8mm microbore rad not getting hot

[Luke Moreland]

If you have a sink plunger, try plunging the header tank outlet pipe from inside the tank.

Also, it could be your drain hose blocked. Shut off drain valve, take it off and see if water comes out the drain point.

Also, open up all your other rads.

No plunger, but I can go take a look.

Hose is off, rad drain valve going straight into a tray.

 

[Luke Moreland]

All rads open, pump on max, header tank full, no drainage.

No plunger to try free up the header tank outlet pipe, tank doesn't seem too dirty, slimy to the touch.

 

[Luke Moreland]

So I'm all for next steps, I can source a plunger tomorrow although it is a bit awkward as my header tank outlet pipe is horizontal, would need to be a micro plunger!

Thanks 

Luke

 

[Rob_the_rich]

Try your bike pump, tube and duct tape to blow air down the filler pipe from the header tank. Or borrow a plunger from neighbour.

 

[Sharpend]

I'd be very surprised if a plunger or bicycle pump will do anything given the length of pipe run you'll need to put under pressure. 

 

[Rob_the_rich]

Bleed rads?

 

[Sharpend]

Have you a car wheel air compressor? 

 

[Luke Moreland]

Have you a car wheel air compressor? 

Nope, tried to modify my foot pump to give a good seal on the header tank outlet but didn't quite get it, and bubbles just came straight back, I will try again tomorrow - If I can get a good seal I could give it 4 bars of pressure, think that would help?

Bleed rads?

Will try this tomorrow.

For now I've sealed everything back up to have what's left of my weekend to get ready for the week!

I see this as an ongoing battle so any other thought or questions, let me know and we can talk them through.

Luke

 

[Sharpend]

I wouldn't go to 4bar if your boiler is connected, you will blow the bypass valve. 

Max 2.5bar to be safe. Normal operating is usually 1.5bar. 

Personally I'd persevere with blowing back through microbore pipe, to dislodge blockage. Microbore is notorious for blockages if not regularly cleaned out. 

 

[Murdoch]

Out of interest have you tried asking thus question on a plumbers forum

 

[Luke Moreland]

Out of interest have you tried asking thus question on a plumbers forum

I have not

 

[Murdoch]

I have not

You may benefit from more experienced plumbers rather than sparks! 

 

[Andy™]

I wouldn't go to 4bar if your boiler is connected, you will blow the bypass valve. 

Max 2.5bar to be safe. Normal operating is usually 1.5bar. 

Personally I'd persevere with blowing back through microbore pipe, to dislodge blockage. Microbore is notorious for blockages if not regularly cleaned out. 

its open vented, no combi with PRV

 

[Sharpend]

its open vented, no combi with PRV

Ah yes my bad! 

 

[Andy™]

You may benefit from more experienced plumbers rather than sparks! 

i think were doing quite well...

 

[Sharpend]

Plumbing is not that difficult, although a plumber will probably tell him he needs a power flush!!

 

[Luke Moreland]

Definitely going to try clear this blockage so I'm back to where I started, being able to drain and fill!

Tomorrow I'm going to see if I can modify my bike pump further to give a good seal in the header tank.

If anything else comes to mind, let me know!

Thanks

Luke the Cowboy Plumber

 

[Murdoch]

i think were doing quite well...

Im no plumber so can't really say, but would you ask your dentist, for advice about your eyes?

 

[Andy™]

well plumbers are failed electricians, so if they can fix something, then we must be able to...

 

[Murdoch]

Plumbing is not that difficult, although a plumber will probably tell him he needs a power flush!!

Sounds like the op does need a power flush  :slap