would anyone like to enlighten me as to why my central heating didn't go on this morning?

[Fruitbatlings]

No idea if this should be in "Geeky stuff" but as far as I'm concerned - boilers are for geeks

So, my hot water is working fine. I think I have a combi boiler but I am completely clueless about these things.

Do you think it has anything to do with the system pressure?
It's on zero.
But why would the hot water be working if the pressure is so low?
Or is that a really stupid question which I probably won't understand the answer to?

The thermostat is 20 degrees and the heating is on a timer which should have gone on at 6am this morning.
Thank god it's not freezing.....yet!

Looks like you are trying to bleed the wrong end.

Have a look here

Start on the ground floor if your boiler is in the kitchen and bleed the radiators in sequence going up the house, finishing upstairs at the radiator furthest away from the boiler. Then top up your boiler.

Just the same but without the little sticky out bit (if that makes sense)

Need a better close up of both ends tbh, couldn't see.

Won't necessarily stick out IYSWIM

Do you know what, I've topped up the boiler before bleeding the radiators Is that bad?
I managed to move the washing machine just enough to get to the tap then got excited so turned it. Now it's just under "2" on the dial (goes up to 4)

Can I still bleed the radiators even though I've topped it up already?

ok, hang on....

Yes you can bleed the radiators still but if there is loads of air the pressure may drop too far again.

Is there any green or red areas on the 1-4 dial? There should be a green recommended area?

The advantage of getting the heating working is that you then feel the radiators and the one that doesn't get hot at the top is the one that needs bleeding.

Ok, I've tried some close ups but taken two of the other side. One using flash and one without flash. There isn't anything for the key to turn on this side so I'm certain I'm on the correct side.....?

No recommended areas on the dial. Just 0-4 clock like dial
I'm sure my boiler is about 100 years old...

well it looks like that back one, BUT there doesn't seem to be a tiny hole for any air to escape from???

Is it the heating coming on yet?

If not put a bit more water in system, up to number 3?

If I hadn't just had a glass of wine I'd come around and see for myself, we always have tomorrow though if you get desperate....

haha, that's so sweet of you! No there doesn't seem to be a hole at all.
No heat still
Perhaps I will try to put more water in the system....

Well I'm trekking into Twickenham to drop dd1 off sans younger dc, no need to rush home

ok, it's on 3 and nothing

it's similar to the middle one in on this page

Has it got a line in the middle of it? Could you use a screw driver instead?

Is it possible that it is just so tight that it's not turning and the key is slipping around over it?

Is the pilot light on the boiler lit?

What boiler is it - name & model if you can find it.

Really? Do you pass by Colliers Wood? Let me speak to DH first, he might know what to do (trying not to speak to him since row but will if I have to!)

It would be a small detour! Perhaps I could pop in and do some Christmas shopping.

Was wondering if we look up boiler it may tell you the correct pressure.

The mains light is barely on but it's never been very bright. The burner light goes on when the burner comes on (when I turn a hot tap on)
It's an Ideal something80 - the writing before the 80 has worn off

looks like it could be response80....

here's is a link to pdh instruction booklets - should tell you the ideal pressure in there.

looks like my screwdriver idea could be worth a try

www.shadlock.co.uk/energy/heat/radbal.htm#

I'm not sure where the screwdriver would go, there's no line for it.

I'll just get DH onto it, he's working late tonight and also working tomorrow so don't want to bother him really. I wonder if my FIL could come and have a look, don't like to ask though.

I'm sure FIL would love to see the dc and have a nice cup of tea and a quick glance at central heating!

Is the small bit in the middle square or hexagonal?

Do you own an adjustable spanner?

It's square.
I have no idea if we have an adjustable spanner, ha ha.
I will speak to FIL in the morning
Thank you so much for all your help! You've been wonderful.
Actually I seem to remember you helping me out with car seats ages ago. Do you know anything about group1 rear facing seats?
I might start a new thread about that. It's for my 7 month old for when he's a bit bigger.

Yes a had a britax 2 way elite, very pleased with it. My isofix stage 1 & 2 with an impact cushion is great too.

I found this one I went to The baby Show and got a catalogue with a 20% discount voucher. It's £270 in the catalogue (with isofix) so with the discount it would be £216 or £200 without the isofix.
Is that a good price? I didn't really want to spend anywhere near that much but will for my DC's safety

(sorry to drive you mad)