Leak in heating system

phester28

I have upgraded my old vented system to a new pressurized system. We had a push fitting give on the old system and we had a small flood. (tight space so probably was not pushed fully home) all other fittings on the system would be circa 1986 copper compression with jointing compound. I never had a leak in my old system ( had the expansion tank feed off for months with no level drop).

The plumbing company has a very bad view. I requested a pressurized system. The push on fitting was only a year old. NO pipework on the old system was below ground. Their pipework is mostly below ground. They are now telling me that it is a leak on the old system and I best change back to a vented system. I have lifted the floorboards and checked all old tails to the rads and unions and they are all Dry.

It is most likely a union or tail that is now below concrete and laminate flooring.

Where do i stand

jimjimt

The best way to handle it is, ask the company to come back and pressure test the old pipe work.
Then pressure test the new pipe work.

Separate the two systems pressurized them. Separate large gauges for both systems. Observe and see which system drops pressure the new or the old.

If they do not agree to it. Hire a plumber with the proper test gear to do the testing for your. But do insure the independent plumber has the proper test equipment for the job.

Most likely a days work for some one between the disconnecting and reconnecting.

phester28

well they are coming in the morning to use an industrial leak sealer. leave in for 4 hours and then drain. I dont like the sound of it as I have always found sealers to be a temperary meausre

corkgsxr

I'd second the pressure testing.


I only use pushfits for testing myself seen too many pop

jimjimt

Leak sealers can work and there are some very good ones.

But all leak sealers that I know off require that the system be flushed and cleaned first. Power flushing the heating system in full. Which may add to more problems on older systems.

Pick up an empty bottle of the sealer and investigate it.

Perhaps ask them for a separate pressure test of old and new system to see which is leaking.

What is heating your house ? Have you one or two boilers ?

phester28

well its one system but the boiler was moved into the extension and some of the rads were repiped. all upstairs rads and one downstairs are on the old pipework. two zone valves were fitted at the cylinder.

I must ask the question if the new leak sealer is compatable with aluminum heat exchangere as it is mentioned that not all are.

jimjimt

I presume you have a gas boiler ?

This is why you must get the manufactures information on the leak sealer to investigate.

Some gas boiler heat exchangers will not take kindly to leak sealers because of the small pipe work that makes up the heat exchanger more so than made of aluminum. Instructions will have to be read carefully.

If you have a make and model of boiler ring the manufacturer for more information. It might be hard to get through to Irish reps tomorrow but might be worth a call to the UK.

You will have a few hard questions to ask.

If your heating system is not cleaned out.
Adding leak sealer.
A small heat exchanger in your gas boiler.
Could all mean more trouble.
Have a good chat before work commences.