C.H. System Inefficient

[cross thread]

Just the return,correct behind the loop if one fitted

 

[Biddulphian]

I managed to get back this afternoon and get the filter out of the return valve. It was coloured black but not really clogged up in anyway at all. I gave it a good clean and shine up, also wiped clean the inside of the valve and reassembled. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to have been causing the problem as there is no improvement. Looks like I'm going to get some cleaner in there for a while then try to flush out via a tap.

I also took the front screw off the pump, the impellor turns freely and when switched on whizzes round, so I don't think the pump has lost any power. But is there anyway I can check that the pump is actually functioning at it's full output?

Thanks for all replies, it's appreciated.

 

[fixitflav]

I managed to get back this afternoon and get the filter out of the return valve. It was coloured black but not really clogged up in anyway at all. I gave it a good clean and shine up, also wiped clean the inside of the valve and reassembled. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to have been causing the problem as there is no improvement. Looks like I'm going to get some cleaner in there for a while then try to flush out via a tap.

I also took the front screw off the pump, the impellor turns freely and when switched on whizzes round, so I don't think the pump has lost any power. But is there anyway I can check that the pump is actually functioning at it's full output?

Thanks for all replies, it's appreciated.

All I can think of is opening it up and check for crud, as I suggested earlier

 

[cdbe]

Stick some bigger rads on. Modern boilers are designed to run at low temperatures.

 

[Biddulphian]

All I can think of is opening it up and check for crud, as I suggested earlier

The house is empty most of tomorrow so that's what I planning on doing.

 

[Biddulphian]

Stick some bigger rads on. Modern boilers are designed to run at low temperatures.

That's something I've not even thought of. Cheers.

 

[RandomGrinch]

Has anybody got any other tips or advice for me to try to get warm?

Apart from the rad issues, how's your insulation - 70's places are not generally known for their warmth!

 

[Biddulphian]

Apart from the rad issues, how's your insulation - 70's places are not generally known for their warmth!

We have double glazing and modern uPVC doors & the loft is insulated. I need to dig out old documents we inherited to see if there is anything about cavity wall insulation.

 

[RandomGrinch]

loft is insulated

With modern standards edging up to 300mm depth of fibreglass (or equivalent), it's still worth checking your existing thickness of insulation.
There could be a decent improvement to be made without much outlay.

 

[harrythefurrysquid]

I laid another 200mm down a few months ago, and I think it cost me £100 and a long evening. Well worth doing.

 

[fixitflav]

That's something I've not even thought of. Cheers.

Fairly expensive option, and if the performance is limited by the microbore pipes it might not help much.

 

[Biddulphian]

I've had X400 in the system for over a week, then the other day removed a radiator, and connected hoses to the valves to the outside tap and into the drain, drained off and flushed the whole system in both directions, and individual radiators in both directions and made sure everything was running clear water. Initially it was brown. I had also dropped on a replacement pump cheap locally on eBay so swapped that in just to be sure the pump was causing a problem. Refilled and added X100, and balanced the radiators. Thankfully the for the last 2 days the system does seem to be operating a hell of a lot better.
Thanks for all the replies.