New boiler & pump installed, powerflushed - rad problems

[polo7571]

Hi
I've been searching through all the old threads, but can't find one that fits this scenario. Would appreciate some advice as I think I'm being spun a line.

Replaced an old System boiler 30kw connected to Megaflow cyclinder with a Glow-worm Ultracom 30Hxi System boiler and replaced pump and added another small radiator to bedroom. Also replaced existing TRV's with new ones. System has been powerflushed and a chemical device fitted for on-going care. Installation was 2 days ago.

Problem is that some of the radiators are hot at top and cold at bottom. Other dual radiators are hot on side nearest wall and cool on room facing side. Didn't have this problem before installation - all radiators were evenly hot top to bottom.

On the install plumber had problem getting air out of the system and had to install an external device that would convert system from Open Vent to Sealed System (so no longer use the two water tanks in the loft).

I've had the plumber back twice and he says raditors are normally hotter at top and relatively cool at the bottom but this seems rubbish when I didn't have this problem beforehand. He's been around screwing the ends of the radiators (valves I think) but this still doesn't get the full radiator warm. Some radiators are really hot (5 on TRV but if you turn to 3 almost go cold).

Sorry this is so long - can anyone provide positive advice please.

Thanks in advance.

 

[gas_man_gaz]

they do get slightly hotter at the top but they shouldn't be cool at the bottom.. id start by turning the radiators which get really hot down slightly (using the lockshield - not the trv) and see if it makes a difference.
if not it could be muck in the sys, poorly adjusted bypass or just a poor install.. id pester him until he sorts it!

 

[gas4you]

Sounds like a very poor flush carried out

 

[polo7571]

they do get slightly hotter at the top but they shouldn't be cool at the bottom.. id start by turning the radiators which get really hot down slightly (using the lockshield - not the trv) and see if it makes a difference.
if not it could be muck in the sys, poorly adjusted bypass or just a poor install.. id pester him until he sorts it!

Thanks for the advice - will call him again on Monday!

 

[polo7571]

they do get slightly hotter at the top but they shouldn't be cool at the bottom.. id start by turning the radiators which get really hot down slightly (using the lockshield - not the trv) and see if it makes a difference.
if not it could be muck in the sys, poorly adjusted bypass or just a poor install.. id pester him until he sorts it!

Thanks - I'll go around tomorrow and see what I can do. Have been playing around with that a bit today and there is slight improvement, so there's hope!

 

[polo7571]

Thanks for the advice on the rads - think I've got the balance right now. Plumber was supposed to come on Tues - no show. Now says he's coming on Monday to try to fix the new radiator which clunks so loudly I can't sleep!

In the meantime, well known gas company service man came to service boiler (as part of my service contract) and tell me it's not been installed properly - no main earth to boiler, no bypass fitted (sealed system), no guard to flue and no lagging to pipework - says this isn't to standard and that I should report plumber to corgi or get plumber to correct at his cost.

None of this was in the original quote (obviously I would know what to expect). I

s this service guy being over zealous or is he right? He says that without bypass a compression/expansion place will warp within couple of years and will need replacing and because not part of original installation will invalidate my service contract.

I hate confrontation, so feel sick that I might have to challenge plumber with all this so and advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[gas4you]

Sounds as if he is correct, but a bit over zealous as well.

 

[polo7571]

Sounds as if he is correct, but a bit over zealous as well.

That's what I was afraid of!

 

[JayJay1978]

How did you come by the installer was he recommended?

 

[polo7571]

How did you come by the installer was he recommended?

Got him off a rated website where people rate tradesmen. Thought this was safer than going through Yellow Pages. Have checked with Corgi and they are registered so you have to take your chances really.

 

[gas4you]

Being CORGI registered means didly squat in the real world

All he has had to do is pass an exam and be visited by the local inspector.

It offers no guarantee that he would be good at his job or have pride in his work or reputation

 

[Agile]

All those things are what a first rate installer would do plus notifying CORGI who post you a blue certificate a couple of weeks later.

There is a tendenancy to rubbish other peoples work in this industry.

I do have to say that nearly 50% of installers would not do all those things.

I expect that if you have an external condensate pipe that he has not lagged that either!

Tony

 

[polo7571]

Thanks Tony, I'm not too worried about lagging as such but the lack of system bypass does concern me. Why would half the installers miss out this stage?