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Central heating servicing explained
Central heating should be regularly serviced and maintained - particularly boilers that need professional checking for safety reasons. These must be serviced by a Gas Safe Registerd Engineer.
Having an idea of how your heating system works will help you solve many problems yourself.
Many systems leak a little bit because of the constant strain on joints from pipes expanding and contracting. This can be easily remedied by using a spanner to gently tighten the joints.
However, more serious leaks call for the whole system to be totally drained down and the joint remade.
Radiator leaks can also be stopped with a leak sealant, either one that is externally applied or one that is added to the feed and expansion cistern in the loft, which then plugs the leak from inside.
There are many reasons for cold radiators, and one of the most common is air or hydrogen gas trapped in the system. The gas will be formed due to Black Magnatite Sludge present in the system and this should be flushed out preferably with a Power Flush Machine.
Air or gas can be released from the radiator by opening the air vent screw with a radiator key, but if the problem occurs regularly you should seek the main cause of the problem and have it repaired.
Noises are another indication of a problem. Creaking and groaning as the system starts up or shuts down is common and is caused by the natural expansion and contraction of the pipes.
To solve this problem, you can insert pipe insulation around the pipe at the position where it is rubbing on a joist.
Failing and noisy pumps can also be disturbing and the only solution is to replace the pump.
The most serious noise is crashing and banging in the boiler. There are several reasons for this, some of which will need a professional heating engineer to take a look.
One of the most common causes is corrosion, which can be treated by adding a corrosion inhibitor to the system, but this should be done after a power flush or cleansing chemicals have been introduced.