Changing 5 radiators

AMO

Hi there,

We currently may have a problem with our radiators or pipework for our central heating which is only luke warm upstairs and cold downstairs and not an air problem.

Pump has been changed and valve has been changed.

The view from plumbers is that its likely to be the pipework or radiators with sludge blocking it.

Recommendation from one plumber is to change the downstairs radiators. Quote is...

Radiators as follows:
Hallway 600x1000
Toilet. 600x400
Dinning 600x2000
Sitting 600x2000
Sitting. 600x1200
4 radiator thermostatic valves
6 Lockshield valve
Other fittings etc
All material and labour will £1150

Does that sound reasonable?

Powerflush afterwards if needed is £450.

Thanks.

ianto11

Whats the reason for changing the radiators ?
If he suspects sludge the whole system will be affected, not just the downstairs, so a powerflush would be recommended anyway.
So why not do the powerflush first and see how you get on ?

martinthebandit

I think you need to change plumbers and google 'how to balance central heating'

AMO

ianto11 wrote: »

Whats the reason for changing the radiators ?
If he suspects sludge the whole system will be affected, not just the downstairs, so a powerflush would be recommended anyway.
So why not do the powerflush first and see how you get on ?

He said that when powerflushing there is risk that sludge would be pushed into the system. He said sludge settles usually downstairs and so replacing the radiators would reduce the risk of the powerflush making things worse.

He could just take each radiator and flush them manually, but then the labour charge would be high anyway, so we may as well pay for new radiators.

AMO

martinthebandit wrote: »

I think you need to change plumbers and google 'how to balance central heating'

No, there's definately a block somewhere in the system. The boiler kicks in and then cuts out as the water can't be pushed through the system - at least not at the normal rate/capacity.

TELLIT01

If there is a blockage in the system, simply changing the radiators isn't going to cure it. Even with new rad's a power flush is going to be required. Taking radiators off and flushing through is going to be cheaper than replacing them.

Dan-Dan

If they flush them properly water will run clear when complete, replace radiators if rusty

FreeBear

How old is the central heating system & radiators ?

Are the pipes coming out from the boiler real hot ?

Radiators do not normally need replacing unless they are leaking or you are upgrading the system.

Ant555

AMO wrote: »

Recommendation from one plumber is to change the downstairs radiators. Quote is...

Radiators as follows:
Hallway 600x1000
Toilet. 600x400
Dinning 600x2000
Sitting 600x2000
Sitting. 600x1200
4 radiator thermostatic valves
6 Lockshield valve
Other fittings etc
All material and labour will £1150

Does that sound reasonable?

Ignoring any issues that may be present in your system discussed above... in my opinion, the quote for supply and fitting of 5 new radiators + all the bits seems very reasonable especially if they drain down the system to fit all the lockshields and TRV's - I would be happy with that.

Ganga

Are you competent to shut off both ends of one of the downstairs rads,undo the pipework and drain the radiator,remove from the wall and take outside and turn on its end to see what comes out,you can then flush with a hosepipe.

nofoollikeold

1. I'd be worried about what to do if changing the radiators doesn't work.
2. If the upstairs radiators do warm up, even lukewarm, check to see if there is a pattern of heat across the radiator. Cold at bottom and hot at top does suggest sludge.
3. Ganga's suggestion is a good one if you feel up to it.
4. Knowing what type of system you have would help, and particularly knowing whether the downstairs radiators are fed from under the floor or via drop pipes from upstairs.