c/heating types direct or indirect ? plus other requests All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[Jazzzsingr]

HI Can someone please tell me

1/ the difference between direct & indirect heating sytems. ( I have a Potterton Netaheat MK 11 if that helps) Reason being, I've just bought a new double radiator to replace and old leaky single one. and although we will need to extend the pipework as the new one is longer than the old one ( I thought it was 1600 in length but its 1500, I can't take it back as it's too far to go, so we'll just have to make it fit) it does say should only be used on indirect heating systems.

2/ I've been told that you don't have to drain the whole system down, but as this old radiator hasn't worked for about 18 months, also the one upstairs in my bedroom hasn't either, (neither of them are at the end of the line) I feel it would be better, and maybe kill two birds with one stone, to drain the whole thing down and balance it out when the new one has been fitted (I have bled them all several times, and tried to balance the system, but had no joy)

Your urgent replies would be really appreciated, as my son has picked today to give me a hand, and its a case of the partially sighted leading the blind :roll:

[thedoctor]

Go to the DIY Projects section where you will find several projects on central heating which contain all the answers you will need.

[stoneyboy]

Jazzzsingr,
You are unlikely to have a direct heating system, indirect systems are a closed system where the same water is used to distribute heat to radiators and hot tank (fitted with a coil).
Suggest you do not drain the system if you can fit the new radiator without doing this. Draining can cause problems with air locks.
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