Exposed pipes - a query

[Mjward]

Hello all

I have recently purchased a property and now starting to slice up the various jobs into DIY vs get a professional in.

Given the likely disruption, one of the early tasks I want to address is the exposed central heating pipework that effectively does a full loop around the first floor (wood joists)

Hopefully the pictures are of assistance. In a nutshell I am looking to have these covered and have the following questions:

1) is this something that a competent DIYer can take on?
2) the pipework covers 4 bedrooms and a bathroom, any idea would it would cost to have a professional do the work? (floorboards easy access throughout)
3) the pipes are much thicker than I am used to, is this just a case of different standards at the time it was originally installed? and would that mean pipework all the way back to the boiler would need to be changed so that it is the same diameter throughout?
4) the house was surprisingly warm for its age, would those thick pipes be doing a good job of distributing heat throughout the rooms (in addition to the radiator) or should I view it as an inefficient waste and my alterations would be more than just cosmetic?

Thanks in advance for all and any help

Martin

 

[Vee]

A gravity (possibly) circulated one pipe system from a bygone era. A beautiful example of an early 20th century heating system preserved in a time capsule including cast iron radiators and pipework with 100 years worth of internal corrosion.

If you want efficiency, get system upgraded to two pipe system. A full strip out and start again for a professional (not of the faint hearted type).

 

[Mjward]

A gravity (possibly) circulated one pipe system from a bygone era. A beautiful example of an early 20th century heating system preserved in a time capsule including cast iron radiators and pipework with 100 years worth of internal corrosion.

If you want efficiency, get system upgraded to two pipe system. A full strip out and start again for a professional (not of the faint hearted type).

eeek! doesn't sound cheap and also not something I would attempt from a DIY angle.
excluding cost of news radiators, any ballpark idea what this might set me back?

 

[Last Plumber]

What is the property type? Is it a large old house or a flat?

 

[Mjward]

What is the property type? Is it a large old house or a flat?

Large old house, 1906. In Yorkshire.

 

[Last Plumber]

Large old house, 1906. In Yorkshire.

Probably (as per Vee), installed as a one pipe system on gravity and a solid fuel boiler.
The pipework is a major part of the heat output.
It isn't a DIY job.
What boiler?

 

[Mjward]

Probably (as per Vee), installed as a one pipe system on gravity and a solid fuel boiler.
The pipework is a major part of the heat output.
It isn't a DIY job.
What boiler?

Baxi (gas) system boiler, around 10yrs old

 

[Gasmk1]

If you want them gone it’s a professional rip out and then re pipe with all new rads it’s going to be an expensive job also lots of reparation to woodwork and decorating. It’s not going to be cheap

 

[Last Plumber]

Baxi (gas) system boiler, around 10yrs old

As Gasmk says, big job, much disruption.

If it isn't leaking and it works well, you might be better keeping it going. I work in a lot of buildings with systems that age and they are still going strong. If the boiler hasn't got one now, then when you change it it would be better with a commercial filter (to protect the plate) and a plate heat exchanger to separate the old from the new.

 

[Gasmk1]

As Gasmk says, big job, much disruption.

If it isn't leaking and it works well, you might be better keeping it going. I work in a lot of buildings with systems that age and they are still going strong. If the boiler hasn't got one now, then when you change it it would be better with a commercial filter (to protect the plate) and a plate heat exchanger to separate the old from the new.

Done it this way a couple of times best method if keeping large old systems Whether one or two pipe systems, good call