Problems with hot water Baxi Bermuda

[sixpence]

Our old Baxi Bemuda 551 has just been serviced (same chap that had done it since the year dot). As he left, he said it will go on for another 20 years at least., but he has ginxed it! All seemed to be working OK but we soon realised that although radiators are working fine, the hot water from the taps is only warm. We have checked the thermostat and turned it from 3 to High, and have even tried running just the hot water and no heating. Any ideas, please. The man has gone away for 2 weeks, so can't get hold of him for a while.

[Pea Pod]

The temperature for our baxi boiler was under the front where the pilot light is.This was for the hot water. The radiator thermostat was on the wall,is yours the same.

[sixpence]

Pea Pod, yes that's the one. I've turned it to High, and also up and down a bit in case it's stuck, but do you think the thermostat is broken?

[Pea Pod]

Have you turned the knob where the pilot light is to high.I used to have to lie on the floor to see mine.

[sixpence]

Yes that's the one I've been doing. It says Low, then goes 1 2 3 4 then High. Old ladies shouldn't really be rolling about on the floor, but I'm sure it's good for me. :-)

[Pea Pod]

I was hoping that was your problem, I thought he might have turned it down. I`ll be 60 this year also, not good for your knees.Ours sometimes took a while to heat up,I`m stumped. Hope Gasman sees this.Sorry.

[sixpence]

Thanks Pea Pod. I've just got cross with it (just a little) and wiggled the dial round a few times, and it's working hard, so lets see if this has unstuck something. As you know, they are old now, but this is the first time that it has not done the things it should, so it took us by surprise. We spent a while blaming each other for pinching all the hot water, then it finally dawned on us.

[CSG2306]

Hi Sixpence,

For what it is worth, the thermostat under your fire is the boiler thermostat and should be set at number 3. There is no need to turn this up if your heating is O.K. Leave it at number 3.

The thermostat on your wall controls the radiators, and should be set at 63 - 65 or thereabouts depending on how hot you want your home..

There should be a thermostat on your hot water tank, this one controls your hot water, and should be set accordingly. Again depending on how hot you want your water.

There is a 3 way automatic valve near your hot water tank that might be sticking. I think that this may be your problem. Although it is automatic it can be moved manually. Just slide the lever from one position to another a few times, this might release it if it is sticking.

Regards

[sixpence]

CSG, thanks very much for your explanation. We have turned everything off and turned every movable knob, dial etc, and after switching on again we now have lovely hot water, so as you suggested, I suppose something was sticking. I have printed off your answer in case of further trouble, just to remind us where everything is.
Again, many thanks.