Central heating - Hot water only

[crazyhairyfreak]

Central heating system about 25 years old - not combi boiler - about 2 years ago plumber arranged system so that we could just heat the water only instead of having to have to heating on as well. This summer, when we have switched it to heat water only, the rads are also getting warm. They are not getting really hot but are warm to touch. Both upstairs and downstairs rads are affected. Another plumber had a look yesterday and said we would need a whole new system which would be expensive. Anyone any other ideas?

 

[kevplumb]

have you got one of these in the airing cupboard (top may be a dirrerent colour)

 

[wilhelm]

hidden under these

jeez that took some doing......

 

[felix]

Anyone any other ideas?

I have an idea that A N Other plumber could be starring on Rogue Traders some day! If your system was working two years ago there's no reason why it shouldn't work again.

It's hard to be specific without more information about your pipework but it sounds like hot water is leaking past a motorized valve somewhere. That picture kevplumb posted is a common type of valve which can send water to your hot cylinder or your radiators or both. Others are simple Open-Shut valves with two pipes. Try to follow the outlet pipe from your boiler and see where it goes. The pump might be first in line. Keep going until you find something like that picture.