Radiators upstairs work - Downstairs Dont.?

Question

This is probably a daft question as the answer probable already exists but can I just clarify.

The solution to radiators working upstairs and not downstairs (assuming the pump is working) seems to indicate that I need to turn of all the warm radiators and leave 1 cold one open to force the water to it and maybe remove the airlock.

My question is to turn off the upstairs radiators do i turn off both valves/taps or just the one with the thermostatic controler on it.

Sorry to be an idiot.

Answer 1

Have you tried bleeding the ones that are giving you trouble?? Try that first and see what happens.

Answer 2

Same answer as last time.
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 3

The fact that the radiators work upstairs but not downstairs suggests that the pump is faulty or jammed.
In the centre of the pump is the inspection cover to the spindle of the pump ( its slotted ). Remove with a coin or large screwdriver.
Operate the boiler and make sure it is set for heating.
The spindle should be spinning , if not ,turn off the heating and turn the spindle with a screwdriver ( spindle is slotted for this )if it turns ok then the pump may be faulty.
If it is jammed then turning the pump splindle with a screwdriver may release it and make it work.
It is advisable to have your boiler checked on a regular basis as most policies cover replacement pumps on their schedule.
Hope this helps

Answer 4

You never assume that a pump is working,
Put a screwdriver against it and listen like a doctor, if no noise , remove brass screw on the ene of the pump with a 2p piece, insert small screwdriver and give it a flick either way, should start.
PUMP NOT WORKING IS 90% of ALL BOILER FAULTS.
When you are at it put in inhibitor, Fernox is pretty good, cost about £15 UK

Answer 5

Oh don't apologise. This is why we all come to Yahoo Answers!
~ Don't forget to make sure the pump is OFF when you bleed the radiators. (i.e., use key on valve to let air out.)
~ Isolating one radiator at a time is a good idea (i.e., turn all off except one - to push air through).
~ Turn rads completely off.

Answer 6

bleed all the radiators, if still the same i think the pump has worn out pump usually near the hot water tank.

Answer 7

just turn the thermostat you my have to bleed themdown stairs if this wont work sorry you need a plumber