Home DIY

It turned out to be a load of air in what I didn't realise was the next radiator along.

There are three radiators in our loft extension, the one which wasn't working then two which badly needed bleeding.

Once I'd bled them and topped up a bit with the filling loop all good. Water very clean so I don't think it needs a power flush or anything, I didn't bleed
much water - just lots of air - so the inhibitor should only be slightly watered down.

Just seen your solution.

And depending what type of pipes you have something power flushes dont work.

What happens if you then have a fire and some sort of inspector starts digging? Could you end up uninsured?

Good point, well made.

I've been in some really nice french wine cellars, I have a really good connect :). I don't drink much wine day to day though and our red has been a monoculture recently. I imported half pallet of magnums of red that a friend of ours had left over from setting up a chateau for a client. Nearly finished those.

I have to visit Bordeaux for the really good stuff, I'll be very happy to do it again at some point.

I am happy to only drink French wine although the Italian wine I've had in Northern Italy is very good.

Water very clean so I don't think it needs a power flush or anything

A powerflush might still be a good thing. The difference is that the usual force of the water in the normal CH circuit isn't enough to move the sediment/crap that piles up in the middle of the radiator.

Random google link: https://hynesplumbingandheating.com/central-heating-power-flush/

A more thorough (but more expensive) approach is removing each of the radiators and flushing them individually whilst also turning them round/over so that the sediment is disturbed.

Any other ideas?

There are two valves, one at entry, one at exit. It's possible the exit valve is shut off, so even when the TRV is open there won't be any flow in to it because the cold water can't exit.

edit

turned out to be a load of air in what I didn't realise was the next radiator along.

oh

Yeah I edited my post, bit of a weird fault but hey ho.

Power flushes are over rated.

Angle grinder or die grinder with a flappy sanding pad?

Angle grinder

...is always the correct answer.

I’ve got a decommissioned pipe hanging out the corner of my ceiling.

I’ve got a decent bike toolbox but not a lot else. Any ideas on how I’d go about sawing this off? Drill it to bits maybe?!?

God it looks even worse close up.

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The Dewalt multi-tool that I just ordered would be perfect for that...

Slow work but something like this:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/magnusson-24tpi-multi-material-hacksaw-10-250mm-/5028V?tc=HA2&ds_kid=92700055262507126&ds_rl=1244066&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyN-DBhCDARIsAFOELTnB4L8N01QwOJwK1o99oWvfn8aL825LchtzbQo07NjkIIOunyEVv94aAvUAEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

You could also get that off with a dremel with a cutting disc attachment. Good tool to have long-term.

Borrow a multi-tool from someone would be my suggestion.

Can you get to it from above (the loft maybe)? May give better access for a saw.

@Acliff @J0nathan @aggi

Great thanks all. I'll try find a multi-tool then. Just wasn't sure I'd be able to get much purchase on it - plus i'll prob have to use my left hand..

Can't get into it from above, I'm in a block of flats so neighbours upstairs with I assume just a small (non-accesible) void in between.

My above post is confused - gothca.

May indeed get a dremel, looks a useful enough thing to purchase.

Cheers all

The multi tool blades can be moved around to help you hold onto it or to get it in the right place for use. Screwfix have an offer on the Dewalt one at the moment - but IT DOES NOT COME WITH BATTERIES. You can buy it with a case, batteries and charger but obviously the cost goes up. Bare tool is £109. Full kit £200 ish.

Okay thanks. Was just looking at these, I'm not going to be a heavy user...

Dremel 3000 or possibly 4000 ...?

I think I have a 3000 somewhere but I’ve never used it for cutting a pipe etc. I’m sure someone else here may know more. Really, if you need it for ONE job, it might be best to borrow one. I’m not near London or I would be able to help you out.

Won't that take ages with a dremel, and how would you cut it flush to the ceiling? You'll go through a lot of discs too. I'd have a go with an angle grinder.

If you're anywhere near south london welcome to borrow my dremel if that's of any use...

Is that likely to be a lead pipe? Is there any wiggle room in it and could you get a pipe cutter round it?
Otherwise angle grind it enough to bury it in the ceiling and then fill the gap wouldn't worry about being too neat as it looks a bit of a dogs dinner up there anyway, so more about hiding it and getting a good finish on the make good

I'm north east but thanks v much for the offer... sounds like I'd maybe burn through your discs too anyway.

Thanks all, will see what my mates have first and go from here.

OK cool - welcome to try it if you fancied venturing down south. I'd be curious to know if it was up to it and I've barely used it in the ~8 years I've owned it beyond trimming mudguard stays... not too worried about the discs.