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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1). Basin Type.If you are replacing an existing basin it is easiest to fit one of the same type ( not necessarily the same colour or form). Croydon Plumbers fit basins.2). Assess the Walls.Have a poke around in your bathroom . Find out more about the structure of the walls especially where the basin is to be fitted. Any doubt you can call an expert like Croydon Plumbers .3). Solid Walls.Solid walls are great for wall hung basins where the plumbing is to be mounted on the surface. They are a problem if you want to conceal pipes.4). Hollow Walls.Hollow plasterboard walls are good for hiding pipes but not good for a wall hung basin.5). Pedestal Basin.A pedestal basin is a good option in that the pedestal not only supports the weight of the basin, it also conceals untidy pipes behind it.6). Wall Hung Basins.Wall hung basins are great for small rooms where there is a shortage of floor space, as you can mount the basin so that it partially hangs over the bath. You must assess the walls first. A Croydon Plumber is qualified to fit all basin styles.7). Counter Top Basins.Counter top basins are a great idea in a large bathroom, when you want to both conceal all the pipework and have extra storage space under the basin.8). Fitting a Pedestal Basin.If you want to fit a washbasin in the shortest time and at a low cost, then a small pedestal basin is the best option. The pedestal does push the price above that of a wall hung basin of the same size. It cuts down on the amount of work that is needed to fix the basin to the wall.9). Fitting a Counter Top Basin.These are freestanding with their weight being taken by the structure of the cabinet so it can be fitted independently of the walls.

Boiler controls can cause various problems. Checking your thermostat, programmer/ time switches and radiator valves can help, however don’t ever attempt to do any complex servicing or repair work on your heating system yourself and always seek the skills of professionals such as Croydon Plumbers and keep in mind that all boilers and heating systems should be serviced and checked regularly by a professional. Over time, thermostats can lose their accuracy, misreading temperature settings and turning the heat on/off at incorrectly. Be advised that while a gas boiler engineers such a Croydon Plumber can clean and recalibrate your old thermostat, it might be wise to have them install a new one. A thermostat will warm your house when you need it and turn the heat down when you don’t cutting heating bills by 10 to 20 percent. The hot water and heating are controlled by the timed/off/constant switches found on your boiler. Check that the LCD display is reading accurately. If you have a thermostatically controlled valve, then turn it up. If you have a conventional lock shield valve, then adjust the setting.If no change occurs after you’ve adjusted the settings, you have a fault with your radiator valve and will need to call a Gas Safe registered professional to drain the system and replace it and of course the work will always be guaranteed. Condensate pipes carry condensation from your boiler to your outside drain. When the weather is really cold this pipe can freeze and cause a blockage causing a shutdown. If the condensate pipe freezes your boiler’s lcd display should provide some kid of warning for you a like a light or code. Following the above advice is good but any doubts about your DIY skills should result in a call to the Professionals.

To do any work on the water system in your house, you will need to empty the pipework first. You may not need may to empty the complete system, but at least the required section will need to be drained. Croydon Plumbers are experienced professionals.Locate and label stopcocks and valves.So that you are familiar with the various and important valves in your home, it would be as well to identify and familiarise yourself with the location and job of all the valves and stopcocks in your house. This will allow you to rapidly isolate them if required. Draining cold water.You can isolate the taps that get their supply from the mains directly with the stopcock on the riser. You can then open some the taps to drain the excess water.Draining the tank in the loft.Indirectly supplied items are serviced by water from the cistern in the attic. The water from this may be stopped by closing the valve from the cistern to the section you are concerned with. Alternatively, supply from the cistern can be stopped totally. To do this, place a length of wood over the tank and tie the ball valve up to it in the closed position. The tank can now be emptied by opening all the cold taps supplied from it. A Croydon Plumber is trained to carry out this type of work.Switching off the rising main.The same result is achieved by turning off the rising main and opening all the cold taps. This removes the necessity to tie up the ball valve but has the downside of also cutting off supply to the direct fed parts of the system as well.

During its life this might mean seeking professional advice from Croydon Plumbers for expert maintenance and repair. But remember, central heating troubles can be tricky to solve and if you ever suspect a gas leak you must immediately contact the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.Below are some Tips:1). Don’t ever cover your gas boiler or block the air vents. Make sure the outside flues aren’t blocked.2). You should operate the heating system at the very least once every 28 days, even in summer, to keep it running efficiently and clear the boiler pump of any grit that gathers when it’s not in use and provide a flow of water through your radiators to flush them through.3). Do get your boiler checked once a year by a?Gas safe registered engineer like a Croydon Plumber to ensure that it’s running smoothly and safely. This will also give you peace of mind guaranteed work and a point of contact should the problem reoccur.4). Do fit a carbon monoxide detector to warn you if there’s a leak. If a leak occurs call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.If renting, it’s your?landlords responsibility to get all gas appliances, including the boiler, inspected every year and they must also provide you with a copy of the CP12 Gas Safety Certificate covering the points below:Gas appliances will be checked for gas tightness.If test points are available, standing and working pressure will be tested.Your Gas Safe engineer will check burner pressure and gas rate against the manufacturers data plate.Checks will be carried out for the provision of all necessary ventilation.Flue flow will be tested to make sure products of combustion are removed.All flame failure devices will be checked for satisfactory operation.Where appropriate checks will be made for physical stability, presence and effectiveness of stability brackets.Investigations for any evidence of unsafe operation will be made and reported.Without completing all of the above checks an appliance cannot be issued a gas safety certificate (CP12).