trickling/sloshing sound in pipes

[linc1464]

Dear all,
I'll start by saying that I know little about central heating systems so thanks in advance for your patience. I've just moved into a house that has the standard boiler system (not combi). There's a tank in the loft and a pump/hot water cylinder upstairs. Annoyingly, when the central heating turns on there's a trickling/sloshing sound in the pipes that leave the boiler. I assume that this is air? I do not hear this in the radiators though. My question is: is it likely to be air in the system? If so, what's the most straightforward way for me to get it out? I'd thought of bleeding the radiators but the air sound is only in the main boiler pipes. It is also much louder when the hot water is on as well as the central heating. Given that it's the holiday period, i don't want to have a go at anything that I can't easily reverse.

I would really appreciate some pointers.
Steve

 

[linc1464]

Actually, the sound is really only when the hot water is on. The sloshing is not there when it's just the central heating......

 

[joni os]

Probably partial blockage of cold water feed encouraging small amount of air to enter system on startup,but also check you have water in the small tank in loft as ball valves sometimes jam closed. Slacken large central screw on pump, ( Do not drop and lose.) small amount of water should appear immediately. If air comes before water this confirms system is sucking air.
Having just read your 2nd post ignore the foregoing.

 

[linc1464]

Thanks for the quick reply. Do you mean that I should just proceed with the pump screw only? If so, does the system and pump need to be on or off while I do it?

Steve

 

[Leo21]

More than likely the cold feed and vent arrangements wrong, it'll also the water might be quite dirty. It's not really a diy job tbh.

 

[linc1464]

OK. I'll get an expert out in the New Year.

Cheers
Steve

 

[turnpin]

Welcome to the forum's Steve.....you could check the "I'm looking for a plumber section" on here and you might find someone near you who can sort out your problem.....regards Turnpin:welcome:

 

[SteveWannadoGas]

Given that it's the holiday period, i don't want to have a go at anything that I can't easily reverse.

Wise man.