Quick Fixes for Common Heating System Problems

There is nothing worse than your heating system breaking down in your home, especially during the winter months. IT can leave you with no hot running water and no heating, which can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable. On top of this, the thought of a plumber’s bill to get your system working again can be scary. However, before you call a professional, there are some things you can try to get your heating up and running again all on your own. In this article, we will explore some of these troubleshooting tips, so you can restore your heating and get back to living in comfort.

A malfunctioning boiler is one of the most common causes of heating problems within a home. This does not mean however that your boiler needs to be replaced, as it may just need a reset or bleeding. To find out how to properly bleed your radiator, you will need to read your boiler’s manual and follow the instructions.

Leaks in your heating system can also be another reason for your whole system to stop working. You can simply inspect any visible pipes and connections to see if you can spot any damage or leak. If you do notice any leaking around the joins in your pipes, you will need to purchase some new Copper Pipe Connectors. You can get these from a company such as https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/ You can either attempt to fit these connectors yourself, or contact a professional to do it for you.

If there are only some radiators in your house that are not heating up, this could be down to the radiators themselves, rather than your whole heating system. To fix a faulty radiator, you must first bleed it to remove any trapped air. To do this, you must first turn off your heating system to let the pipes and radiators cool down. Once they are cool, you will then need to use a radiator bleed key to open the bleed valve on each affected radiator. You will need to listen carefully to the hissing sound, and once you start to see water come out, you can then close the valve. If you find that you frequently have to repeat this process to get your heating to work, it could indicate a more serious underlying problem, in which case you should contact a professional to come and take a look.

 

Inspecting pipes for leaks and damage

Some heating problems come down to the pipework itself, especially in bad weather. Left unchecked, leaking pipes can lead to flooding and expensive repairs, so if your system is leaking, the first step is to find out whether there is any structural damage. If there is, it needs professional attention.

A home inspection can show whether the heating system needs servicing. An inspector will look for leaks and cracks, find where a leak is coming from and judge how serious it is. That tells you whether a repair to the existing system will do or whether more extensive work is needed.

The recommended fix depends on what is found. Sometimes a leak can simply be covered with a protective barrier, while in other cases a new pipe able to cope with the weight of water it carries is the answer. A full plumbing overhaul is costly, but it may prevent far larger repair bills later on.

Replacing an old radiator yourself

Old radiators are often solid but inefficient and prone to corrosion, and replacing one can be a DIY job. Check that the wall is sound first. On hollow walls, brackets must be fixed into the studs, and a detector will find studs and hidden cables or pipes. Choosing a new radiator of the same length avoids extra plumbing.

Close the valves at both ends to isolate the radiator. Turning clockwise shuts them off. Lift any carpet and have rags and bowls ready, as some water will spill, and use the bleed valve to control how fast it drains. Use a spanner and wrench together when loosening the nuts, so the pipe does not twist. Lift the radiator off its brackets and plug the open pipe ends.

While the wall is clear, consider fitting heat-reflecting foil. Reuse the old brackets and valve connectors if they are sound, sealing threads with PTFE tape. Refit in reverse, open the inflow valve, bleed until water appears, then open the outflow and check for leaks.