Firebird Enviromax Combi C26 - Hot Water Issue

[Eddie Howarth]

I have read about the same problem on another forum but the resolution was not identified.

When we turn on the hot water tap, about 10 seconds later, we get hot water - which is great!. However, if the tap is kept running for a further 10-15 seconds, then the water actually turns cold and takes about 5 or 6 minutes to come back to temperature.

Also, this only happens after the boiler is left for more than 1/2 hour or so.

We moved into this property in March 2014 and according to the boiler passport it was installed in January 2011. We have had it serviced twice and it has been repaired for numerous other faults during the past 2 years, the last time being a replacement PCB. The engineer who services it said he would have a think about this latest problem and get back to us. I had previously called Firebird and they recommended replacing the flow switch thermistor which did not solve it. Recently, since we have had this problem, the lock out light came on. I rang the engineer and he told me how to reset it. Then on another forum I saw that replacing the photocell had cured a lock out problem and also a dirty photocell had caused an intermittent hot water problem.

I am a novice with oil boilers, give me a truck or bus with a problem and I can probably diagnose it for you. It is just that this boiler has cost us a small fortune since we moved in and I am just trying to save a few quid. Also, we live on Anglesey and oil boiler engineers are few and far between.

The problem is identical to that on the below copied post so I guess it is not a unique problem. Any advice offered would be much appreciated.

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[Eddie Howarth]

Sorry, the forum will not alow me to post the related URLs.

 

[Millsy 82]

When you turn a tap on does the boiler fire up within a minute or 2?

Try and find another engineer to look at it.

 

[Unregistered]

Thanks Millsy 82, I have been away for a few days and so only just seen your reply. I think the boiler is not 'kicking in' soon enough, its like we have almost used all of the hot water in the tank before it does then of course the tank is filling with cold water.
Spoke to Firebird again and they recommended swapping the boiler and tank thermistors initially to see if the boiler kicks in sooner. If it does then to change the tank thermistor. I am going to try that today.

 

[PhoenixServices]

You need to sign back in, I would suggest getting an engineer out as just swapping parts costs you more money in the long run.

 

[Steve ski]

Replace with a Grant !. Firebird yuk !!