A condensing boiler
Conventional boilers emit hot exhaust gases from the flue when they are operating. A condensing boiler transfers much of this wasted heat to the water in the boiler, before it reaches the flue outlet. During normal operation, condensing boilers lower the temperature of their exhaust gases below 100 degrees, at which point plumes of water vapour can be seen coming from the flue outside. For this reason condensing boiler flues should be situated in a suitable location. Also a special condensate drain is needed to remove this liquid from the boiler to a suitable drainage point.
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What do I do if my pipes burst?
Shut off the water at the stop valve and open all taps to drain the system quickly. It would also be advisable to isolate the power to appliances such as the immersion heaters or shower, etc.
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What do I do if I smell gas?
Do not turn electrical switches on or off. Do not use naked flames/smoke.
Open as many doors as possible and turn off the gas supply at the meter.
Contact Transco for assistance on 0800 111 999
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What does it mean when the top of the radiator is cold and the bottom is hot?
This is normally due to a build up of air in the radiator. This can usually be cured by bleeding the radiator using a key. Have a cloth ready to catch the drips as the water is usually dirty. If you find that you are constantly bleeding your radiators you may have another problem, a power flush may solve this.
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What does it mean when the top of the radiator is hot and the bottom is cold?
This is often more of a complex problem than the opposite. This can occur on older systems and is often due to a build up of sludge in the bottom of the radiator. Although you can attempt to treat the radiator yourself, the best option would be a processional flush and clean (Power Flushing) , which T.G. Services are happy to undertake.
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How do I re-ignite the boiler if the pilot goes out?
Some older boilers have a pilot light that is permanently on whist it is in normal operation. On these boilers the light may go out for a number of reasons, a draught for example, or a fault with the boiler. However it is usually worth attempting to light the pilot your self before phoning for professional advice. To do this, simply follow the boiler manufacturers instructions. If the pilot goes out soon after re-igniting it, then phone for professional advice as you have a fault with your boiler.
However on newer boilers the pilot comes on automatically when it detects that heat is needed either from the room or hot water thermostat. In this case do not attempt to re-ignite the light yourself, as professional help will be needed.
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The differences between 'combination' and 'conventional' boilers
A combination boiler is where the boiler handles central heating and instant hot water requirements without needing external tanks or cylinders. Conventional boilers are merely a gas/water heat exchanger, the water from which is then routed using external controls to radiators and hot water heat exchangers (eg: a cylinder).
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