banging pipes

[GRACE1]

hello there, i have an old Ideal Concord boiler, when it fires up to heat the hot water the pipes bang and rattle like crazy, what could be the reason for this? have been told is because the system is old, is this true and should i be worried?

 

[gas4you]

If it is on a gravity hot water system it could be scaled up pipes. banging usually caused by not enough flow through circuit.

If not gravity then could be pump problem.

 

[GRACE1]

gravity hot water system? sorry im not a thick person but what exactly do you mean? and if its scaled up pipes what do i need to do?

 

[gas4you]

How many pipes come off the boiler, 2 or 4? if 4 then probably 2 are lrger diameter than other 2. These would be gravity circuit. System could be powerflushed if scaled up but if gravity system then very hard to flush.

 

[GRACE1]

Yep its four, thanks for your patience and advice!!

 

[gas4you]

I think you need local trusted CORGI in to inspect and advise. Could be blockage at one point that could be cut out and replaced. Usually in the airing cupboard, either where cold fill from header tank joins large pipe on bottom of cylinder or occasionally where vent pipe comes off large pipe half way up cylinder

 

[GRACE1]

got home care with BG was they who said was just because it was old,will call them out again tomorrow armed with new information!!!

 

[gas4you]

Be wary of BG. Often they will want to replace if old as most engineers who visit on a commission or the like. Their contract probably won't cover flushing etc. Don't know what is does cover sometimes

 

[GRACE1]

Great! Now i will have an attitude aswell!Thanks for the warning.

 

[gas4you]

Keep attitude hidden and don't let on you know anything. if they say you need a new boiler let them quote but get 2 other quotes from local CORGI's as well. I'm sure they will be around 30/40% cheaper.

someones got to pay for suit who visits you and knows very little!

My personal opinion only!