Whale DW0801U underfloor water heater

[Dave / Polly]

Hi, hopefully someone can help me. Is replacing the drain valve on this water heater a DIY job? Have tried descaling etc. but pump still coming on every few seconds and pushing water out via the valve. Hoping that if I can get valve out I can check it before spending £50 on a new one.
thanks In advance
Dave

 

[Dramfineday]

Dear Dave and Polly, you'll note I gave you a heart hug on your post as I have been experiencing a similar problem with same type of unit. It actually detracts from the MH experience and is frustrating. But the direct answer to your question is no I haven't but am seriously thinking about it.

I recently wrote to Whale on this issue as I've still a year on the warranty. The answer was less than fulsome but agreed that if the water was dripping out with the valve closed and the heater cold then there was an issue. However this is not what is happening. In our case the heater warms up and can remain stable for hours but once any demand for hot water has been met it can, and usually does, go into "chunter" mode. I've tried most things to overcome the issue, pump off, open the valve etc., with various results.

I watched the Whale video on the heater and noted that the recommendation is to drain the heater down after every holiday and to drain it before leaving the site. I have to confess as to not draining it down in the summer, we were often away touring, but did so last week. As a consequence, and to my surprise, the system behaved its self for three days while we were away, but on the forth.... you guessed it.

A pal of mine thinks that it's just a case of disconnecting the plumbing, removing the unit from under the van, then a disassembly job on the bench, he seems keen to get at it. I'm taking it up with the dealer first.

 

[Dave / Polly]

Thanks for the reply. Let me know how you get on and I’ll keep you posted on my progress…..