Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q My heating and hot water have stopped working
A Assuming you have a combi boiler check the pressure gauge it should read 1-2 bar if it is lower than this add some water to the system switch of the boiler at the wall for 60 seconds then switch it back on. if its an older boiler check the pilot light is still lit.
Q Which is best a combi boiler or a condensing boiler ?
A Good one lots of people are confused by this the answer is they are not different boilers. A condensing boiler is the way they operate it can be a system boiler, a heat only boiler, or a combi boiler. Nearly all boilers fitted in England & Wales recently have to be condensing boilers whether they are a combi boiler or a system or heat only boiler.
Q How do I know which boiler I have?
A If you have tanks in the loft or in a cupboard you almost certanly have a system boiler.or heat only boiler If your boiler has 6 or 7 pipes comiing from the boiler its likely to be a combi boiler
Q One of my radiators has stopped working
A If you have a trv on the radiator that is most probably the culprit during the summer they can get stuck in the off position try removing the head of the trv, on the valve its self you will see a small pin sticking up, with a pair of pliers gently pull it up 1mm only or tap the side of the valve with a small hammer to release it
Q I cant find my stop cock
A It depends on the age of your house sometimes modern houses will be under the kitchen sink or in the cloak room if your lucky enough to have one or in the garage. 1n older houses things get moved around look under the sink behind washing machines etc look carefully sometimes all you see at first is a small hole cut in the back of the kitchen unit, also look for pipes that have been boxed in feeding upstairs and look carefully in that area below
Q My radiators are hot at the top but cold in the middle
A It could be the pump not working correctly but more likely to be blocked with sludge the best cure is a power flush
Q My radiator is cold at the top but warm at the bottom
A Easy one air is trapped in the radiator release the air from the vent at the top of the radiator with a radiator vent key it will hiss for a while then water will follow turn of the vent then (best to do this with system cold so you don't get hot water on you) remember if you have a combi boiler now check the pressure gauge and top up if required
Q I live in a hard water area how can i stop this affecting my boiler / washing machine / dishwasher / shower / kettle / etc
A The simplest way is to buy an electronic scale inhibitor they simply plug into the mains and wrap a wire round the pipe as near to the stopcock as possible. Expect to pay £40-£50 for one but remember you will not need any more tablets for your washing machine , So it will pay for its self and your boiler & shower will last a lot longer with one than without one