Blocked Feed Pipe

[wet]

Hello There _ I am a new member and hope you can help. I have a gravity fed central heating system with the feed tank in the loft of a 2 storey house and floor standing boiler is on the ground floor. Is it acceptable to blank off the blocked feed pipe in the loft and redirect the feed pipe into the vent pipe in the loft rather than replace the whole of the feed pipe from the loft to near the boiler on the ground floor. If so why is this not normally done when fitting a new system. Forever WET

 

[townfanjon]

No , what happens when the vent pipe becomes blocked ......

some manufacturers do ok it , but on a old boiler / system, I wouldn't

 

[wet]

Hello There _ I am a new member and hope you can help. I have a gravity fed central heating system with the feed tank in the loft of a 2 storey house and floor standing boiler is on the ground floor. Is it acceptable to blank off the blocked feed pipe in the loft and redirect the feed pipe into the vent pipe in the loft rather than replace the whole of the feed pipe from the loft to near the boiler on the ground floor. If so why is this not normally done when fitting a new system. Forever WET

Thank you townfanjon

 

[IDCHAPPY]

As above, cut out or use chemicals to clear the blockage.

 

[gassafe]

Normally blocks where it enters the system so it's worth finding where this is & cutting it out & replace. Post up a pic & we may be able to help more

 

[PriestyUK]

I normally try to clear the blockage by connecting the system up to mains water and try to push it out back up to the F&E tank, be sure to cap the vent whilst doing this if that does not work why not convert the system over to a sealed system if manufacturers allow it? Appropriate size expansion vessel with PRV and filling loop, Job done

Thats what I would do, good luck, let us know how it goes

 

[Deleted member 25704]

Try to clear the blockage before cutting into any pipework. If you have an expansion vessel pump (or car pump with long hose) use this to clear the blockage. Remove Schrader connection at end of pump hose and insert the hose into the cold feed connection on expansion cistern or tank in loft (use a rag/wrap or similar to prevent back pressure of air into cistern). Pump down the cold feed and watch as the debris and blockages spurt out of the vent. This is a very successful method, but not 100% for stubborn blockages - but if it works it saves a lot of hassle. Gently tapping the pipework where the cold feed enters the system can also help dislodge the blockage while pumping. Note: combined cold feed and vents are only allowed where manufacturers specify and generally on boilers with over heat thermostats in addition to a primary thermostat.

 

[wet]

Thank you everyone, most useful advise - very much appreciated.