Issue with one radiator in open vent heating system no flow

[Madrab]

Slow down ... not sure if you remember (read back on the posts) but I mentioned that to using a pressure tester to clear blockages/restrictions was a last resort and that you really need to get to both ends of the pipe that way the pressure can be built specifically in the pipe that's restricted and then used to blow through it under pressure. Now that the pipe is flowing then it's not blocked anymore rather restricted and that process may not be as effective. Even then you don't want to put the whole system under that pressure especially if it is gravity fed. When I recommended the pressure tester was when there was little or not flow. That has changed and now there is flow so the tester may not be needed now and the cleaner may be enough.

If you can work on that pipe specifically then that would be the way I would go.

 

[scoobydo123]

OK understood. Will get the filter on and get some x800 back in and run it for a while before cutting into the pipe at a point where I have access.

 

[Madrab]

Using the X400 is less aggressive therefore it can be left to run in the system for a week or 2. That way the system can go through lots of heat cycles etc and that can greatly assist the cleaner to eat away at the restrictions in the system whilst the filter will sift out the magnetite and solids.

X800 is great for pro's who want to in and out in a day or 2 as it's that aggressive but it needs to be used that quickly and then fully flushed out to stop any long term issues from the cleaner.

 

[scoobydo123]

Hi plan is to try and get some more flow with the x800 and then flush that out and then leave x400 in the system with the filter dragging the suspended particles out. It is a property I rent out so need a quick fix if I can without too much disturbance. If it was in my own home would be much easier rather than going round there when I can. Current status is that there is hardly any flow with radiator just slightly above ambient according to tenant. However I will be better judge when I get round there. Thanks

 

[BlueLoo]

Why are you, as a landlord, not getting proffesionals in?

 

[Mike13]

it would be best to divert the solids away to somewhere else by opening up one of the pipes at a suitable location if possible. the solids have to go somewhere, if that is elsewhere in your existing piping then that will mean more cleaner used up to slowly dissolve it.

 

[scoobydo123]

Why are you, as a landlord, not getting proffesionals in?

I provide decent quality accommodation at a good price. Unfortunately margins took a hit since covid and stealth taxes by government / local authority.

 

[scoobydo123]

Thanks @Mike13 . Fitted the filter today and got some floor up on the 1st floor. It has been very poorly piped with 15mm on main runs rather than 22. The run towards the front of the property serves 2 rads downstairs one 2m long one 2.2m and two up stairs including the bad one with compression T that splits the 3rd bed and the bad rad with everything else being soldered. Was going to undo this and give it a blast with the bucket tester but this was a fail as the cheapo bucket tester 15mm pipe would not go in the fitting or thinking about it maybe not 15mm as it would be imperial. Pipe to the bad rad does get hot when I have the other rads on and lockshields in a certain position. So have filled with x800 turned boiler flow down and left heating on.

 

[BlueLoo]

I provide decent quality accommodation at a good price. Unfortunately margins took a hit since covid and stealth taxes by government / local authority.

Interesting.
Is it no longer viable as a business?
Do you do the other building maintenance stuff like electricity, building, etc?

 

[scoobydo123]

Just about viable at current rate which is below market rate. All electrics signed off and LL licence (sorry I mean tax) in place. Prefer to keep tenant rather than bring inline with market rate as better the devil you know.

 

[scoobydo123]

Will go to local plumbing shop and pick up 1/2 inch bsp to 15mm Bush adapter and hopefully when I undo the compression I can clear the poor flow with the bucket tester.

 

[scoobydo123]

Hi all, I am draining out the x800 today and have an observation. I am using the tf1 to drain the system and if I close the flow valve or the return valve on the offending radiator then the system stops draining. Does that indicate anything?

 

[scoobydo123]

Have left the system with cal-chem inhibitor / cleaner in and will see if the situation improves beyond the flow pipe getting hot. Will address after the holidays to save the turmoil of lifting floorboards etc.

 

[scoobydo123]

OK update time. Have floor boards up on first floor have I.D. the flow and return which are both 22mm and these have magnetic attraction these pipes convert to 15mm covering the front of the property and back of the property so far from ideal piping as these 15mm pipes also go downstairs. On these main 15mm pipe runs there is also magnetic attraction maybe slightly more on the return pipes. The offending radiator return has no magnetic attraction for the first 3M after the radiator valves and then slight at a set bend which then travels 3M and joins to the cold feed with magnetic attraction. Thoughts are due to poor design that the reduction to 15mm and serving of multiple radiators that overtime sludge and crud has developed. If I was to cut at the cold feed point which also happens to be where the return of the non working radiator maybe can get it working again. How good is a powerflush under these circumstances. Thinking of hiring one. Snippet of extra info the circulator has also siezed up bit managed to kick start it with a screwdriver in the bleed hole. Could I also have weak circulator which maybe contributed.

 

[scoobydo123]

Found the issue. Blocked just after the Tee at the cold feed which also was where the return of the bad radiator joined. Going to take the opportunity to repipe in 22mm the main runs whilst I have the floor up. This will then have instead of 4 radiators on 15mm pipe work it will be max of 2.