I have a central heating system using a Glowworm EnergySaver 60 boiler (open vent configuration), grundfos pump and a microbore network of pipes (although the max run of microbore from the main 22mm send/return pipes to any given radiator is only 1 meter). All radiators except one feature TRVs. As would be expected, the radiator without the TRV is permanently fully on.
While investigating flow issues I noted that there is a valve between the flow and return pipes directly after the pump. This valve is not a normal bypass valve (that operates to maintain minimal flow only when radiators are shut off) but is a simple tap that can be opened closed like any other.
When I tried this tap I found that it had been left partially open, allowing a reasonable amount of heated water to flow directly from the send to the return pipe without passing through either the CH or DHW circuits. Is there any reason why this valve should be there and why it would have been left partially open?
Given that we have been experiencing limitted flow to the most distant radiators (despite carefully balancing the system and running the pump flat out) and that the boiler seems to 'kettle' very easily, I am keen to close this valve. However, without knowing what it is for, I am nervous to adjust its setting.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
iep
While investigating flow issues I noted that there is a valve between the flow and return pipes directly after the pump. This valve is not a normal bypass valve (that operates to maintain minimal flow only when radiators are shut off) but is a simple tap that can be opened closed like any other.
When I tried this tap I found that it had been left partially open, allowing a reasonable amount of heated water to flow directly from the send to the return pipe without passing through either the CH or DHW circuits. Is there any reason why this valve should be there and why it would have been left partially open?
Given that we have been experiencing limitted flow to the most distant radiators (despite carefully balancing the system and running the pump flat out) and that the boiler seems to 'kettle' very easily, I am keen to close this valve. However, without knowing what it is for, I am nervous to adjust its setting.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
iep