Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Service Solar Thermal System

  • 13-02-2013 1:25pm
    #1
    Toplink
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭


    I have a solar system installed since 2008. At this stage I think it could do with a service as the pressure appears to have dropped.

    Is there much to servicing these systems?

    Would any plumber be able to do it?


Comments

  • #2
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    If the pressure has dropped, you may need more than a service. But after 5 years you certainly should be changing the anti-freeze fluid. That is a very quick job for a plumber who has the pumping kit to do it - they can flush and refill the system quickly.

    The most common reason for loss of pressure is that the expansion vessel wasn't set up properly in the first place. It should have been pre-charged (by pumping air into one side) to match the pressure of the system. That may not have been done. Again, a simple job.

    But probably you are looking for a solar installer to do this properly. If you let us know the area, you'll probably get a few offers by PM here.;)


  • #3
    MOTM
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 412 ✭✭MOTM


    quentingargan wrote: »
    If the pressure has dropped, you may need more than a service. But after 5 years you certainly should be changing the anti-freeze fluid. That is a very quick job for a plumber who has the pumping kit to do it - they can flush and refill the system quickly.

    The most common reason for loss of pressure is that the expansion vessel wasn't set up properly in the first place. It should have been pre-charged (by pumping air into one side) to match the pressure of the system. That may not have been done. Again, a simple job.

    But probably you are looking for a solar installer to do this properly. If you let us know the area, you'll probably get a few offers by PM here.;)

    If the pressure didn't drop of quickly in the first few weeks would that indicate a leak rather than expansion vessel issue?

    Agreed on the need to service regardless though...


  • #4
    Toplink
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭Toplink


    I am based in South Galway so feel free to PM.


  • #5
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    MOTM wrote: »
    If the pressure didn't drop of quickly in the first few weeks would that indicate a leak rather than expansion vessel issue?

    Yes - if the expansion vessel was the problem, the pressure drop would have happened the first time it went into stagnation on one of those long hot sunny days we used to have back in '08:rolleyes:

    Other possible reasons though are air that came out of suspension in the fluid, but as you say, 'tis time for a service either way..


Advertisement