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Radiator pipes
http://www.x404.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6804		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  cloaked_wolf [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 6:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Radiator pipes
Silly question but anyone know how hot radiator pipes can get?

A whiles back I posted about a problem with mice. Having recently looked at the radiators as a possible source of entry, the radiator in my bedroom may be one route. The holes around the radiator pipes have been enlarged, most likely by mice.

I have some polyfilla foam stuff which expands as it sets so (along with brillo pad) should provide a decent mouse-proof filling. The only problem is that it states not to use in areas where temperatures exceed 60*C.I know radiator pipes can get quite hot but don't know how hot and I don't have a thermometer.

Any ideas?
Author:  big_D [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 7:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
Check the thermostat on the boiler... Ours is set to heat the water to 45°C, but it sometimes goes over that. The heating system will takes its water from the boiler and should be cooler.

The best bet, to be sure what is going on in your room, is to put a thermometer on the pipes, then open the radiator up all the way.
Author:  belchingmatt [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 7:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
As Dave mentioned there should be a thermostat on the boiler. I've just checked the one here and the maximum setting is 65C. If that is a standard maximum then you should be ok to run it at full whack as the water temp will fall below that by the time it reaches the radiator, also bearing in mind that the 60C max for the filler you mention probably has a little amount of leeway. I say probably but don't take my word for it, I've worked in an aerosol factory and when they say 50C max they mean it. :shock:
Author:  cloaked_wolf [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 7:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
big_D wrote:
put a thermometer on the pipes

I don't have one which is why I posted. It's not a huge difference to get one but just means I can use the foam tonight rather than having to wait till tomorrow and head to B&Q to investigate.
Author:  Nick [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
If you're worried about it, then wrap it in something.

I know you can get some white plastic covers which are designed to make the pipes look better, but they're solid plastic and if you put that around it then the foam won't even touch the pipe and the plastic deffo won't get over 60.
Author:  ProfessorF [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
Why not simply engineer a genetic weapon targeting mice?
Author:  vdbswong [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
Hmmm.... where's pengs ¬.¬
Author:  davrosG5 [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
I'm sorry to say I'm not convinced polyfilla foam will stop mice, not even when it has wire wool added goodness.
Have you considered an orbital kinetic strike?

As for how hot the pipework is likely to get, it will depend on how close the radiator is to the boiler. If i's the first radiator in the loop then it will be very hot and could exceed 60C (but it depends on you boiler and what it's set at). My parents boiler happily declares that it is running at 80C although it won't be that hot when it hits the radiator.
Author:  cloaked_wolf [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
davrosG5 wrote:
I'm sorry to say I'm not convinced polyfilla foam will stop mice, not even when it has wire wool added goodness.
Have you considered an orbital kinetic strike?

As for how hot the pipework is likely to get, it will depend on how close the radiator is to the boiler. If i's the first radiator in the loop then it will be very hot and could exceed 60C (but it depends on you boiler and what it's set at). My parents boiler happily declares that it is running at 80C although it won't be that hot when it hits the radiator.

I agree. I did some more reading and turns out mice will happily eat this stuff. So now I have to look at another method.

As for the radiator, the boiler used to be in a cupboard in my room but has now been relocated downstairs, in the kitchen.

Any ideas on how to fill holes around radiator pipes to stop mice coming through?
Author:  rustybucket [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
Our boiler heats all the water to 80°C but it's only about 65°C when it gets to the rad.

I would use wooden shims and proper polyfilla if I were you.

Oh and remember that your commoner-garden mouse can squeeze through a space the size of a 5p coin
Author:  belchingmatt [ Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
Make sure you drop lots of poison down the hole before you fill it.
Author:  JJW009 [ Tue Mar 09, 2010 12:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
Render and plaster - or just regular Polyfilla. You can get in tubes of ready-mixed in the pound shop, and it sets pretty hard. It also lasts quite well.

I used some expanding foam to block a hole in my porch wall once. A very determined mummy bee managed to nibble it away, so a mouse would have no problem.
Author:  big_D [ Tue Mar 09, 2010 7:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
Another thought, why not use pipe insulation, instead of filler?
Author:  cloaked_wolf [ Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
big_D wrote:
Another thought, why not use pipe insulation, instead of filler?

Is it mouse-proof?
Author:  E. F. Benson [ Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Radiator pipes
Nothing short of steel plate will be proof against rodent teeth.
A modern domestic boiler typically runs at between 75 and 80 degreesC and the reasoning behind the larger hole is to allow for the consequent expansion and contraction.
The answer is to trap (humane or otherwise), poison the rodent or a bit of Tom and Jerry carnage.
Alternatively, live and let live, keep your food out of their reach and the little chaps will be just happy to be warm.
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