Microbore heating problems...

[bongos]

My parents have a microbore heating system which has recently started to develop problems. One of the radiators wasn't getting hot and after the plumber tried to sort it out all the downstairs radiators are now not heating up. The boiler is overheating on CH and is shutting down.

The plumber is of the opinion that the "dreaded" microbore system is blocked and is about to give up. He's said that a power flush would probably be a waste of money as it might not shift the blockage and could also cause some of the valves to leak. Replacements would be hard to source.

To be fair the system has lasted 34 years in a very hard water area virtually problem and maintenance free.

He's suggested full replacement of the central heating system/radiators. After searching on here for advice on microbore problems it seems this is probably the most sensible way to go.

But before we go for replacement has anyone got any advice as to whether it would be worth attempting the powerflush?

Thanks

 

[past3bar]

Has anyone tried adding a chemical cleanser to the system to see if circulation is improved?
Is your system properly balanced, are the valves properly open?
If you do powerflush or mains flush and some radiator valves leak they can be tightened up or are relatively inexpensive to replace.
Your plumber should be able to push mains water through your system to clear some of the obstructing matter without too much expense or drama.This should be done after draining the system water that contained the cleanser.

 

[tryitandsee]

A good place to start looking for blockages, would be at the manifolds (if the rad pipework is fed by manifold fittings, where the microbore perhaps joins the larger pipework from the boiler). The problem being, locating these manifolds within the circuit.

If all rads go at once, then the manifold would be my guess.

 

[plumbnuts]

Don't waste your time and money on a 34 year old system! Bite the bullet and install a new modern system. I would advise you to get 3 quotes before making any decisions. Good luck

 

[bongos]

Thanks for the advice chaps.

Think they're probably going to be a getting new install.