Balancing Query

[thirl1804]

Hello

I need some advice regarding my central heating pump and a balancing issue I have.

My house was built in 1999 (4 bed detached) and has a microbore central heating system throughout. Recently, I removed a radiator downstairs to paint behind it, when doing this I cracked one of the joints and it began to slowly leak. To fix this I drained the system and patched up the leak OK.

However, since this I have had a problem with balancing the system. I believe these microbore systems use manifolds rather than daisy chaining the rads so I’m looking for general information regarding this.

The problem is that I have to have my CH pump on its highest setting to get any water downstairs. Anything other than the highest setting results in just the upstairs rads getting hot water.

I have two queries which I’d appreciate comments on. Is it bad to constantly run your CH pump on its highest setting? There is a fair amount of vibration and noise from the pump.

My second request is can anyone point me to any documentation/links to explain how these manifolds are normally situated in a house as this may give me some idea of how to balance the system better.

Thanks in advance for any comments regarding this.