multi fuel stove with back boiler

[Jenette]

Hi, i have had my Hunter stove for 13 years now it has a back boiler that has worked a treat but recently I had a combi boiler fitted with new radiators which meant they had to disconnect my back boiler from the system they told me before they did the job i would still be able to use the stove just as a log burner but then when they had finished the work and had disconnected my back boiler they said i could no longer use the buner at all is this true? please help as its so cold in here at the moment and having to use heaters

[Alan]

You need specialist advice about the make/model of stove, but, usually, it is possible to use the stove after the back boiler has been decommissioned. You need to fill the back boiler up with sand, through the pipes, then close them up, but leave a vent on one of the pipes to allow for air expansion in the back boiler. It should be totally dry before attempting it. Fresh dry sand will pour in easily.

[newshound]

Same topic was discussed here a few weeks ago. I agree that you have given the "standard" advice but some of us are not quite sure what benefit the sand actually gives. While it might reduce long term distortion, it seems to me it will increase the temperature differential between front and back by reducing radiation and convection.

The really important point is of course to make sure the boiler is vented, and will remain so for ever. So I would be inclined to leave both pipes open, and perhaps drill a hole or two in the boiler as well. Particularly important if there is any possibility of water ever getting into the boiler (from leaks, condensation, etc).

[The Natural Philosopher]

Actually you just need to make sure that the back boiler isn't sealed up. Been running a stove with a back boiler for 20 years with no water in it