Blocked pipe or airlock

jtg90 · Aug 23, 2016

Hi, could anyone advise me on a radiator not heating up?

I recently removed a radiator from the lounge (permanently) - when I refilled the system and tested the other lounge radiator wasn't working. I replaced both valves (TRV and lockshield) and the radiator still didn't heat up. I have now removed the radiator and there is no flow from the lockshield valve even when fully opened so the pipe seems to be blocked. Is this likely to be an airlock or something else? Any advice on what I can do now?

This is a sealed system with a Glow-worm flexicom cx combi boiler.

Another thing to note is that the radiator that I removed never used to heat up particularly well - I assumed it was because this had been connected by teeing off from the other radiator and this was too much demand (both are very large radiators - one a double).

Thanks very much

Riley · Aug 23, 2016

There is a number of things you could try
A teed off rad will NEVER work well
Drain it down again and when you refill open the valves on the non working rad into a bucket. That way at least you will know if it's blocked or just an air lock
You can try and fire the boiler as sometimes the pump spinning can dislodge air. Don't do this for too long though.
It does sound to me like you may have an actual blockage and as I say the teed off rad will never work well

Simon F · Aug 23, 2016

When the rad is removed with no flow at the valve is that with the system pressurised?
no flow through the valve, have you tried removing the valve?

GasmanxxxR1 · Aug 24, 2016

Is it microbore pipe? could be blocked solid

Last Plumber · Aug 29, 2016

Was the heating install a DIY job ?
Did the return from the rad you removed, feed the other rad ?
If it's a sealed system ( under pressure), I cant see it becoming that blocked that quick.
I'm not saying it's not possible because it is of course. It just seems odd that the rad stopped working after you removed the first rad. Especially as you mentioned they didn't work well anyway ! makes it sound like they shared the flow between them.