|
|
|
|
Please help - to microbore or not...?
On 20 Aug 2003 10:41:40 -0700, (Rebecca) wrote:
Hi Andt,
To answer your queries:
1. The rads I mention are not as old as the antique types you mention
so I guess I mean old versions of more modern panel types.
2. I thought it was the typical triangle shape heat distribution but
it also sounds a bit like the top only and either end of rad heating
you suggested (I get the impression I am, not beong clear!)- when we
cleaned one out last year, it worked perfectly for a couple of weeks
before going back to the orignal useless heat distribution.
Hmm. Then I think that considering you have had Fernox in the system
it is not likely to be corrosion of the radiators themeselves, at
least certainly not in that timescale.
Silt and crud somewhere being carried into the microbore pipes from
another radiator or pipework that does have some sludge is plausible
if the system went bad after a while - especially if the 6mm is worse
or became worse more quickly than the 8mm.
Do you have thermostatic valves or was anything else changed?
3. Yes, the new rads are in BTU/hr so I guess the existing pipes
should be ok. Phew.
I think we'll get a bloke round to change the rads and see how we get
on then. Fingers crossed it will be fine!
Hopefully, although I am not sure.
You could usefully ask him to flush the system at each radiator valve
(both ends) as he goes to see if it brings out any grot from the
system pipework.
If there is, then it would be worth going to each radiator - even
those which are apparently OK. Take them off and outside and flush
them through with a mains water hose or a pressure washer if you have
it. Flush from each radiator valve as you go to carry any silt in the
pipework out. Unfortunately just flushing to a drain cock in one
place doesn't really achieve this well.
This sounds like a bit of a pain, but you can actually do a whole
house worth of radiators in a couple of hours. Do note the settings
of each lockshield valve if you close it at all. Having said that, I
have a feeling that a balancing exercise is going to be on the list as
well.
Also another reminder - do watch for the sludge and even rusty water
drips. The compounds are one of the most indellible dyes known to
man :-( One useful trick if you are taking radiators outside is to
put a small plastic sandwich bag over each tail after you have undone
the nut and attach with a rubber band. Then you won't get drips on
the floor. I also found that new cat litter trays from the
supermarket are a cheap and useful container to put under the valves
as you undo them and even to flush.
Thanks for the tips. You don't live near J9 of the M25 by any chance
do you? You sound like a very useful man to know!
My "world of adventures" is nearer to J10 of the M4 :-)
Will keep you updated
Please do - this is a bit of a puzzle.
Rebecca
..andy
To email, substitute .nospam with .gl
|