Hi can anyone help. I have unscrewed the non return valve but it seems stuck and won't come out. The tank inside is filthy and needs to be stripped and cleaned. The valve is loose but will not come out. I've tried tapping the neck on a piece of wood but no joy. Suggestions please. Simon
Hi Simon, Here is a very recent thread on the subject which covers the most efficient techniques as well as the tools required.
Just got it out. A bit harsh but used caustic soda. Left it for 10 mins. The crap that came out. Unbelievable. Anyway it' out now. Need to descale tank. Thanks simon
There are a couple of reasons for an NRV to refuse to drop out. Yours was obviously the crud build up which held the valve body captive but sometimes they have a lead washer and that can stick to the seat and grip the threads so the valve is loose but won't slip out. You might be able to grip the valve witha surgical clamp and pull it free or maybe with a little jiggling with a suitably bent rod give it a push from the inside via the filler hole. ::Neil::
Caustic works very well to dissolve any organic residue in the tank. Not at all friendly to plastic, rubber, leather, paint, zinc, aluminium though. I use it as a pre-treatment before citric acid. It is also the easiest way I have found to ruin clothing.
Hi sorry for the late reply. Been busy cleaning. Sorry for my ignorance. What is citric acid used for. How do you make it. Thanks
@Simon Cresswell It's used for cleaning and works well on dirty brass, it can also be used for de-scaling the heater element in electric kettles and steam irons. Type Citric Acid into your browser and you'll see that you can get packets of crystals to mix with water. Alternatively, buy the cheapest own brand lemonade from your local supermarket. Get the diet stuff as it's less sticky. Henry.
No good going to Boots - they stopped selling it because it is also used to 'cut' drugs (when there's no Vim handy, obviously...)
