Radiators not heating up properly.

[vincentsrus]

Just moved into a new house that has been unoccupied for over 8 months. The boiler has previously been well looked after by British Gas on behalf of the previous occupier, so I suspect something has seized up. Regardless of the temperature settings on three of the radiators, they eventually only get just above room temperature ? cool to touch but not stone cold. Any suggestions as to what the problem may be would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[REDSAW]

seems like a system flush may be required and also the trv pins stuck as not been used.
it may be obvious since b/g has been looking after this system that the home owner didnt have b/g to do a flush so decided to sell up instead to save money.

try taking of the tops of the trv and tapping with a soft implement like rubber mallett whilst the heating is on, this may free the valve.

 

[newbie1]

but dont whatever you do pull the pins out

 

[jpemberton]

Sounds obvious, but have ypu tried bleeding the radiators?

 

[oldie]

just an Idea, has the pump jammed ?, if it hasn't been used for some time they tend to settle on the bearings/crud from rads and need a bit of a tap with a hammer to get them going again or alternatively unscrew the air vent and turn with a screwdriver . Sorry to say this but don't rely on BG yearly services , we have had them for the past 40 years and over that time the service has gone from a Boiler strip and clean down, inspect all rads, valves , tanks and pipework to just sticking a meter into the flue then telling me that I'm not up to date with the latest requirements. The only reason we still maintain them is we have full repair/ replacement with them so if they miss something and it goes t-ts up, its them that have to repair/replace it
I only wish my new Heating Engineers/Plumbers did service contracts
oldie

 

[Bernie2]

Yes! Would agree depending on boiler type. Its favourite to be either trv pins stuck, pump impeller stuck or possibly gunk in the system.

Try a magnet on the pipes?

If you have got loads of magnetite in the system it will probably stick.

But if you have got a conventional system, just drain, flush out and put new inhibitor in system. You can if you want, get descaler and flush that through as well. All probably well cheaper than a power flush.

All this power flush stuff is expensive for what it is.

But if you have a modern boiler with a plate heat exchanger it may be as well to get a power flush. The problem is the internal water ways on plate exchangers are very close together and it would seem obvious they would block easily.

So the system really does need a good clean out including the boiler.

But then if you have the time you can do it yourself, just do each rad by themselves and flush through with a hose. Same with boiler.

Don't forget to look up the advised number of flushes both hot and cold to give the system. I'll post a bit more if you like?

Good Fortune

 

[vincentsrus]

Thanks guys for all your help. Much appreciated!!