the old boiler

Bunny boiler is now part of our language, and I'm proud of that.
Glenn Close

I don't believe in life after death. But I do believe in some grinding destiny that watches over us on earth. If I didn't, the safety valve would give and the boiler would explode.
Hedy Lamarr

Not sure about God's existence, but the safety valve and pump went on the boiler. A warming spring week is not exactly the worst time for it to happen but I have been indoors a lot in four layers and a scarf trying to get some work done, so not the best timing either.

Had a lovely chat with 64 yr old Arthur who came round to fix it. Radiators are undergoing continual electrolysis, or did you know that already? The mixture of zinc, iron, copper etc... creates an isotopic byproduct called magnetite which then forms in clumps inside pipes, pumps, parts etc... The efficiency of all boilers is ruled by how much of this black stuff gets in the way and magnetic filters or neutralisers can be used to remove it.

I had a genuine Johnny Ball moment, the very normal made very weird.