Overheating expansion tank

[tjcwhu]

I recently called a plumber to fit a new bathroom suite and replace a radiator which had become rusty at the bottom. He tells me that my system is full of sludge and the expansion tank is overheating badly and my other radiators are probably full of sludge as well. I had a new boiler fitted about 18 months ago and the system was supposed to have been power flushed. My radiators are 17 years old and I have never had one go rusty before. The plumber feels it is to do with the fitting of the new boiler. Any advice? Is this the case and should I be approaching the firm who fitted the new boiler?

 

[croydoncorgi]

The system may have been flushed 18 months ago. But if its been pumping water through the vent into the expansion tank since then it WILL be sludged up and (due to aerated water going through the system) one or more of your rads may be corroded through (from the inside out). (Note that the Feed & Expansion tank should not be 'heating' AT ALL, let alone 'overheated'.)

18 months is a long time lapse before going after the original installers. My suggestion would be to get someone skilled and independent in, to find out whether there's a faulty design, bad flushing or a blocked cold feed pipe that probably occurred AFTER the installation. Otherwise, you've nothing to discuss with the installers!

And if you'd had the thing serviced every year, you might have saved a potential load of grief!

 

[tjcwhu]

Thanks.

The new boiler was installed by British Gas and they were supposed to have flushed the system. The system is serviced every year. I wasn't aware of any problems until I moved a bed and found the radiator corroded at the bottom. From what you say I will probably need to get an independent plumber in to have the system checked.

 

[Nige F]

Thanks.

The new boiler was installed by British Gas and they were supposed to have flushed the system. The system is serviced every year. I wasn't aware of any problems until I moved a bed and found the radiator corroded at the bottom. From what you say I will probably need to get an independent plumber in to have the system checked.

Mmmm? .....corroded on the Outside.or corroded through from the inside I know I abuse BG but there may be a case of someone wanting to get money for a powerflushgo for an independent check and ask specifically about the tank.do`snt take long to check that.

 

[tjcwhu]

The radiator appears rusted from the inside out. The plumber isn't suggesting he carries the power flush out, he knows I have cover with British Gas. My concern to be truthful is with British Gas who haven't been in touch since last Thursday when I called them out to the problem. They seemed more concerned with who would pay for the power flush, them or the firm who they had install the boiler.

I'm going to ring them tomorrow and insist they come and check the full system including the tank plus they can check the radiator which they fitted in our conservatory. If that is full of sludge then surely that would indicate the problem came after the new boiler was fitted.

 

[Nige F]

Fair comment.....I shall continue to abuse BG and their lackeys, Good luck and don`t take any c*ap from them

 

[canastasi]

The system may have been flushed 18 months ago. But if its been pumping water through the vent into the expansion tank since then it WILL be sludged up and (due to aerated water going through the system) one or more of your rads may be corroded through (from the inside out). (Note that the Feed & Expansion tank should not be 'heating' AT ALL, let alone 'overheated'.)

18 months is a long time lapse before going after the original installers. My suggestion would be to get someone skilled and independent in, to find out whether there's a faulty design, bad flushing or a blocked cold feed pipe that probably occurred AFTER the installation. Otherwise, you've nothing to discuss with the installers!

And if you'd had the thing serviced every year, you might have saved a potential load of grief!

Dear Croyden Corgi

The water in my my feed and expansion tank heats up every time the heating is on. Could you tell me what's causing this problem>

Chris