Extremely hot water but radiators struggling to warm up ! Help !

[jobo]

Our Central Heating/Hot water system has been playing up for a while now to the point where it is driving me insane

.

Basically, for some reason, our water is getting extremely hot (even though it is set to 40 degrees on the tank and always has been) but the radiators seem to be struggling (and some more than others) to get very warm. The house thermostat was accidentally turned down the other day so the central heating didn't come on in the morning and then we only had lukewarm water - more than a coincidence I fear ! Surely this means that in the summer when the heating is off, we won't have any hot water at all ?

(System is cold water tank in loft, hot water tank in airing cupboard, control panel to work water and/or heating).

Anyone have any ideas as to what could be causing this ? Due to severe financial difficulties we can't afford to call out a plumber

Thank you

 

[Blake]

Check the operation of any motorised valve in the airing cupboard ( small metal box attached to pipes or similar) and also check that you can hear the pump running when you turn the CH on.

 

[jobo]

bronzino

Thanks for your prompt reply !!!

Is checking the valve a simple operation ? I seem to remember a few years ago we had a similar-ish problem that turned out to be the valve - something inside it wasn't closing off properly ? (sorry to sound so vague !). Is a fault like this easy to spot if it is removed ?

The pump (which was also replaced a few years ago) is definitely making a noise.

Many thanks

 

[Blake]

there is a lever on the side of the valve which you should be able to push across and then hook up to keep it in the open position.

Turn your ch on and off and check to see if the lever is moving, that will tell you if it is working correctly. If not, manually open it as above until it can be replaced.

 

[jobo]

Thank you ! I will give that a try when I get home from work later.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

just to add on from bronzino the hot water must be set at 60 degrees to kill legionnaires and other nasty bugs.

 

[jobo]

ewwww , thanks steveb !!

 

[azza100]

if the motorised valve seems ok then it might be that the primary coil in the hot water cylinder has split, you could check that there isnt any water coming out of the open vent and going into the tank. just an idea if all else fails

 

[jobo]

Bronzino

The motorised valve is definitely working when CH turned on/off. Pump also seems to be working. We're now also getting a "buzzing" noise from the boiler in the kitchen (sounds like a relay clicking ??). The 2 rads nearest the airing cupboard (i.e. tank) are not working at all. Others upstairs are OK as are downstairs. Water is still boiling hot from the taps. Any ideas ?!!!!