Central heating system drained, leaks repaired and now gushing flowing noises in radiators and pipes

[Martell]

I had a new boiler installed 3 years ago. Recently, I called in a plumber to fix leaking radiator valves. He drained the system and repaired the leaking valves. He also fitted 2 TRVs on 2 radiators in my lounge where there hadn't been TRVs before. I have a large lounge (originally 2 rooms) with 3 radiators and now they all have TRVs. I turned on the heating and most of the radiators in the house are making a continuous gushing, flowing sound which is intolerably loud. There is also a gushing sound in the pipes, particularly the vertical pipes bringing water from upstairs.

I've bled the radiators 3 times. Initially, there was air in 2 upstairs radiators. The water pressure on the boiler reads 1 1/2 to 2 bars. Turning off a radiator by turning down the TRV stops the noise, but I need all 3 radiators on in my lounge. I've turned off the heating this evening because I can't tolerate the noise. I didn't have this problem before the leaks were repaired. Please can someone advise me what to do.

 

[Ben-gee]

Call back the plumber.

 

[Martell]

Thank you. If you feel you know what's causing the noise I'd be grateful if you could let me know.

 

[dancinplumba]

could be air still if big system or probs trvs nad velocity of water through them, they probs cheap, take the heads off as a temp solution , where is your room stat ? get a better plumber

 

[dancinplumba]

is it an open vented system ?

 

[Ben-gee]

Ball valve stuck up in the air in the f+e?

 

[Martell]

is it an open vented system ?

Hi. Thank you. My room stat is in the lounge. I don't know what an open vented system is! I suspect (not knowing much about central heating systems) that the noise is connected to the new TRVs as it's too much of a coincidence that the problem started when these were installed.

 

[Martell]

Ball valve stuck up in the air in the f+e?

Thank you. Sorry, I don't know what the f+e is, but it seems I'm going to have to get the plumber back and suggesting these possible causes will be helpful - so thanks for that.

 

[Martell]

Hi. Thank you. My room stat is in the lounge. I don't know what an open vented system is! I suspect (not knowing much about central heating systems) that the noise is connected to the new TRVs as it's too much of a coincidence that the problem started when these were installed.

I just Googled open vented system and no I don't think I have that. I have a Worcester Greenstar combi boiler. Hope that makes sense.

 

[fixitflav]

Thank you. If you feel you know what's causing the noise I'd be grateful if you could let me know.

What is the pump speed setting? If it's high, You could try reducing it (if that's an option with a combi).

 

[townfanjon]

Hard to say without hearing it but it does sound more like air , you need the plumber back pal .

 

[Martell]

Thanks very much for all your help, everyone. I've phoned the plumber and left a message! Hope he can cure the problem as having the heating on is not an option - I can't bear the noise.

 

[Martell]

What is the pump speed setting? If it's high, You could try reducing it (if that's an option with a combi).

Thank you ver much. I don't know how to locate the pump speed setting, but I've left a message for the plumber to come back and fix the problem.

 

[fixitflav]

Thank you ver much. I don't know how to locate the pump speed setting, but I've left a message for the plumber to come back and fix the problem.

On a separate pump it's straightforward, there's a manual selector on the pump. Don't know if it's the same on a combi, or if done via the software settings (if it's possible at all). Maybe one of the experts will tell us.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Where is the thermostat in the lounge in relation to the radiators. The rads may not have had trvs for the reason that your stat is in there.

 

[Martell]

Where is the thermostat in the lounge in relation to the radiators. The rads may not have had trvs for the reason that your stat is in there.

Hi. I've located the stat as far away as possible from all 3 radiators and it's about 4 ft off the floor. I'm beginning to think a TRV was previously fitted to only 1 rad for a good reason and there was no need to fit them to the other 2 rads. The room is so chilly in winter that I need the heating on full so I'm never going to be adjusting the room temperature on the TRVs. What I keep coming back to is that the rads and pipes made virtually no sound until this job was carried out so I'm guessing it has to be connected with draining the system, repairing the leaks and/or fitting TRVs. Hope that makes sense. I'm really grateful for everyone's input.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Hi. I've located the stat as far away as possible from all 3 radiators and it's about 4 ft off the floor. I'm beginning to think a TRV was previously fitted to only 1 rad for a good reason and there was no need to fit them to the other 2 rads. The room is so chilly in winter that I need the heating on full so I'm never going to be adjusting the room temperature on the TRVs. What I keep coming back to is that the rads and pipes made virtually no sound until this job was carried out so I'm guessing it has to be connected with draining the system, repairing the leaks and/or fitting TRVs. Hope that makes sense. I'm really grateful for everyone's input.

As above really. If you have a large system sometimes it can take an age to get all the air out properly

 

[Martell]

As above really. If you have a large system sometimes it can take an age to get all the air out properly

Thanks so much again. No I live in a 3 bedroomed end of terrace, so I don't think it's a large system. I have 7 rads plus 2 very little rads in airing cupboards. Incidentally, the room stat is no closer than 10 feet from the nearest radiator (I'm guessing it shouldn't be located near a rad where the heat from the rad would affect it) but I had it in the hall for a while (no issues) but I just prefer it in the lounge.

 

[Martell]

On a separate pump it's straightforward, there's a manual selector on the pump. Don't know if it's the same on a combi, or if done via the software settings (if it's possible at all). Maybe one of the experts will tell us.

Thank you. I'm really grateful for all the help I'm getting.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Thanks so much again. No I live in a 3 bedroomed end of terrace, so I don't think it's a large system. I have 7 rads plus 2 very little rads in airing cupboards. Incidentally, the room stat is no closer than 10 feet from the nearest radiator (I'm guessing it shouldn't be located near a rad where the heat from the rad would affect it) but I had it in the hall for a while (no issues) but I just prefer it in the lounge.

The Hall rad probably hasn’t got a trv on.

 

[dancinplumba]

Hi. Thank you. My room stat is in the lounge. I don't know what an open vented system is! I suspect (not knowing much about central heating systems) that the noise is connected to the new TRVs as it's too much of a coincidence that the problem started when these were installed.

hi then the lounge rads DO NOT REQUIRE TRVS, get your plumber back, remove the heads temporarily

 

[dancinplumba]

On a separate pump it's straightforward, there's a manual selector on the pump. Don't know if it's the same on a combi, or if done via the software settings (if it's possible at all). Maybe one of the experts will tell us.

needs to be GSR to remove cover on boiler

 

[Riley]

Why people insist on having a trv to fight the thermostat I’ll never understand

 

[king of pipes]

I would say your system has trapped air in it needs venting while the boiler is off topping up and balancing this can easily take a good few hours. Kop

 

[Rob Foster]

To get rid of trapped air ina heating system shoot it up with a blast of mains pressure water in thro a drain off connected to outside tap and jubilee clip on mt/drain off. Give it a few squirts go round with drain key
Nearest rad first. This will blow the set out nicely , n0t too much pressure just of and on , get pump running as well .. job done ...a Blast like this never fails ...Rob Foster aka centralheatking

 

[dan_the_plumber]

Are all the Lockshields fully open. If they are turned down they can make a noise. Just open them all fully?

 

[Martell]

Hi. I missed the very latest replies, sorry, as I didn't receive any alerts. I phoned the plumber a week ago. It was a difficult conversation. He's not interested. When I pressed him, he said he'd phone me, but he hasn't. The radiators are now switched off in the lounge as the noise of gushing water circulating through the pipes and rads is unbearable. I'll need to find another plumber. I'm quite stressed as I'm waiting for surgery and I'll need the heating on. The support I've had on this website proves there are great plumbers out there, but I'm not being over dramatic when I say that this one has ruined my life.

 

[Martell]

Are all the Lockshields fully open. If they are turned down they can make a noise. Just open them all fully?

Thank you, yes, I understand they're all open

 

[Martell]

To get rid of trapped air ina heating system shoot it up with a blast of mains pressure water in thro a drain off connected to outside tap and jubilee clip on mt/drain off. Give it a few squirts go round with drain key
Nearest rad first. This will blow the set out nicely , n0t too much pressure just of and on , get pump running as well .. job done ...a Blast like this never fails ...Rob Foster aka centralheatking

Thank you. I hope another plumber will be able to resolve the problem

 

[Martell]

I would say your system has trapped air in it needs venting while the boiler is off topping up and balancing this can easily take a good few hours. Kop

Thank you. Hope to get another plumber soon to resolve the problem

 

[Martell]

Why people insist on having a trv to fight the thermostat I’ll never understand

Yes the system was quiet til 2 new TRVs were fitted in the lounge (I didn't ask for them)

 

[Martell]

Why people insist on having a trv to fight the thermostat I’ll never understand

Yes the system was quiet til 2 new TRVs were fitted in the lounge (I didn't ask for them)

needs to be GSR to remove cover on boiler

Thank you. Yes I'll get another plumber and ensure he's properly qualified.

 

[Rob Foster]

Thank you. Hope to get another plumber soon to resolve the problem

I will not do any harm to keep bleeding the rads , sometimes the air lock will go away like magic, turn heating off and on for periods of 30 mins and bleed rads ...you never know you might get it on your own
Rob Foster aka centralheatking

 

[Harvest Fields]

Do me a favour matey. Put the heating on and check to see if the side with the trv on gets hot first or the other side. You may have done this already?

 

[Martell]

I will not do any harm to keep bleeding the rads , sometimes the air lock will go away like magic, turn heating off and on for periods of 30 mins and bleed rads ...you never know you might get it on your own
Rob Foster aka centralheatking

Thank you very much. I'll do that.

 

[Martell]

Do me a favour matey. Put the heating on and check to see if the side with the trv on gets hot first or the other side. You may have done this already?

Thank you very much. No I haven't done that, but I'll let you know.

 

[fixitflav]

Yes the system was quiet til 2 new TRVs were fitted in the lounge

If you open the TRVs fully (anticlockwise) or as suggested in #4, remove the heads, the system should be as it was before. If there's still a problem it sounds (literally!) like something else has been done, which the plumber isn't telling you about. If he's not prepared to come back and look at a system he's worked on I'd question his competence.

 

[Martell]

Hi again. All the rads th

Do me a favour matey. Put the heating on and check to see if the side with the trv on gets hot first or the other side. You may have done this already?

Hi again. All the rads that have TRVs fitted warm up at the TRV end first, except one radiator in the lounge. On this radiator, the TRV has been moved from one side to the other (it might also have been replaced). I've attached a photo! I believe this is the only rad in the lounge (of 3 rads) that had a TRV fitted when my new boiler was installed 3 years ago. Sorry I'm relying a lot on memory! The reason I know for sure that the TRV has been moved from one end to the other is because I have an old photo with that rad in it!

 

[fixitflav]

ll the rads that have TRVs fitted warm up at the TRV end first

On my quite old Honeywell TRVs they must be installed vertically on the flow, horizontally on the return. Don't know if yours are same, but if fitted wrong it might have something to do with it. But if it's wide open it shouldn't affect anything (in theory).

 

[Martell]

It's fixed!! The mains water supply was off yesterday as maintenance was being carried out in the area. I don't know whether this has anything to do with my issues. Anyway when the water supply came back on I took your advice and bled the radiators again. I got air out of the kitchen radiator! I put the heating on and it was a lot quieter. I bled the radiators again and now it is back to normal and the rads and pipes are quiet. I've checked it this morning and it's fine. I can't thank you all enough. Not only did you give me advice, but you never let me feel I was alone with the problem. You really are amazing!

 

[fixitflav]

It's fixed!! The mains water supply was off yesterday as maintenance was being carried out in the area. I don't know whether this has anything to do with my issues. Anyway when the water supply came back on I took your advice and bled the radiators again. I got air out of the kitchen radiator! I put the heating on and it was a lot quieter. I bled the radiators again and now it is back to normal and the rads and pipes are quiet. I've checked it this morning and it's fine. I can't thank you all enough. Not only did you give me advice, but you never let me feel I was alone with the problem. You really are amazing!

Well done! Glad to hear

 

[Harvest Fields]

It's fixed!! The mains water supply was off yesterday as maintenance was being carried out in the area. I don't know whether this has anything to do with my issues. Anyway when the water supply came back on I took your advice and bled the radiators again. I got air out of the kitchen radiator! I put the heating on and it was a lot quieter. I bled the radiators again and now it is back to normal and the rads and pipes are quiet. I've checked it this morning and it's fine. I can't thank you all enough. Not only did you give me advice, but you never let me feel I was alone with the problem. You really are amazing!

You’re welcome

 

[vic89]

Get the plumber back sounds like it could be air in the system are there any automatic air vents installed on the flow and return pipes could also be cheap Trvs

 

[rpm]

Get the plumber back sounds like it could be air in the system are there any automatic air vents installed on the flow and return pipes could also be cheap Trvs

The OP posted it is fixed, would you like to the be the plumber called back on a Saturday only to find it is fixed!!!

 

[Rob Foster]

It's fixed!! The mains water supply was off yesterday as maintenance was being carried out in the area. I don't know whether this has anything to do with my issues. Anyway when the water supply came back on I took your advice and bled the radiators again. I got air out of the kitchen radiator! I put the heating on and it was a lot quieter. I bled the radiators again and now it is back to normal and the rads and pipes are quiet. I've checked it this morning and it's fine. I can't thank you all enough. Not only did you give me advice, but you never let me feel I was alone with the problem. You really are amazing!

Well done you , we like happy stories and it cost you no more dosh . UKPF rules Rob Foster aka centralheatking

 

[Martell]

The OP posted it is fixed, would you like to the be the plumber called back on a Saturday only to find it is fixed!!!

Ha! But of course in my case I tried to resolve the issue myself, I rang the plumber, he wasn't interested in helping me, he said he would phone me to arrange to come around and I gave him a week to phone me back but he didn't. It's you guys on this plumbers forum who gave me advice and support and who sorted my problem for me and I'm SO grateful. Thanks again!

 

[rpm]

My response wasn't aimed at you, congrats on a result though.

 

[Rob Foster]

My response wasn't aimed at you, congrats on a result though.

Happy days all round

 

[Rob Foster]

Hi to all.I have problem again with my heating.My bolier is making a sound like a popcorn maker but very loud popcorn maker machine.I had a blockage in pipes and aparently plumber sorted it...yes for 1 week.yesterday popcorn come back and they change motorised valve,pump,valves under and behinde the pump flushed the system and it was ok but like i say for 1 week.What could be the problem?

I suggest you repost this as a new thread it might get lost below a solved problem

 

[Martell]

Hi to all.I have problem again with my heating.My bolier is making a sound like a popcorn maker but very loud popcorn maker machine.I had a blockage in pipes and aparently plumber sorted it...yes for 1 week.yesterday popcorn come back and they change motorised valve,pump,valves under and behinde the pump flushed the system and it was ok but like i say for 1 week.What could be the problem?

Hi Melany, your problem has been posted under my thread and it would be better for you to post it as a new thread. Good luck with your problem. I realyy do hope you're able to sort it soon.