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Don't get left in the cold this heating season? |
Red Hot Tips
Over the next twelve months I will enjoy sharing with you my knowledge of plumbing and heating systems and related industry issues. Also passing on my tips and advising you on how to keep your plumbing and central heating system healthy. Outlined below is advise based on my experience, so hopefully most of which you will be been able to put to good use, to keep your plumbing and central heating system running safely and efficiently.
With autumn just around the corner, we should all be checking that our central heating systems are working properly. To do this, simply set the central heating system time clock to constant if your central heating system has a room thermostat also turn this up and leave the system running for about 30-40 minutes.
If now you find the heating system has not come on, before calling a qualified service engineer you should make some basic checks. Use the checklist to guide you through this process. If you still have a problem having carried out these checks, then arrange a visit from a qualified service engineer.
Checklist
Q Is the electricity supply on? (Check that the boiler time clock is set correctly)
A Check the fuse on the boiler isolating spur switch: replace if necessary
Q Is there gas at the central heating boiler?
A No - Try another gas appliance in the house (e.g. cooker fire)
Check that the gas supply valve is turned on at gas meter/box.
Q On combination type boilers: Is the water pressure adequate?
A Check the pressure gauge on the front panel shows 1.0-1.5 bar.
If not, turn off the boiler - locate your filling loop tap and top-up to required pressure or call your local plumber.
Q If the boiler does not come on has your type of boiler a pilot light, is it lit?
A No - Refer to manual for lighting procedure. Re-light pilot and observe. (Instructions may be printed on the reverse of the boiler front panel)
Yes, the pilot is lighting but main burner doesn't light. Now check the following is the room thermostat set correctly, and is the time clock calling for heat.
Q Is the pilot light lit but there's still no heating or hot water?
A Yes - could be due to pump or gas valve failure. If the type of boiler you have has electronic ignition (i.e. no standing pilot), is a spark present? (Use eye-view on front of boiler casing to look and check inside boiler for sparking)
Q Is the boiler particularly noisy?
A Yes - could be due to pump failure
Q Has any wiring work been carried out in the property?
A Check for reverse polarity on the boiler's electricity supply.
If you have still no resolved the problem, you will need to seek professional advice to help you to decide the best course of action.
Wet side of the central heating system
Q Are some radiators hot at the bottom but cold at the top?
A Yes: This means that they need to be vented or 'bleeding'
Switch off the central heating system. Starting at the top of the house, use either a special radiator key or a flat-head screwdriver to gently open the vent and release any air in the radiator. The vent or bleed point will be located at one top end of the radiators. Have an old cloth ready to catch any water drips - the water may be discolored.
All of these difficulties can be resolved, but you will need professional advice to decide the best course of action. For example, if your system isn't working efficiently because of a build up of sludge, we may need to have your central heating system completely power flushed out. This will help to protect your central heating system against future problems.
For now, here's a quick SAFETY MESSAGE of some of the best things you can do to keep your central heating system running safely.
Carbon Monoxide
Make Sure This Heating Season All Your Appliances Are Working Safely !!
Badly installed or un-serviced appliances can emit carbon monoxide, this is caused by incomplete combustion, and the danger is compounded when ventilation is poor or flues are blocked. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas with no taste, no colour and no smell. It can cause death, or make people extremely ill.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Consider fitting a carbon monoxide detector in your home even one of the small, inexpensive devices could save your life. Maintained correctly, the detector will warn you if the carbon monoxide level in your home becomes dangerous.
Air Vents
Never block or cover air vents. Clear vents are essential for your gas appliances to breathe and burn safely and efficiently.
Action to be taken
If you feel tired and experience tightness across the forehead, headaches, weakness, dizziness and nausea when an open-flued, or any other appliance that is in operation - switch the appliance off immediately and call out your local Gas Company.
Work on Gas Appliances
Anyone carrying out work on gas appliances, service work or installation must be competent, and registered with BORG GAIS (Registered Gas Installers) To check your contractor is registered with BORD GAIS call 1850 632 632 Only competent people can carry out work on gas appliances or installation.
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