# Paging the plumbers: trouble fitting a radiator **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 21, 2006, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-the-plumbers-trouble-fitting-a-radiator/377354 "2006-10-21T17:22:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![A.R.Cane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee7513/32.png) [@A.R.Cane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.R.Cane)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-the-plumbers-trouble-fitting-a-radiator/377354/21 "2006-10-23T22:59:56Z")
[QUOTE=Quartz] It’s a dead (burned-out) pump and apparently the system is rather full of sludge. The plumber has returned and replaced the pump, but he says it might burn out if I leave it on. So it’s currently off. The radiators upstairs now work, but not the ones downstairs. He’s suggesting that a full [power flush](http://www.kamco.co.uk/powerflushing.htm) might be in order. He’s also point out a legal issue with the siting of the boiler (a Potterton Profile 50e) and a performance issue. [/QUOTE] Sounds like he’s suggesting a new boiler, that may be correct, but I think I’d get a second opinion, even if you have to pay for it. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-the-plumbers-trouble-fitting-a-radiator/377354/22 "2006-10-23T23:08:51Z")
Well, it looks like the new pump’s failed. £150 down the drain. As for getting a second opinion, that’s a given with any significant purchase. ---
**Author:** ![A.R.Cane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee7513/32.png) [@A.R.Cane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.R.Cane)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2006, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-the-plumbers-trouble-fitting-a-radiator/377354/23 "2006-10-24T00:29:12Z")
If your boiler is very old you will see a dramatic savings in operation. I know it’s a big hit, but it will also add to the value of your home. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2006, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-the-plumbers-trouble-fitting-a-radiator/377354/24 "2006-10-24T07:34:37Z")
Yes. I’m trying to think of it not as the initial hit but an annualised cost. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2006, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-the-plumbers-trouble-fitting-a-radiator/377354/25 "2006-10-28T21:57:09Z")
Well, the plumber came yesterday. He flushed the system of gunk and put in a new thermostatic control system. And relieved me of a considerable amount of money. And he put the 3-port valve in the wrong way round! It’s off now, of course, awaiting his return to rectify the situation. I even asked him at the time if it wasn’t upside down! ---
**Author:** ![Myglaren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Myglaren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myglaren)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2006, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-the-plumbers-trouble-fitting-a-radiator/377354/26 "2006-10-30T06:38:20Z")
I sincerely hope that that will be the end of your central heating problems. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2006, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-the-plumbers-trouble-fitting-a-radiator/377354/27 "2006-10-30T19:44:58Z")
So do I! But I now have thermostatically controlled central heating for the first time. And after a break of over 2 weeks, I can have a bath in the morning. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-the-plumbers-trouble-fitting-a-radiator/377354.md?page=1)