Project Overview
| Location | Oxted, Surrey (RH8) |
|---|---|
| Call-out | Emergency — heating not working, plus low water pressure in the house |
| System | Vaillant ecoTEC Pro 28 combination boiler with a magnetic system filter |
| Fault found | Magnetic filter left isolated, stopping circulation; internal stopcock not fully open |
| Work completed | Filter valves opened, system vented, flue gas analysis carried out and the stopcock fully opened to restore water pressure |
The Challenge
A customer in Oxted called us out because their heating was not working. They had also noticed low water pressure around the house. Two problems at once can look like a big repair — a failed pump, a boiler fault or a supply issue — so the priority was to check the simple things properly before assuming the worst.
The Solution: Open the Filter, Then the Stopcock
On arrival we found the magnetic system filter had been left isolated. A magnetic filter sits on the heating pipework with a valve either side so it can be closed off for cleaning. With those valves shut, no water could circulate around the heating system. We opened the filter valves and the heating started working straight away.
We then carried out a flue gas analysis on the boiler — all readings were fine — and vented the system to remove any trapped air.
For the low water pressure, we found the internal stopcock was not fully open. Opening it fully restored the water pressure in the house.
Why an Isolated Filter Stops the Heating
Magnetic system filters catch the black iron sludge that builds up in heating systems and protect the boiler’s heat exchanger and pump. To clean one, the valves either side are closed so the filter can be opened without draining the system. If those valves are not reopened afterwards — after a service, a clean or a bit of DIY — the heating circuit is blocked:
- No circulation: With the filter closed off, the pump cannot move water around the radiators, so the house stays cold even though the boiler is fine.
- Check the simple things first: Filter and isolation valves take a minute to check and can save an unnecessary pump or boiler repair.
- Vent after: Venting clears any air that got into the system, so every radiator heats properly.
- Prove the boiler: A flue gas analysis confirms the boiler is burning correctly once it is running again.
The Repair Process
- Heating check: The magnetic system filter was found isolated, stopping circulation.
- Filter reopened: The filter valves were opened and the heating started working straight away.
- Boiler checks: A flue gas analysis was carried out, with all readings fine.
- Vent: The system was vented to remove trapped air.
- Water pressure: The internal stopcock was found not fully open and was opened fully, restoring the water pressure.
The Results
The heating was working again within minutes of arrival and the water pressure in the house was restored — with no parts needed for either fault. The Oxted household also has a list of small plumbing jobs to plan for, rather than discovering them one at a time.
Recommended Follow-Up
- Toilet flush: Replace the toilet siphon / flush button.
- Towel rails: Two towel rails are showing signs of rust and one is not connected. We recommend replacing them and reconnecting.
We will quote for these separately.
Heating and Water Pressure Questions
Why has my heating stopped working after my filter was cleaned?
The most common reason is that the valves either side of the magnetic filter were left closed. That stops water circulating, so the radiators stay cold. Opening the valves — and venting the system — usually brings the heating straight back.
Why is the water pressure low in my house?
Check the internal stopcock is fully open. A part-closed stopcock is a common and easily missed cause, as on this Oxted job. If it is fully open, the problem may be the supply, the pipework or a pressure-reducing valve.
Do you cover Oxted?
Yes. Talis covers Oxted and nearby Godstone, Westerham, Redhill and Reigate for heating repairs, boiler servicing and plumbing. For another heating circulation fix, see our extension radiator repair in Windlesham.