constant airing of radiators

[mark_mc]

i live in a bungalow with a open vented heating system, the problem is

I am having trouble with air in the upstairs radiators, they need constant bleeding. I have the radiators filled upstairs and they are working brillant, but when the heating is off again they then seem to fill with a air and its a nightmare to get them aired again. The heating seems to make a airlock in the system and i cant get the air out, even if i open all 3 radiators upstairs they still dont air.

There is no air in the downstairs radiators but when the heating is on you can hear a wee bit of air in the radiators but no air in them.

Thought it could be gas in the radiators but no flame when match when airing.

Could someone please give me a bit of advice on how to resolve the problem many thanks

 

[finchy01]

When your heating is on and fully warmed up check the heat from your radiators all over i.e. Top and Bottom. If it's noticeably colder at the bottom then you have a build up of sludge in your system and require a powerflush. Another tell-tail sign is to check the condition of water in your header tank (the smaller of the two water tanks in your loft) the water should be nice a clean, if it's very dirty or black, get your hand in there and have a good feel around, you should find sludge in there. Again, if that's the case then you need a powerflush. Although a powerflush isn't cheap it may be all you need so check that before putting in more auto air vents. Hope this helps. Also, a bit od advice on the powerflushing, it's not a small job and should take pretty much all day (based on an 'average' system size of approx 10 radiators) if someone tells you they will be able to do it in a couple/few hours don't even bother as they probably won't be using a full powerflushing machine which is a must to get the job done properly.

 

[wnjswozo]

how long has this been going on,a power flush wont cure air drawn into the system

 

[mark_mc]

problem only just started a while back, but listened to the boiler this evening there and when i turn the boiler on the pump is pulsing it is running but i can hear a slight pulsing of it and then when the motorised valve opens for the c/h there is a rush of air in the boiler.

checked the tank and its not that bad it clean no sludge the waters not that bad either.

i think the pump needs bleed?
also hav checked the expansion tank for any vent overflow or levels changing two much but all is ok.

i dont fancy the idea of a powerflush because i have a baclk boiler in my home, duel heating oil as well link up and to carry a powerflush i will have to disconnect the back boiler or cap it and i dont want to do that as it would be two expensive to fix the damage getting to the pipes.

I will bleed the pump tomorrow and open both motorised valves aswell and air all the radiators and see want happens just sound like a lot of air around the boiler.

any other ideas >

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

low head basicly check to see if the pump is pumping over in to the tank,what speed is it on?

 

[mark_mc]

it def has a low head the tank its about 20 inchs above the highest radiator but it doesnt pump over in the vent, prob because the vent is connected the gravity side of the back boiler.

the radiators allow had a small amout of air in them but it was over a period of months

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

what boiler do you have?

 

[mark_mc]

its a grant 70-90 oil boiler heating only with pump separte to the side

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

not sure with oil,try to find out if its got a high limit stat if so you can convert the system to pressurised that will cure the low head problem and should sort out the air issues

 

[mark_mc]

wish i could pressurise the system but have a back boiler link up so cant unless i spend a lot of money with heat exchanger and the likes or a thermal store cylinder dont think it

i going to bleed the pump and turn it down and see what happens
many thanks gasman you are a true pro

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

no probs mark let us know how you get on

 

[Dirty Fingers]

Hello Mark

Do forgive me but there are quite a few variables that make your system different from a standard system. Too many to swap posts back and forth.

If you would like some advice via phone you are welcome to give me a call - 07971-270064. You can check my credentials/experience at Pritchard Plumbing & Heating Welcome.

Advice is always free.

Best wishes

Ian

 

[fuzzy]

i live in a bungalow with a open vented heating system, the problem is

I am having trouble with air in the upstairs radiators, they need constant bleeding. I have the radiators filled upstairs and they are working brillant, but when the heating is off again they then seem to fill with a air and its a nightmare to get them aired again. The heating seems to make a airlock in the system and i cant get the air out, even if i open all 3 radiators upstairs they still dont air.

There is no air in the downstairs radiators but when the heating is on you can hear a wee bit of air in the radiators but no air in them.

Thought it could be gas in the radiators but no flame when match when airing.

Could someone please give me a bit of advice on how to resolve the problem many thanks

you have a leak