Month: May 2014

Wet Heating

Our central heating system is actually referred to as a wet central heating system hot water flows through all the pipework of the system including the radiators. The main driver of this kind of system is the boiler that burns fuel, or maybe it uses a heat exchanger that transfers the heat to the water which is feeding the network of pipes. Wet systems are probably the most popular way of running a heating system in the United Kingdom. Every radiator has valves which control the rate of flow, and so controls the time the water is in the radiator and the amount of heat. Well designed systems can have several short circuits radiating from the pump, rather than one large, ensuring that the last radiator in the chain heats just as well as the first. Croydon Plumbers know these systems.Pipework:The radiator circuits are run in 15mm copper pipework, while pipes linking the boiler and the pump and the points were the circuit splits off are 22mm or 28mm in size. Capillary joints with solder are best (apart from connections to boiler, pump and valves), and are least likely to leak. Plastic pipework has been developed for use in wet central heating systems, but can’t connect to the boiler, using a short length of copper pipe instead. A Croydon Plumber can fit copper pipework.Two-Pipe and Single-Pipe Systems:Modern systems use something called a two-pipe system. This system is where the generated hot water is circulated from the pump to the inlet valve on every radiator in a flow pipe, that stops at the last radiator in the system. A secondary pipe, called the return pipe, takes the cool water from the radiators back to the boiler to be re-heated. Note:There is an older single pipe version, where the hot water flows through a single radiator, and then returns to the floor pipe and on to the next and so on round the system, but losing some heat each time. Using this system the radiators near the end need to be bigger to still give out the same heat.

Unvented Water Storage

There are a couple of different water storage systems that can be fitted in the home. These are almost always situated in the loft space. Should you be sure of what type you have, then, below is a brief guide to help you decide. A Croydon Plumber knows different cylinders.Cylinders:A). The first thing to know is that the cylinders that store the water are or should at least be constructed from copper, with a foam or fiberglass insulating cover. B). The top of the storage cylinder has a piece of pipework coming out and moving horizontally to the cylinder. This pipe rises gently and then splits into a T shape with one piece going up and the other piece down. If you follow the up pipe, you arrive at another cold-water storage tank, over which this vent pipe terminates. This is made so any water in this pipe it will run into the cold-water storage tank. C). This pipe indicates that you are fitted with a vented hot water cylinder. No pipe indicate that you have an unvented cylinder, and is described below:1). The outside wall of this cylinder is constructed from steel and there is no insulation visible, with a series of valves connected to it, or maybe to an expansion tank.2). A Tundish is close to the cylinder. This is a gap in the pipework which allows you to see the water flow. If there is water present, this indicates there is a issue with the boiler, so if you do see water in the pipe, it is more than likely down to a device failure so you should contact a professional with the relevant G3 qualifications to check the cylinder. Like Croydon Plumbers are trained on all types of cylinders and can service this them.

Installing a TRV

Tools Required.Adjustable Spanner,Wire wool.TRV.New connector if needed.PTFE tape.The old way of heat control on radiator was a single open and close valve known as a manual valve, and of course the room thermostat. Historically fitted in a lounge or hallway. This is fine but to satisfy our energy and heat saving needs it will not give an accurate temperature spread in the whole house, meaning that there is a massive variation in heat in different rooms. The only way to correct this as it stands is to adjust the manual radiator valve on each radiator, which is not practical or efficient. Therefore the best solution is to fit TRVs and allow the individual radiators to produce heat at a a pre-set temperature instead. In almost all situations, the fit will just be a straight swap for the current manual valve. Croydon Plumbers can fit thermostatic valves throughout a system.Method:1a). Before you begin you must carry out a drain of the whole system. When the system is empty you can undo the cap nut and remove the old manual valve. Slacken off the nut holding the valve to the pipe and then, undo both nuts completely and lift the valve together with its cap-nut and olive from the end of the pipe.1b). Now, using some wire wool clean the pipe end and place the cap-nut and olive of the TRV on. Make sure that you hold the new valve and screw the cap-nut on the TRV. Always make sure the olive is sat correctly. There is no need to tighten fully just yet. A Croydon Plumber is skilled and can fit a thermostatic radiator valve.2). If required you should fit a new connector on the radiator. Now, wrap some PTFE tape around the threads. With them aligned correctly you can start tightening both cap-nuts fully. 3). Refill the system, checking for leaks and lastly you can now set the thermostat valve as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Gravity Feed

The water that is supplied to your home will begin its journey at the main stop-tap to the home. Croydon Plumbers will fit, service and repair all central heating systems. This can be located at any one of the locations below:1). Under the Kitchen sink.2). In a Kitchen Cupboard.3). Bathroom.4). WC or Cloakroom.5). Garage or Utility Room.6). Cellar or under the stairs.Once it passes through the stop tap it goes up to and fills a small tank called a feed and expansion tank through a ball valve arrangement, located in the loft. Here is the reason why it was given the name gravity fed system. Gravity:The water is now directed downwards under the force of gravity so it builds up speed to feed your boiler and its radiators. The gravity fed system makes it possible for you to go out of the house, yet still keep the heating running. But with added bonus of isolating the cold water supply if you are away for a long while.Recognition:In the loft find the feed and expansion tank. A Croydon Plumber is trained to identify and work on all types of water heating systems. This tank is so called as it takes expanded hot water from the system, making sure that the so that the system does not become over pressurised. It is small, having the dimensions: 500x300x300mm. Look inside this tank and you cannot fail to notice it contains dirty and dank water, which has arrived from your heating system. This is normal as the corrosive affects cause the dirt.Note: You must remember that to operate correctly if all, the cylinder that stores the water for your system must be higher than the whole system to make sure the radiators etc. are fed.

Draining a System

Most people will try and do this themselves with no problem, but you need to be confident in your ability or call a professional like Croydon Plumbers who can drain a heating system and also will give a guarantee for the work that they have done. Any time that a fault occurs in a central heating system is not normally an easy or quick or maybe cheap fix. As it involves hot water under pressure, the scope for disaster is immense. Therefore it will more than likely need to be isolated and drained of all water to fix the snag (providing you know what and where it is).Guide:1). Initially you first action will be to isolate the power for the boiler, at the boiler itself, you should isolate the breaker or remove the fuse as well as the pump can sometimes remain live. Turn off the supply to the feed and expansion tank.2). In the loft you will need to use a wooden batten and a cord tied in the middle. Lay it across the top of the tank and tie the cord around the arm of the float valve keeping it raised up (or closed). Push a rubber hose on the drain of the tank and run it out to a main drain, making sure the flow is at least on the level but never uphill as this stops the flow. Open up the valve allowing the tank to drain, have some cloths nearby just in case. A Croydon Plumber carries all the correct tools to carry out this task. Check the hose and connections for any leaks.Once the system is empty, carry out the repair. When completed, close the system again and remove the batten and open the main stopcock. The radiators will need to be bled. Finally:Dont forget the pump because it can airlock too.

Boiler Examples and Considerations

Boilers come in many shapes and sizes, with them all doing the same job, just in a slightly different way. There are things for you to think about if you are looking to change your current boiler either by choice or necessity, as you need to make sure that the boiler you are considering is correct for your requirements like:1). Look how much space you have to accommodate a new boiler.2). Remember that the boiler will come with pipework and cylinders etc.3). Look in detail at the energy efficiency information for each type of boiler.4). Take the cost of servicing into consideration. 5). Be aware boilers operate on various fuels like: LPG, oil, gas, solid fuel and of course electricity. Note:Professional plumbing services such as Croydon Plumbers are qualified to carry out boiler installations are a good option.Boiler Types:A). Condensing Type:The design means that the water returning from the heating system cools the flue gases. This has the name High Efficiency type of system and is best with lower water temperature in the system. This is a very efficient boiler. They are available to operate with fuels like, gas, LPG or oil. B). Back Boiler:This design is very old now and is not fitted in new build houses. They sat behind open fireplaces. They also provided hot water from a heat exchanger. A Croydon Plumber is trained on all types of boilers.C). Conventional Type:This type of boiler comprises of two separate vessels, with the first a large cold-water storage cylinder and the second is something called a feed and expansion tank. The cylinder is mains fed, heated by the boiler, and provides the domestic hot water supply, and feed to the central heating circulating pump.D). Combination or Combi:This type is also a multi-point style of boiler as well as a central heating boiler. Providing hot water from a cold water mains supply as required to the taps all through the house.

Postcode Areas Covered:

(-CR0, -CR1, -CR2, -CR3, -CR4, -CR5, -CR6, -CR7, -CR8, -CR9) Croydon, Addiscombe, Selhurst, Shirley, Addington, New Addington, Forestdale, Waddon, Beddington, Sutton, South Croydon, Sanderstead, Selsdon, Caterham, Chaldon, Woldingham, Whyteleafe, Tandridge, Mitcham, Beddington Corner, Merton, Coulsdon, Chipstead, Woodmansterne, Reigate and Banstead, Warlingham, Chelsham, Farleigh, Thornton Heath, Purley, Kenley

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