One Pipe Central Heating System

chickpee

Can anyone tell me whether a one pipe central heating system is compatible with a new boiler or will I have to have it converted to a two pipe system when we upgrade. All our radiators need replacing too so I don't know whether that would make a difference.

We have a two bedroom bungalow on the south coast and the quotes we have had to upgrade seem very expensive to me (over £5000) which includes a new boiler, additional pipework and 7 new radiators.

I would appreciate some advice so I appear to know what I am talking about when I get some more quotes in. I don't mind paying what the job is worth but I just don't want to be ripped off.

Thank you.

CP x

Canucklehead

Hi

You could use the one pipe system but it will be slow to heat up.The existing pipe work will also have a good coating of black scale on the inside so take it all out,(it may even be stainless steel) now it's basically a new system so will be quite expensive.
If you have standard steel rads and a combi I would have thought £5000 would be the top end of the prices, unless you have problems with the route on pipework or other problems which would push the price up.
HTH
Corgi Guy.

silvercar

We have a one pipe system on a row of four radiators, normal system on the rest. The pipework disappears into the solid (external) walls and reappears in the next room!

Anyway someone has fitted a TRV on one of these radiators that doesn't work, but I'm wondering if it is possible to have a TRV on a one pipe system as surely that would block all the following radiators.

economiser

We have always had a one pipe system. Installed myself in 1975 and never had any problems. Money was very tight at the time and a lot less piping required and much simpler to install in existing 1930's house as all piping under floors. Rads are aluminium though so no problems with sludge. Boiler had to be changed when house extension meant old back boiler had to go. No problems since new boiler installation. Does not take a long time to heat up. You do need high lift (low resistance) TRV's though.

chickpee

I appreciate your replies - Thanks!

silvercar

You do need high lift (low resistance) TRV's though

.

Ours look quite ordinary!

Can see the boiler needing replacing soon, so useful to know I can keep the old pipework.

Canucklehead

Good evening: Further advice on using a new boiler on a one pipe system is available on the Glow-worm website... http://www.glow-worm.co.uk/service/faq.asp#how20

HTH

Canucklehead