Cannot repressurize heating system.

NewClareman

I replaced a faulty TRV Valve on the upstairs floor of my heating system. I bled about 1/2 litre at the radiator to reduce the pressure and fitted it without draining the system. My problem is that I cannot bleed the radiator and it has air at the top. I just moved in and I'm sure I'm missing something simple. I would really appreciate any advice.

The system is 14 years old with a Grant Module 50/90 external boiler with circulating pump. The pressure vessel and vent valve are in the hot press and there are two manifolds, one upstairs and one downstairs. There is no filling loop and the cold water feed is connected directly to the downstairs manifold through a pressure reducing valve. I shut off the cold water feed before bleeding the radiator and I opened it again when the valve was fitted.

Looking at the pictures I've attached I suspect that the gate valves on each manifold are in the closed position and I need to open the one upstairs. Is this it??

If that is the issue, how do I reduce the pressure being fed in, before opening the gate valve?

Wearb

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NewClareman

@Wearb thanks a million for the reply. Unfortunately, the black knob part appears jammed. The knob rotates, but not the shaft. I tried rotating the shaft, using a pipe wrench, but it wasn't moving, with light force.

I'd really appreciate any further suggestions, as I'm flummoxed.

(It's very difficult getting plumbers locally, as all are booked doing pre-winter services. I really need to replace all the TRV's and lockshield valves, some are jammed and three are leaking. None of the local plumbers want to touch this, until the summer. We've only just moved in, so didn't know we had a problem.

I'd replace all of the valves myself, if only I could sort out this issue. I've already got a plumber line up to service the boiler. I'd get him to put in inhibitor, when he comes. I'll replace the boiler during the summer and get the system power flushed at the same time.)

Wearb

Perhaps that black knob part is stuck in the open position. If it is, then see if the gauge rises when you move the pressure adjuster. Count turns so that you can get it back to where it was. Don't do more than a few complete turns, you should see the gauge move before that.

I've no idea of your ability, so don't go flooding the place.

NewClareman

Obviously I'm not a plumber, but I've done a good few bits, over the years. I am very cautious around water, particularly at this time of year. That is why I only used light force when trying to turn the "Black knob" part.

The gauge doesn't move, when I adjust the pressure adjuster. if it was stuck in the open position would the the radiator not fill when I open the bleed valve?

If I thought it was just faulty component I'd drain down the system completely and replace it. The pump in the boiler doesn't look great and I'd take the opportunity to replace it. Is the pressure adjuster and on/off valve a standard item?

NewClareman

Well it appears the auto fill valve was stuck shut. I chanced a light tap with a (light) hammer and it freed. I've now replaced all the faulty upstairs valves. I have two faulty downstairs, but I'll leave well alone until spring.

@ wearb thanks again for your help.