Hi
I have a recent issue in that I can only get heat upstairs or downstairs but not to both. And when I do put just the downstairs heating on, the two furthest away radiators struggle to warm up even when the other radiators downstairs are turned down. Also, when the hot water comes on both upstairs and downstairs can't heat.
I have tried balancing and cleaning the system (cleaned all downstairs radiators via a hose outside and put in Fernox F3 cleaner) but that hasn't worked. I have also opened up the pump (Grundfos Alpha2 15-60 130) and ensured that it was spinning freely, which it was.
Two plumbers have come to inspect it - the first cleaned a few parts in the boiler along with suggesting putting in the cleaner to get rid of sludge as they thought the boiler and pump were working ok.
The second plumber suggested a stronger cleaner be used i.e. Fernox F5.
The system has a Spirotech MB3 fitted on the outflow from the boiler and before the pump - I know it is in the wrong place! Having figured out what it was, I cleaned it for the first time having to poke a cotton bud up through the hole to make the water flow out as it was so clogged up! It seems to be pulling black water every few days.
So, I am looking for suggestions on my next steps to resolve this heating issue. I have been thinking about the following options:
1. Just put Fernox F5 into the system and let it run for a week then drain.
2. Put Fernox F5 into the system and use a power flush machine.
3. Same as option 2 but use a magnacleanse machine to avoid extra pressure which might burst fragile pipes. This will be the most costly option as I will have to purchase the magnacleanse machine as I can't find any company that hires them out!
4. Replace the pump as even though it might be spinning freely, its strength may have diminished over time. I did notice that after agitating the pump the inflow pipes to the radiators downstairs did get hotter.
I am leaning towards Option 3 followed by Option 4 if Option 3 doesn't work.
Any advice is welcomed!
Thanks
Vik
I have a recent issue in that I can only get heat upstairs or downstairs but not to both. And when I do put just the downstairs heating on, the two furthest away radiators struggle to warm up even when the other radiators downstairs are turned down. Also, when the hot water comes on both upstairs and downstairs can't heat.
I have tried balancing and cleaning the system (cleaned all downstairs radiators via a hose outside and put in Fernox F3 cleaner) but that hasn't worked. I have also opened up the pump (Grundfos Alpha2 15-60 130) and ensured that it was spinning freely, which it was.
Two plumbers have come to inspect it - the first cleaned a few parts in the boiler along with suggesting putting in the cleaner to get rid of sludge as they thought the boiler and pump were working ok.
The second plumber suggested a stronger cleaner be used i.e. Fernox F5.
The system has a Spirotech MB3 fitted on the outflow from the boiler and before the pump - I know it is in the wrong place! Having figured out what it was, I cleaned it for the first time having to poke a cotton bud up through the hole to make the water flow out as it was so clogged up! It seems to be pulling black water every few days.
So, I am looking for suggestions on my next steps to resolve this heating issue. I have been thinking about the following options:
1. Just put Fernox F5 into the system and let it run for a week then drain.
2. Put Fernox F5 into the system and use a power flush machine.
3. Same as option 2 but use a magnacleanse machine to avoid extra pressure which might burst fragile pipes. This will be the most costly option as I will have to purchase the magnacleanse machine as I can't find any company that hires them out!
4. Replace the pump as even though it might be spinning freely, its strength may have diminished over time. I did notice that after agitating the pump the inflow pipes to the radiators downstairs did get hotter.
I am leaning towards Option 3 followed by Option 4 if Option 3 doesn't work.
Any advice is welcomed!
Thanks
Vik