radiators or pump ?

[babylamb]

i seem to be having problems with my radiators, the bottom one is cold and the upstairs ones are lukewarm. i have hot water and have tried to bleed them.

when i bleed the rads do i stop when it pours water out or continue to empty them, its an ex council house. please help !!

[Quiet Man]

Sounds like you circulating pump is not doing it's job you will need to start there to see if it is working at all. Turn off the heating when bleeding radiators to reduce air locks.

[jlbharper]

The pump has most likely stopped working due to age or a build up of sludge within the system. Unscrew the central screw in the middle of the pump and insert a screw driver then rotate clockwise this will kick start the motor and then pump the hot water around the system including downstairs. If this does solve it you need to replace the pump. Cost @ �60 for a decent Grampus pump. Isolate the pump by closing both valves either side of the pump ( Normally have the valve heads removed) Undo the joints and slide out the pump and then slide the new one in. With electrical conections as you remove the old insert the new. If the unions will not undo remove the 4 allen screws and remove the impeller and motor from the casing - scrape out any debris and insert the new parts - Then Bobs your Granny - PS when bleeding the system if water either clean or mucky comes out then air in the system is not the problem - Good luck

[babylamb]

dont no what happened after bleeding the rads yesturday but....i have NO heating now ,all rads are cold ..HELP AGAIN

[pilotlight]

babylamb, More info needed --- Is the boiler a Combi ? ------ is the system open vented or sealed system ?

[babylamb]

its not a combi .....its sealed, old copper boiler. !!

[Gadgetman]

Babylamb. Just another thought. Do you have a diverter valve and is it working. The diverter is a Y shaped connection which has the water from the boiler in the bottom pipe and can divert the water to the heating loop or the hot water loop or both if required. Mine went faulty about two years ago. If you have one you can hear it opening and closing, when you're near it, if someone alters the thermostats in room and on hot water tank.

[babylamb]

Thank you all for your help ..i called a plumber out who said the pump needed replacing. hopefully my heating will be back on today (fingers crossed).