't be doing that again Masood believe me (my DIY neighbour is installing a combi boiler himself so I won't meddle with this).
A registered gas engineer of the makers of the boiler are going to come out and check it as they will know the machine inside and out.

In due time I will keep you posted thank you.

 

[Riley]

I'd also report your neighbour to gas Safe. You have to live next door to his DIY BS after all

 

[Masood]

I'd also report your neighbour to gas Safe. You have to live next door to his DIY BS after all

Seconded. His DIY work could lead to a gas or water leak, carbon monoxide poisoning, explosion - all of which affect your well-being. Report to Gas Safe and your local authority building control.

Remember this is the guy who said your skin problems were down to a faulty gas valve. He knows the square root of diddly squat about boilers.

 

[BobbyJoe]

Hi everyone I thought to wait a while before updating the on the forum with the current situation. The good news is that within 2 weeks my skin has been gradually improving, the blisters and cuts are healing, there is still dry skin however I think with time this will heal fingers crossed.

The changes made:

The big change I made was put the hot water temperature up to the max as advised by the combi boiler technical staff I called. The water is not boiling at no:10 but it is warm enough not to use the cold water with. It is strange that when I change the temp dial to a lesser number such as 6, 7 or 8 it is hotter than number 10?

The second thing is that I have turned the dial to hot water only and this has made a difference. If I change the dial to central heating and use the hot water then I break out in a rash again but by switching the CH off and turning the dial to hot water only has been a saviour. I don't understand why that is but it seems to be working, the hot water tap in the bath seems to be much better than the shower and both sinks hot water taps, no idea why that is but I can live with using the bath hot water tap. (See pics)

7 months of hell and now I hope with the new year coming I can get better, thank you to everyone in helping with this ongoing issue.

 

[joni os]

Thanks for the update, pleased to hear improvement. The water being heated in your boiler remains the central heating water, which then transfers heat, via a plate heat exchanger, to the domestic hot water. You improvement appears to confirm there is no cross contamination between the primary circulation,(Heating), and domestic hot water when diverter valve remains in the," no heat" position.
Living without heating is not something we should accept in the 21st century and the 2004 housing act gives councils power to ensure landlords comply with obligations.
You will need medical confirmation of improvement in skin condition,(doctor), before challenging landlord. Then, if there is a relapse, with heating restored, membrane in diverter valve would appear suspect. Give landlord written updates of your condition but DO NOT carry out work on his boiler.