G
GSM
Hi, I'm new to this forum, so hope I'm doing things correctly.
I have a problem with my heating system in my new house, which I have recently just moved into, and hoping someone can help me out.
Unfortunately I'm not from a plumbing background and thought it would be useful to post this on this forum to seek some advice.
Basically, my plumber has only used one common return pipe from the hot water cylinder in my hot press to my boiler and T'd everything off this one return pipe, meaning that when I call for any zone, eg. my hot water zone, I am finding that my radiators are heating on the return side (reverse circulation). This will circulate through all the radiators depending on how long the particular zone is turned on for. (I have found this out as I have photographs of all the pipework before finished floor screeds where laid).
I now know that separate return pipes should have been taken out with nothing T'd off them, and know that the plumber has taken shortcuts by not putting this extra pipework in.
Unfortunately the plumber has left me with this problem and doesn't want to know and has assured me that there is nothing wrong with the pipework below my floors!
I have spoken to a friend who has done plumbing work in the past, and he has said that I have two options -
1. Fit non-return valves on the return side of all rads, and a non-return valve on the return pipe to separate ground & first floors radiator zones, or
2. Cut open the floors and fit new return pipework.
Option 2 would cause alot of hassle for me and my family, not to mention the hugh expense, I therefore have tried option 1 and sourced spring loaded non-return valves and had them fitted last weekend. Unfortunately they haven't sorted the problem, although they do stop the reverse circulation. I have found that the spring non-return valves have created too much resistance and my pump isn't able to pump the water around all the circuit, also they are very noisey when the water passes through them. These valves where fitted on the vertical copper pipework coming up from the floor and are exposed as I was told they may require to be changed in the future and therefore its better to keep them exposed.
I have have 9 radiators upstairs of which the pump was only able to heat 7, and I have 13 downstairs with a zone of underfloor heating.
I have spoken to my plumbing supplies this week, and they have tried to source a valve with a lighter spring which wouldn't create as much resistance and noise. Unfortunately, they weren't able to source one, but have suggested using the flap type non-return valve.
Can this be fitted on the vertical copper upstand pipe, or would they not operate properly? and would there be any noise from them? If they can only be fitted horizontally, if a hole be cut in the floor screed and the return pipe exposed at every radiator and valve fitted, can it be covered over with floor screed again? or do the valves need to be exposed for future maintenance or replacement?
I would greatly appreciate any help and advice on this problem, or even if anyone has experienced anything like this before and the best solution to solve it.
Kind Regards,
GSM.
I have a problem with my heating system in my new house, which I have recently just moved into, and hoping someone can help me out.
Unfortunately I'm not from a plumbing background and thought it would be useful to post this on this forum to seek some advice.
Basically, my plumber has only used one common return pipe from the hot water cylinder in my hot press to my boiler and T'd everything off this one return pipe, meaning that when I call for any zone, eg. my hot water zone, I am finding that my radiators are heating on the return side (reverse circulation). This will circulate through all the radiators depending on how long the particular zone is turned on for. (I have found this out as I have photographs of all the pipework before finished floor screeds where laid).
I now know that separate return pipes should have been taken out with nothing T'd off them, and know that the plumber has taken shortcuts by not putting this extra pipework in.
Unfortunately the plumber has left me with this problem and doesn't want to know and has assured me that there is nothing wrong with the pipework below my floors!
I have spoken to a friend who has done plumbing work in the past, and he has said that I have two options -
1. Fit non-return valves on the return side of all rads, and a non-return valve on the return pipe to separate ground & first floors radiator zones, or
2. Cut open the floors and fit new return pipework.
Option 2 would cause alot of hassle for me and my family, not to mention the hugh expense, I therefore have tried option 1 and sourced spring loaded non-return valves and had them fitted last weekend. Unfortunately they haven't sorted the problem, although they do stop the reverse circulation. I have found that the spring non-return valves have created too much resistance and my pump isn't able to pump the water around all the circuit, also they are very noisey when the water passes through them. These valves where fitted on the vertical copper pipework coming up from the floor and are exposed as I was told they may require to be changed in the future and therefore its better to keep them exposed.
I have have 9 radiators upstairs of which the pump was only able to heat 7, and I have 13 downstairs with a zone of underfloor heating.
I have spoken to my plumbing supplies this week, and they have tried to source a valve with a lighter spring which wouldn't create as much resistance and noise. Unfortunately, they weren't able to source one, but have suggested using the flap type non-return valve.
Can this be fitted on the vertical copper upstand pipe, or would they not operate properly? and would there be any noise from them? If they can only be fitted horizontally, if a hole be cut in the floor screed and the return pipe exposed at every radiator and valve fitted, can it be covered over with floor screed again? or do the valves need to be exposed for future maintenance or replacement?
I would greatly appreciate any help and advice on this problem, or even if anyone has experienced anything like this before and the best solution to solve it.
Kind Regards,
GSM.