Radiator hot at the top and cold at the bottom - sludge in the system??

[Chrismw1989]

Hi

We are gradually working our way through the house refurbishing it as we go. Our boiler is a netaheat profile and I suspect around 15 years old. No doubt it could do with replacement however we are trying to spread the cost out as we go.

The he rooms that have been refurbished have new rads installed (namely bathrooms and bedrooms) however the lounge rad in particular seems boiling hot at the top but freezing cold in the middle and at the bottom.


I have tried bleeding the rad incase but this has not improved the situation. I have read that there maybe sludge in the system?? Is this the likely cause?

To try and rectify the issue I plan on:
1. Removing the rad in question
2. Flush through with a hose
3. Replace

Anything else I need to take into account?

As as far as I am aware they system has never had any inhibitor or sludge cleaner applied. Would this be worth considering aswell?

any help or comments much appreciated.

Thanks chris

 

[stussy]

Yes, sounds like sludge. You might want to try some system restorer before going down other routes.

 

[AWheating]

Turn off your other rads with the heating on and see if the rad gets hot all over.

If so it could be a balancing or circulation issue. Either way it sounds like a good idea to remove the radiator and flush it out. Prob best to introduce some cleaner and flush out the system after the cleaner has had chance to work. Removing rads and flushing on hose pipe would be an ideal way to see how much muck is in them. Once happy introduce some build cert approve inhibitor like sentinel or fernox.

if you do have a lot of sludge then I'd advise a power flush and magnetic filter before any new boiler is fitted