There's a new type of plumber in town!

I was having trouble with the heating system yesterday. Given that this is a complicated system and that everything about it is in French, I would normally get the heating engineer out. This time though, I thought I would try ChatGPT and see whether it could help. Here’s the exchange in full…

Me: My heating system is not working. The main unit is flashing W36. The only information I have is the attached notice on the side of the heating unit. Do you know what is wrong?

ChatGPT: The images you've provided show an informational notice about a boiler and its display showing the code "W36."

To ascertain what "W36" indicates, we would need to refer to the specific model's manual or contact the manufacturer's support. Unfortunately, the provided notice does not give details about this specific error code. It's advisable to check the boiler's user manual for error code descriptions, which are often listed towards the end of the booklet. If the manual isn't available, contacting the manufacturer's support would be the next step. In this case, the manufacturer appears to be Weishaupt, and the notice includes contact details for their office in Nice.

If "W36" is not listed in the manual or if contacting support isn't immediately possible, some general troubleshooting steps for boilers can be attempted:

1. Reset the boiler using the reset button, as sometimes this can clear error codes.

2. Ensure there is power to the boiler and that any switches or fuses have not tripped.

3. Check for any obvious signs of damage or leaks in the system.

4. Ensure the pressure is within the recommended range; the notice indicates that the system should not operate below 1 bar.

5. If the boiler is part of a larger heating system, check that other components like radiators and thermostats are functioning correctly.

However, given the lack of specific information on the "W36" code, I highly recommend consulting with a professional heating engineer or the boiler manufacturer for a definitive diagnosis and solution.

Me: All very good thanks. Now that I’ve looked, I have found the manual. Here is the relevant page I think. Does this make sense?

ChatGPT: Yes, the new image you've provided seems to be a section of the boiler's manual with alarm codes, which includes the error code "W36". According to this document, "W36" signifies that there is "too low water pressure" in the heating system.

The recommended remedy is to check and control the pressure, ensuring that it must be at 1.2 bars. You can usually check and adjust the pressure via the pressure gauge and filling loop on the boiler. If the pressure is indeed below 1.2 bars, you'll need to repressurise the system to this level.

Here’s what you might typically need to do:

1. Check the pressure gauge: This will confirm if the pressure is indeed too low.

2. Repressurise the system: This is usually done by opening the filling valves to allow water into the system. You might have a filling loop with a valve or a key that needs to be turned.

3. Monitor the gauge: As you allow water into the system, keep an eye on the gauge to ensure you don’t over-pressurise.

4. Close the filling loop: Once you reach 1.2 bars, make sure to close the valve or remove the key to stop the water flow.

5. Reset the boiler: After adjusting the pressure, reset the boiler to clear the error code and resume normal operation.

If you’re not comfortable performing these actions, or if the pressure issue persists after repressurising, it would be wise to contact a certified heating engineer to inspect and repair the boiler. It’s also important to check for leaks in the system, as they can be a cause of low pressure.

Me: This is the set up below the boiler. Any ideas how I can re pressurise?

ChatGPT: The images you’ve provided show the pipework and components below the boiler, including what appears to be a pressure gauge showing low pressure above the red tank and some valves. To repressurise your boiler system, you typically have to let water into the system. Here’s a step-by-step guide that should apply to your setup: 

1. Identify the Pressure Gauge: Confirm the current pressure level; it should generally be between 1 and 2 bars when the system is cold.

2. Open the Valves: It looks like the two handles to the left of the red tank are the filling valves. Slowly open the valves to allow cold water to enter the system. You’ll hear water flowing in.

3. Monitor the Pressure Gauge: Watch the pressure gauge closely as it rises, ensuring not to overfill. The recommended pressure is usually around 1.2 to 1.5 bars when the system is cold.

4. Close the Valves: Once the pressure is within the recommended range, close both valves, one at a time.

5. Check for Leaks: After you’ve repressurised the system, check around the boiler for any leaks.

If you're unsure or not comfortable performing these actions yourself, or if the system does not maintain pressure after repressurising, it is advisable to call a certified heating engineer. It’s also important not to force any stiff valves and not to attempt any repairs or actions you're unsure about, as this could cause further damage.

Me: That was very easy in the end. Thank you for the instructions. It’s all sorted now!

There you have it. ChatGPT as heating engineer. Who’d have thought it possible? It seems that this technology will impact every facet of lives if we let it. Give it a try next time you’re faced with a technical challenge…