Common issues with heating systems

Several scenarios for heat supply
Radiators typically operate under three common scenarios: ① inlet water temperature of 95°C, outlet water temperature of 70°C; ② inlet water temperature of 75°C, outlet water temperature of 57°C; ③ inlet water temperature of 55°C, outlet water temperature of 45°C. This clearly highlights the importance of the inlet water temperature.
Preparation Before Heating
First, systematically inspect each indoor radiator, checking the valves of the heating system and ensuring that manual air vents are in good condition and properly closed—only opening them once the heating system begins to fill with water. Next, verify that all connection points in the indoor heating system are intact, preventing any leaks, emissions, drips, or seepages. Finally, identify and address any potential hazards that could impede emergency repairs during the heating season. During the water-filling process, someone should remain at the user’s home to monitor the situation closely. As the system is filled with water, manually release any trapped air until water starts flowing steadily.
What to do when it's not hot
First, clarify which heating provider is responsible for supplying heat—in principle, the entity providing the heat should also manage it. Second, report the issue to the relevant unit responsible for constructing the building; they will handle the matter accordingly. If the heating pipelines in the residential community are poorly maintained or improperly adjusted, the property-owning entity should promptly repair and rebalance them.
What should I do about a leak?
First, promptly place a container beneath the leak to catch the water. If water is spraying everywhere, use a towel to wrap around the leaking area and direct it into the collection container. For users with individual-unit control systems, immediately shut off the two valves located at the indoor pipe inlets (the main indoor valve). If your system still has a control valve, quickly close the radiator control valve. If your radiator doesn’t have a control valve, and the situation becomes extremely urgent and uncontrollable, seek assistance from someone else to swiftly turn off the building’s main supply valve. Afterward, don’t forget to check the exact location of the radiator leak before proceeding further.
1. If the flexible joint is leaking, simply replace the joint.
2. If there's a leak at the seam, simply replace the coupling nut.
3. If there’s a leak at the connection point, simply replace the heating pipe and its accessories.
4. If the leak is indeed caused by a pinhole in the radiator, the radiator will need to be replaced, as it could potentially burst. Otherwise, a small issue could escalate into a much bigger problem, leading to significant and costly damage later on.
5. If steel radiators are used, the water quality in the heating system must have a pH value greater than 7 and less than 12, as steel is prone to oxidative corrosion when exposed to oxygen. Additionally, if the water contains high levels of dissolved oxygen, steel radiators are likely to develop corrosion-related leaks. Therefore, steel radiators should be maintained by keeping them constantly submerged in water.
6. Aluminum heat sinks require a system water pH value of 5–8. While aluminum exhibits excellent resistance to oxidative corrosion, it is vulnerable to corrosion in alkaline water and can easily degrade in such environments.
7. Copper heat sinks or copper-aluminum composite heat sinks place no restrictions on the system's water quality, thanks to copper's excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
During use, the radiator fins should be carefully observed and thoroughly inspected—paying special attention to those areas prone to leaks. Only through regular inspections can effective preventive measures be taken, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed promptly before they escalate into accidents. Even when purchasing radiators, it’s best to opt for high-quality models whenever possible, minimizing the frequent occurrence of leaks.
How to determine water leakage
For minor water leakage (about 5 drops per minute), users can collect the dripping water with a drip catcher. As the water supply temperature rises, the leakage may naturally lessen. However, if the leakage exceeds 10 drops per minute, it is considered a significant issue. In such cases, users should monitor the situation for about 3 to 5 days. If the leakage eases in response to temperature changes, they can continue collecting the water with a drip catcher. But if the leakage remains severe (more than 10 drops per minute), users should promptly contact the relevant service unit for repairs.
Can water be put in the heater?
The water in the heating system is softened water that has undergone anti-corrosion treatment and contains chemical additives—using this type of water can be harmful to your health. Moreover, if the heating pipes lose even a small amount of water, it could lead to airlocks in the heating system, severely compromising its efficiency. Additionally, significant water loss from the heating system will disrupt the pressure and flow throughout the entire network, inevitably affecting the heating temperature.