Two cold radiators. Help!

Discussion in 'Plumbers' Talk' started by cold house, Nov 11, 2021.

  1. cold house

    cold house New Member

    Hi, apologies for posting a commonly asked question. I tried to read through your answers to find my solution, but I still need to ask.

    So, two storey semi with 8 radiators, Worchester combi boiler fitted just over two years ago, Magnaclean installed 10 years ago and replaced recently with the Worchester magnetic cleaner filter.

    The radiators have trv valves that are not blocked but still two radiators, one on the first floor, one on the ground floor are not getting hot even though the feeding pipes (15mm) feel warm.

    Turning off the working radiators only results in the boiler switching on and off. Seems unable to push the water through. The system was cleaned with a chemical cleaner at least four times, including when the boiler was replaced.I called a heating engineer who reccomended putting in another dose of cleaner or replacing all the downstairs pipes for £2,000 plus the cost of a new floor, which seems a lot of work and expense.

    What could I try and if I disconnected the cold radiator and opened the valve would I get water leaking all over?

    How is this done?
     
  2. Wayners

    Wayners Screwfix Select

    Maybe the common valve stuck.. Tap tap tap the trv as probably set to number 3 all summer with the natural temperature of 20c or above ment the valve pin has been pushed in for months and now stuck. Watch YouTube and that tap tap tap vibration shocks the pin in valve and it pops up.
     
  3. darren jackson

    darren jackson Active Member

    have you tried removing the TRV head from the valve body, its a dry joint so safe to do, you will see a pin that sticks up on top, push the pin down a couple of time, leave the head off to see if radiator heats up
     
  4. terrymac

    terrymac Screwfix Select

    How do you know the TRV's are not blocked ,as you stated ? Or their pins stuck in the closed position ?
     
  5. Jimbo

    Jimbo Screwfix Select

    Are you needing to top up the system regularly?
     
  6. cold house

    cold house New Member

    Hi, thanks for the tip. Yes, tried that but no luck.
     
  7. cold house

    cold house New Member

    Hi, no the system doesn't need regular top ups.
     
  8. cold house

    cold house New Member

    Hi, because I removed the TRV valve and pushed the pin down, plus the plumber also checked. Sadly not so easy to fix.
     
  9. terrymac

    terrymac Screwfix Select

    You could close both valves on one of the rads that doesn't heat up ,then drain that rad and remove it from the wall.
    Once off the wall open the TRV ,holding a bucket at its outlet to catch the water ,let it run for for 20 seconds. Then close the TRV ,and repeat the above on the other valve.
    If your system is sealed / pressurised ,you will need a second person to keep the pressure topped up.
    If system is fed from a small loft tank it will replenish itself.
    If water doesn't flow continually when either valve is opened ,it's pipework is blocked or the valve itself is.
     
    cold house likes this.
  10. cold house

    cold house New Member

    Thanks, Terrymac, that is helpful. Just another question: why is a 15mm pipe work throughout inadeguate?
     
  11. heatyman

    heatyman Well-Known Member

    You can achieve Terrymac's test without removing the radiator. Close both valves, open the bleed nipple and open one vave and let it run for a few. Close that valve and open the other and let it run. If it doesn't run on either valve then you have the culprit.
     
    cold house likes this.
  12. cold house

    cold house New Member

    Thank you Heatyman, I am very grateful for this.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice