Fitting TRVs with New SPlan system

[Iveagh]

Hi All

Im not a plumber. Im a good DIYer and like doing it myself. Im working on a closed system. Im installing an SPlan layout with motorised valves and also TRVs on rads. Im installing a room stat and cylinder stat. I have a two channel programmer.

1. The existing setup has no motorised valves. Hot from boiler to a T with flow to rads and cylinder simultaneously. There is a lever valve before cylinder to shut it down for some reason, we leave it open always to, get hot water for shower, maybe it acts as a loop but dont know why, no TRVs as yet. Problem is that this summer we have to go round the rads, shut them all off to get hot water for shower only. A pain in the bum and we still have some water flowing to pipes which is not good. We use one channel of the clock at the moment to control the boiler timings.

2 I have read that I should not install TRVs in all rooms as it conflicts with what I will create as I will have room stat, is that true.

3 Does it matter with room I put the room stat in, I understand this room should have no TRV as mentioned above, which room is usual one.

4 With the TRVs I have read I need an auto by pass valve is that true. I have a closeed system but the pipe layout by the previous owner is a mess. There may be a loop at present across the flow and return but it is not obvious and there is definitely no auto valve. Can this bypass loop and valve be close to the boiler as I have limited space or should there be minimum bridging length.


Thanks

Iveagh

 

[ShaunCorbs]

You sure you have a sealed/ closed system ?

And yes no trvs where your room stat is mounted

Coldest or most used room normally

And need an auto bypass fitting

Tbh it would be easier in the long run to get a heating eng to install/ upgrade it to comply to modern regs

 

[Radioman]

I agree with Shaun, your going to have to get building controls to sign it off if you don't use a benchmarked engineer.

 

[Iveagh]

Hi Shaun and Radioman

Thank you both for your rapid responses and advice. It is much appreciated. Th only reason im not getting a plumber to upgrade it all currently is that the last experiences I have had have not been good. Additionally we will probably extend in the future and a more major upgrade including changing the 'Qualpex' installed by a previous plumbing professional with no lagging (one of the many shortcuts and issues I dont like) to copper with appropriate lagging etc. All of that will require moving the boiler and cylinder most likey and so this is a short to medium term solution. I will ask an service to look it over when he services the boiler in the next few weeks first and after its done but I prefer to do the work myself. I find I am more particular than most trades people in Ireland. Some would call me a fussy *******.

The boiler has an inbuilt bypass but the installation manual states that an external loop may be needed. Thanks therfore for the good advice to fit one with the TRVs ill install, better to be sure.

Honstly im not expecting too many problems so hopefully it will go ok. The pipework and wiring look like what I can manage I think.

I appreciate your advice and hope if I run aground you might help me out again. I am eager to do it myself and to also learn in the process.

Iveagh

 

[chris watkins]

The boiler has an inbuilt bypass but the installation manual states that an external loop may be needed. Thanks therfore for the good advice to fit one with the TRVs ill install, better to be sure.
Honstly im not expecting too many problems so hopefully it will go ok. The pipework and wiring look like what I can manage I think.
I appreciate your advice and hope if I run aground you might help me out again. I am eager to do it myself and to also learn in the process.
Iveagh

I wish you good luck Iveagh,

Word of warning for you though - it is all to easy to for those without knowledge to believe they they can undertake the work of this trade, from your posts so far I would humble suggest that you fall into this category.

If Ireland has the same type of Building Regulations then you will most likely be breaking the Law & of course if things do go wrong (& we are not just talking about a small leak here) & you need to make a claim on your house insurance you will find you have no cover.

Then if you are forced to call in a trades person to put right what you have done incorrectly, they will change you considerable more than they would have done to put it in, in the first place.

 

[Iveagh]

Hi Chris.

Thank you for your reply to my post. Much appreciated and you give good advice. I apologise to anyone who may have been offended if they feel I undermined the extent of the complexity of the plumbing trade or knowledge required. Believe me I have read more than 4 or 5 books on heating systems alone. But I'm clearly not a plumber and am not seeking to do anyone out if a job. Truth is I really like doing the work myself. I appreciate it when someone might be prepared to give me the technical advice I need so I can do just that. I agree it doesn't make me a plumber but I get a satisfaction from doing the work.

Regs are not very strict in Ireland as yet but tightening. UK has be much more progressive in this regard. There are some technical guidance documents and Part L of the Code is the closest thing there is to prescribing the requirements.

Thanks again

Iveagh