Radiator questions (merged threads)

calleyw

To set the scene I had a new condensing combi boiler and radiators put in in August. 3 Radiators down stairs where placed on old pipework which was flushed. And the system was tested before they left. So there should be no air in the system.

Now the weather has cooled off I need to use the heating I have few questions. I will be ringing the installers on monday but wanted to ask what I could some big bird questions here first.

1)on the inlet and outlet pipes on the radiators. Both of them should get hot yes.

If the answer is yes why is one down stairs in the living room is hot on the outlet but stone cold on the inlet and the radiator luke warm. Being warm on the top and cool on the bottom.

2) First radiator on the system temp control is on highest setting and inlet pipe is hot the radiator it self is luke luke warm and the outlet pipe stone cold.

Is there something I am missing or I am just expecting to much. As all the other radiators get really nice and toasty warm. And it is cool in my living room so much so that I don't want to sit in there.

Thanks in advance.

Yours


Calley

economiser

I suppose you have tried bleeding the radiators in question. Sometimes even when the system has been vented little pockets of air remain and eventually congregate at a high point in a rad.

The answer to Q1 is obviously yes. The only reason I can think to why the outlet is hot and the inlet cold is that there is only a short run of pipe to the main on the outlet and heat is conducting back up the metal pipework.

Q2 to me show all the signs of a rad needing venting.

You are certainly not expecting too much to expect the rads to get hot.

calleyw

economiser wrote:

I suppose you have tried bleeding the radiators in question. Sometimes even when the system has been vented little pockets of air remain and eventually congregate at a high point in a rad.

The answer to Q1 is obviously yes. The only reason I can think to why the outlet is hot and the inlet cold is that there is only a short run of pipe to the main on the outlet and heat is conducting back up the metal pipework.

Q2 to me show all the signs of a rad needing venting.

You are certainly not expecting too much to expect the rads to get hot.

I have feeling that husband did bleed the one in the living room which relates the 1st question. And just got water out.

The one that relates to the second question I only just found out today. And as it is a little used room had it turned down to 2. But did turn it up and then had the heating on.

But the strange thing is when the system was put in and comissioned they ran the system for about 20 mins and checked the out and in temp on the boiler and all the radiators where boiling hot. Nothing in the system has changed so just find it strange that 3 months later we are having problems.

Just glad that it is not me being stupid.


Yours

Calley

moneysavingplumber

It's probably just a question of balance. The thermostatic valve might be at maximum but the lockshield valve may be almost closed at the other end of the rad. The temperature difference between the two pipes should be 20 degrees on a system with a condensing boiler. If the balance is incorrect then the installer is obliged to correct it as they are responsible to balance it correctly during commissioning for it to comply with Part L building regulation. Balancing a system correctly usually takes a couple of hours at least (not twenty minutes), and up to a day on larger systems.

alanobrien

moneysavingplumber wrote:

It's probably just a question of balance. The thermostatic valve might be at maximum but the lockshield valve may be almost closed at the other end of the rad. The temperature difference between the two pipes should be 20 degrees on a system with a condensing boiler. If the balance is incorrect then the installer is obliged to correct it as they are responsible to balance it correctly during commissioning for it to comply with Part L building regulation. Balancing a system correctly usually takes a couple of hours at least (not twenty minutes), and up to a day on larger systems.

Sounds like balance to me as well, mainly because i have a similar issue to resolve

robnye

definately sounds like the rads need bleeding........

surfergirl_3

Question for you plumbers/central heating engineers out there.

Can anyone give me a rough idea how much it would cost to have thermostats fitted to existing radiators, and whats involved?

Cheers

Surfergirl

alanobrien

surfergirl wrote:

Question for you plumbers/central heating engineers out there.

Can anyone give me a rough idea how much it would cost to have thermostats fitted to existing radiators, and whats involved?

Cheers

Surfergirl

You may want to post where you are in the country as this can have a significant impact on the cost.

calleyw

Will let you know as the boss of the company is coming out tomorrow so will let you what happens.

I will mention the balance thing or rather husband will.


Yours


Calley

Mado

Can't help but.... I feel for you. Frostbite attacking my toes at the moment:D

calleyw

Mado wrote:

Can't help but.... I feel for you. Frostbite attacking my toes at the moment:D

I know what you mean my feet are nearly always cold. It is at the point of putting two pairs of socks on.


Yours

Calley