Whats all this about?

[southcoastboile]

Please could someone give me some advice on this install I am doing.

The first picture shows the tank above the cylinder, this seems to be seperated, there are 2 ballvalves. I assumed one would be for the heating and the other was the cws tank. I drained the rads and the left hand side tank level dropped, the right hand side was still full. The weird thing was the two towel rails were still fulll of pressure. I think they are off the cws tank! I have never seen this done before? If this is the case I am going to try and link the towel rails back into the heating system.

The next picture shows the flue of the boiler. Before I take the old boiler out I wanted to know if there is a possibility the flue may be ducted into other boiler flues in the massive block of flats I just want to make sure it is safe to disconnect the old flue.

The 3rd picture shows the layout of the current system, I didn't try it but there is a pump that I think must run when the hot water is called for on the programmer, I assume this is how the two towel rails fed from the cws tank get hot and circulate.

Any advise much appreciated. Thanks alot!!!!! I should probably add I am swaping the current system for an electric boiler as it is virtually impossible to fit a gas boiler.

 

[southcoastboile]

No one got any ideas on this?

 

[snowhead]

Please could someone give me some advice on this install I am doing.

The first picture shows the tank above the cylinder, this seems to be seperated, there are 2 ballvalves. I assumed one would be for the heating and the other was the cws tank. I drained the rads and the left hand side tank level dropped, the right hand side was still full. The weird thing was the two towel rails were still fulll of pressure. I think they are off the cws tank! I have never seen this done before? If this is the case I am going to try and link the towel rails back into the heating system.

The next picture shows the flue of the boiler. Before I take the old boiler out I wanted to know if there is a possibility the flue may be ducted into other boiler flues in the massive block of flats I just want to make sure it is safe to disconnect the old flue.

The 3rd picture shows the layout of the current system, I didn't try it but there is a pump that I think must run when the hot water is called for on the programmer, I assume this is how the two towel rails fed from the cws tank get hot and circulate.

Any advise much appreciated. Thanks alot!!!!!View attachment 8542View attachment 8543View attachment 8544View attachment 8545 I should probably add I am swaping the current system for an electric boiler as it is virtually impossible to fit a gas boiler.

I have never seen this done before? Used to be common, especially on coal fired back boilers behind open fires. Could have been used for heat leak on a Modern solid fuel system. Just noticed NOT in a flat tho'


I just want to make sure it is safe to disconnect the old flue. Probably discharges into a vertical void, but only you onsite can verfiy exactly what it does, it should be O.k removing the boiler flue and fixing and sealing a plate over the end, but it's up to you to confirm soundness of the remaining flue.

I think must run when the hot water is called for on the programmer Those bronze pumps are usually used for secondary circulation of DHW to maintain temp at tap and reduce cold legs, there would be a (15mm) return going back into the cylinder between 1/3 and 2/3 up. It may also feed the Towel rails, but would be best back with the rads.

 

[buckley plumb]

be careful on the flue if its a combined flue system on a block of flats only certain boilers can be used .hard to advise from photos.

 

[Millsy 82]

Can you knock on another couple of flats and ask to see if the flue is a combined flue. I have never seen a combined flue like that but have come across a U duct in 1 block of flats before.

If it was me I would want to rip out all the cylinder and start again looks a bit of a jumble to me.

 

[stevetheplumber]

one tank is as you say for the heating one for cold water storage your towel rails are fitted on the hot water cicuit problem with that is you have to use brass towel rails the steel ones will rust through in weeks

 

[Leo21]

That flue looks as though it serves other appliances above the flat your in. Is it a downstairs flat? I would say no don't disconnect it, till you've investigated fully. Is there a property manager or some form of caretaker to ask? And the tank is just a combination of the domestic h/w and f&e.

 

[southcoastboile]

Thanks for all the replies. I am going to see if I can connect the towel rails up to the heating circuit.

With regards to the flue. It seems like it is connected to the other flues in the block. I went outside and there are only a few flues terminating.

Nothing like the amount there would be if each flat had a seperate flue. I was hoping to get a cap for the flue. Does anyone think that will cause a problem? obv an open flue boiler, didn't know if it would effect the flue pull on the other boilers if it is capped off?

 

[Kev the gas]

You have either a Seduct flue or U duct flue.

Recheck your gas books to check which system you have. You will need to do a thorough inspection on the roof and basement to check what you have or speak to the managing agent and get their answer in writing, I would be carefull not to rely on a poorly paid caretaker to advise you !

I would imagine it will be safe to disconnect a joint inside the flat, and seal using sand and cement.

Kev.

 

[southcoastboile]

You have either a Seduct flue or U duct flue.

Recheck your gas books to check which system you have. You will need to do a thorough inspection on the roof and basement to check what you have or speak to the managing agent and get their answer in writing, I would be carefull not to rely on a poorly paid caretaker to advise you !

I would imagine it will be safe to disconnect a joint inside the flat, and seal using sand and cement.

Kev.

Thats a good point Kev, I had better get the go ahead before I do start taking it apart. I think it would be impossible to seal with sand and cement I think it's an 8 inch flue. What about expanding foam and then a layer of cement over the top?

 

[Leo21]

I wouldn't touch it till you have written permission, and if I was to cap it I'd form a metal pate and rivet it on using fire cement or heat resistant silicone (plumba) I think it's called.

 

[Kev the gas]

Kev.

 

[stevetheplumber]

i dont think thats se duct or u duct just looks like a shared flue the draugh is from each flat via the open flued boilers youll have to take any new boiler out through the wall as normal
weve had several of these in large blocks many had to be replaced with electric boilers as building management wouldnt allow flues through the fabric

 

[Leo21]

i dont think thats se duct or u duct just looks like a shared flue the draugh is from each flat via the open flued boilers youll have to take any new boiler out through the wall as normal
weve had several of these in large blocks many had to be replaced with electric boilers as building management wouldnt allow flues through the fabric

Thats what it looks like to me as well. Also it looks like the bottom of the the flue system as well.