Radiator problem

[BobbyBobBob]

Hi

We have recently moved into our new house and have discovered that only a few of the radiators work. We have tried bleeding them for air, and pressurising and re pressurising the system, and then bleeding again to see if that heats them up but it doesn't appear to be working. We've even tried loosening the cap on the pipes to see if air is in there. There are two little ones that work OK, one in toilet and one in spare room. Then there is another which just gets moderately warm, but the rest don't even heat up at all. (I think maybe the pipes get warm but that's it, the radiators are still stone cold) We have also recently discovered that the radiators that work either ok or fine are on one side of the house, and the radiators that don't heat up at all are on the other side.?? DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.

Anyway, people keep telling me that we will probably need a whole system flush to get it right, but for the time being I'm reluctant to do that as it is pretty pricey. So if anybody has any more ideas of what to do in the meantime, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again

[woofgang]

If you can be bothered, you can take rads off yourself and flush them with a garden hose. That will get a lot of the muck out.

[SlackAlice]

You may well need your radiators balanced, see below

http://www.diyfixit.c...l-heating-system.html

Try that before you start on the more expensive options. System flush is a money maker but not always neccessary

[The Builder]

Sounds more like a circulation problem to me Bobbo .............. if the pump isn't working, or is on a go slow, gravity and basic "thermo-syphonic" action will could result in some rads picking up hot water circulation in a seemingly random manner.
Can you locate the pump?
Either in the airing cupboard, or somewhere near the boiler, or, if a Combi system, built in to the boiler.
Can you hear/feel it running?

[sddsddean]

Do you mean a new house, or a new to you house? If its an 'old' house and been unoccupied for a while and the rads have TRV's, check them too as they regularly stick. Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV) are those (usually) white things on the valve a bit like un upside down plastic cup with numbers 1 - 4 on. Unscrew the knurled ring at the bottom and lift the plastic bit off. There will be a little brass pin in the middle of the valve body. Tap it very gently and hopefully it will jump up a bit and open the valve. Screw the plastic bit back on and hopefully it works!

[AlBags]

Goodness skae ..
Check pump running first
Then when sure of circulation ..
Bleed nearest radiator and turn off.
Then do same with next nearest and so on. This will help to move water and push air out.
Initially, if pressurised system as you indicate .. fill system to around 2bar .. not more. When bled and working set to around 1 1/2 bar warm.

[AlBags]

If it does have TRV's .. take off tops and check pin not sticking down (a common prob) Flick up with small pliers or a blade. Refit tops and test.