Glow-worm
Poor Central Heating Circulation
Boiler runs, but radiators do not get hot or are only partially warm.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Seized or incorrectly set pump, sludge in radiators and pipework, motorized valve stuck closed, airlocks in system.
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Allow the system to cool before bleeding radiators. Isolate power before working on valves or pump electrics.
- Check boiler flow/return pipes: Feel the flow and return pipes at the boiler. If the flow is hot but the return is cold, circulation is restricted.
- Bleed radiators: Starting upstairs, bleed each radiator until water flows steadily. Repressurize the system as needed.
- Check TRVs and valves: Ensure all thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and lockshield valves are open where heat is required.
- Check motorized valve: For systems with external 2-port or 3-port valves, feel if the valve body gets warm and listen for movement when heating is called.
- Engineer tasks:
- Test and replace a faulty circulation pump.
- Free or replace stuck motorized valves.
- Powerflush the system if heavily sludged.
Improving circulation will enhance efficiency and comfort.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Circulation Pump
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