MegaFlow 3 Bar Valve

[sanjivr]

I have a leak in the '3 Bar cold water valve' but I am unable to find a replacement part. The Tank is a Mega flow HE pre 2009. When the valve is cleaned it does not leak. I have tried to find the part on the internet and have spoken to Interpart and they told me to get a combination pack - which means nothing to me. Can some one help ?

 

[diamondgas]

:welcome: to the forum sanjivr ... You really shouldn't be messing with an unvented cylinder but then if it's the 3Bar valve I'm assuming that it is fitted to the central heating circuit yeh?

 

[sanjivr]

It is to the left of the tank

 

[leakeee]

need new combination valve, they do tend to seize up and leak. acts as a balancing valve. any combi valve will do just need to alter the pipework. dont forget the discharge from it.

 

[stani]

You also need a G3 card to work on unvented cylinders.

 

[Mike Jackson]

Any combi valve will not do. You need one set to the correct pressure for the unit and a pressure relief valve of the correct rating. You also need a suitably qualified installer to fit it. Working on unvented hot water cylinders is not a DIY job. MythBusters - Exploding Water Heater - YouTube

 

[SimonG]

Working on unvented hot water cylinders is not a DIY job. MythBusters - Exploding Water Heater - YouTube

You can't beat a good bang

 

[Megaflo-Experts]

The 3 bar combination valve is the pressure reducing valve to ensure the incoming water supply does not exceed 3 bar.

 

[tamz]

Megaflows are a good idea in theory but garbage in practice. Their neat lines by design lead to constant callbacks which means i won't touch them as i am the idiot who has to run out to it for free. (bit of a rant, i know)

Follow your users instructions to replenish your air cushion before you buy or attempt anything. If that don't work you should really get someone qualified but it is your risk and i won't elaborate.

 

[Jonwells]

Got to be unvented registered to touch the megaflow, be careful with these cylinders, there are a few different types of valve, 3bar, 5 bar with over temperature. Etc etc.
im not sure what a combination pack is, it maybe a pressure reducing valve, with gauge, strainer and isolationing valve built in. Jon

 

[zzzjim]

Safety and regular service , there is a genuine concern here !

 

[Megaflo-Experts]

Megaflows are a good idea in theory but garbage in practice. Their neat lines by design lead to constant callbacks which means i won't touch them as i am the idiot who has to run out to it for free. (bit of a rant, i know)

I'm surprised to hear you have constant callbacks - what sort of problems are they? Or, is it just the customer needs educating!

 

[tamz]

The problems are the constant discharging from the expansion valve caused by the need to recharge the air volume area. Doing away with an expansion vessel for an inbuilt air cushion may seem like a good idea and keeps the work looking clean rather than the sometimes cluttered look where a vessel is present but the air volume needs comstant regular recharging. Customers in general will not do this themselves as it is something they are not accustomed to doing. Their plumbing just works and if water is running out then it is a fault of the plumber.
Now i am an easy going guy most times but after a few call backs and showing the customer (again) how to recharge the air volume i begin to lose patience. It is costing me time and money for a problem not of my doing. In the end i loose a customer because after my guarantee period when i want paying they refuse. They then get (and pay) another plumber to recharge it and bad mouth me because it has leaked since the day it was put in. It is irrelevant that it will continue to do this. It is my fault as i fitted it.
I stopped fitting them years ago. They are an overpriced hassle i don't need.

There are much better systems on the market. Look around.

 

[Megaflo-Experts]

The air cushion should be recharged at the annual service, but most people don't have it serviced unless there is a problem.
We only get a handfull of enquiries that need the air bubble recharging. With larger systems you may need an additional expansion vessel, but generally the bubble works fine.
My own Megaflo has not been recharged for over 5 years!

We have had one installation where the temperature and pressure relief valve was faulty, and Heatrae Sadia replaced that under warranty.

Is this constant recharging required with all your Megaflo installations?

 

[SimonG]

I like unvented, but will never fit a mega flo again. Over priced, over rated and too much hassle. With Tamz on this one.

 

[scooby do]

I have 4 megaflo's (installed over 4 different rental properties) never had to recharge a single one.....