Radiators upstairs hot downstairs cold?

Question

upstairs ones are really hot downstairs it baltic. We've tried draining the system topping it up and checked the pressure. We've tried bleeding it first and after draining the system and the hot water is ok but still no heating. can't pay for a plumber to come as got no dosh.

Answer 1

Sounds very much like a pump problem.
On the side of the pump is an inspection cover over the shaft of the pump . take this off and it should be spinning.
If not then turn off the supply to the pump and turn the shaft with a screwdriver ( it is slotted ) if it turns ok then it may be the pump failed.If it is jammed you may be able to free it enough to make it work but you will still need a new pump before very long.

Answer 2

Upstairs Radiators Hot Downstairs Cold

Answer 3

Downstairs Radiators Cold

Answer 4

I assume your header tanks and hot water cylinder are working correctly and you do not have a thermo re-cycling system .

So you have had your heating system shut down for the summer and the suspended particles have jammed up your circulating pump?
Upstairs the water is circulating due to convection as the temperature build up causes the water to circulate.
Try this.
Find the pump and feel if it is running.
If it is, bleed the pump by loosening the screw made for this purpose that is on the outer casing in the centre of the impeller's bearing.
If it isn't running, switch to max speed and back again a few times to free the debris.
If it still doesn't work I am afraid you will need a new pump.
First isolate the two water pipes on each side of the pumps. Normally a screw head you turn through 90 degrees.
When you buy the pump buy two pairs of pump pliers costing about £5 each. The pump will cost around £30.
OK so you only use the pliers once but believe me you will save yourself a lot of hard and unnecessary work.
Good luck.
PS Just had a thought.
Turn your boiler off.
It is possible with this degree of heat that the heating coil inside your tank is fractured? To check this run all your hot water away after tying up the ball c o c k, now check your upstairs radiators for water.
No water? You need a new hot water tank.
Write me I'll tell you how.
Must dash.

Answer 5

Hi

Sounds like the same sort of problem I had a while ago, although mine was just one radiator downstairs.
Some radiators work on a different loop or spur to the rest and the pump is not man enough to push water round the whole system when there is a problem.
You need to run the system and turn off all radiators except one of the problem ones, this should force the pump to use that radiator.
After that things should be fine.
Let me know the outcome
Cheers
Jasper

Answer 6

Sounds like you have the old system of in-line radiators instead of the newer style circuit type radiators. On each radiator there is an input and output tap. Try turning the upstairs radiators to the off position by turning one or both taps clockwise. Put your heating on and see if the downstairs radiators get warm. If so you need to balance all the taps equally, as to get an even temp upstairs and downstairs.

Answer 7

Short and sweet:
1. I agree with Mr. Murch.
2. You should close the output ( exit ) taps on the upstairs radiators, one by one, until the downstairs radiators will start to heat. If you don't have those output taps you can use the input taps in the same manner.
3. Don't hurry, allow at least a half hour to see results.
4. I almost forget, first fully open the taps on the cold radiators.

Good luck ~:-)~

Answer 8

You have to bleed the radiators in order to get rid of an air lock. You must start with the radiator closest to the boiler and work your way to the furthest away, just look to what direction the pipes lead from the boiler and start from there. Good Luck.

Answer 9

The pump is not pumping, been idle all summer.
CURE:- Remove the brass screw on the ene of the pump with a 2p piece. Using an electrical screwdriver insert it into the hole and give it a flick either way and hey presto its running.,
Don't worry about the dribbling its normal.
Dont forget to invest £15 and put inhibitor into the system, it STOPS internal rusting.

Answer 10

If you have checked for air blocks and flushed the system the only thing that is could be now is the pump.
The pumps are normally fairly robust things and last for years but they can get clogged up with sediment and the like. Give it or them a clout with a hammer, not too hard mind.
That might free them off.
No promises though.