Understanding my pipework

[aturner]

Hi all,
First post and all that.
I have recently retired and finally got around to doing all the little things never had time for before: fitting thermostats to all rads, fitting programmable thermostats etc. Really quite enjoyed it. I would now like to understand the pipework in my airing cupboard. I've posted a picture. I can identify the main components like pump, cold feed; ch and water valve etc. Bit the rest are a mystery and wondered if some kind soul could help out.
[Lower bit]

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• aturner
• 14 Nov 2008
• 1

and [Top bit]

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• aturner
• 14 Nov 2008
• 1

Many thanks

 

[seco services]

 

[aturner]

Hey seco, this is 5* service.
What a great site.
Mant many thanks

 

[seco services]

 

[hardatwork]

why has the primary return got a gate valve on it!!??? it's not a manual bypass valve is it?

 

[seco services]

on the return from the coil.
slows the flow through the coil, if its fully open you will find
the water will take the shortest route so your rads will
suffer no heat if both hw/heating on.

 

[aturner]

So, should the gate valve be fully open or not? Also not clear about the service valve linking the 2 other pipes.
Thanks

 

[JPC]

if things working ok..leave it as it is....normally open about 1/3 ?

the service valve is a bodged bypass

 

[D_Hailsham]

The air separator has not been installed as per Manufacturers Instructions. The device needs to be turned through 90° as orientation is important for proper working.

 

[aturner]

Hi,
If the sevice valve is a bodged addition, does this mean it should not be there. It is currently open about one third. Should it be just an open connection ie connected from one to the other.
Any advice much appreciated.
The air valve has been like this since house was built. Do I need to get it changed?
Thanks

 

[seco services]

if it works leave it.

this is a bypass valve.

as for the air seperator the vent should be at the top.

many people still have systems like yours been installed for yrs and work well.

 

[daveaf]

The bypass does exactly what it says, but is it a problem if you do not have 1, as I do not on my set up?

Cheers Dave.

 

[seco services]

many old systems don't and work well.
a bypass on a y plan is only any good if it fitted with trv's on the rads.

 

[daveaf]

Ah I see, I have 8 rads in my house but only the upstairs 4 have TRV's on them so there is no way I could cut flow completely. Looks like Im OK then.