Draining a micorbore system

[bengasman]

Eh its a combi so pressurised system close auto air vent release pressure out of bleed nipple .
System is then vacumed up

That is probably wishful thinking; lots of air in the pipes judging by the sound when the heating comes on

Take necessary precautions to protect carpet best rolled away but plastic sheeting and old bath towels sufficient.

Carpet can not be rolled up without moving heavy furniture.
Also dodgy floor and suspect ceiling from flat below; one mishap, and it will cost me a new ceiling.

Change each valve , one a time very tiny bit if any water will come out if twin entry valves put d/cock in other end of rad at same time if seperate valves use the ones with built in d/cock.

But if I am correct, and the valves do not shut properly, I will have a lot of water coming out. And I fully expect to have to make completely new connections on at least a couple of valves due to damaged olives/threads or incompatible threads.

After finishing job you can drain and flush properly

The problem is: I want to drain it properly before I change the valves.

 

[doitall]

The best way is to turn the valves off on a radiator, choose one with no carpets, preferably, then crack the nuts and drain the rad into a bowl or tray.

You can then attach a hose to the valves and drain at least the upstairs out, it's a simple job to do the others the same way, once the pressures off.

You can also flush the pipework out, flow and return the same way, the rads can be flushed outside with a hose pipe.

 

[namsag]

Well if lot of air in it fill and vent it first then vacum it up. have you never done this or used bungs its very basic ben with a cup full of water if any and as you work just block end of rad valve up with blue roll or kitchen roll

 

[bengasman]

The best way is to turn the valves off on a radiator, choose one with no carpets, preferably, then crack the nuts and drain the rad into a bowl or tray.

But how would I change the valves without knowing how much gunk will descent down on me from above? Bear in mind that I fully expect to have to redo several micorbore connections completely which will involve cutting out damaged pipe and replacing it.

You can then attach a hose to the valves and drain at least the upstairs out...

There ain't no upstairs apart from an inaccessible loft, it is a flat with dropdowns

You can also flush the pipework out, flow and return the same way, the rads can be flushed outside with a hose pipe.

Done that as far as it would work with the filling loop and the boiler drainpoint. Got a fair bit out, but am convinced there is even more left.

 

[doitall]

Once you have the radiator off the wall, you can connect a hose pipe to the valve to get the cr@p out, and flush each pipe out, by turning the filler loop on.

Do each one separately, flush the rads out down the garden, or in the road, bath, anywhere, change the valves and put it all back together.

 

[doitall]

You don't need to get dirty or make a mess if you follow my instructions, as you have full control over everything.

 

[Legion]

The best way is to turn the valves off on a radiator,

Really?

choose one with no carpets,

No, we can`t choose, they have beige carpets.

then crack the nuts and drain the rad into a bowl or tray.

Classic. best way is to bung the tanks, can`t be bothered to explain but mebbe another real plumber/engineer will guide you through the process.Let me tell you where I am. I`m not investing my advice. I`m out.

 

[kevindgas]

edited by mods

don't always agree with things you say but on this one you say the right thing.

towels at least 1 per rad and a plastic sheet will be enough unless you are completely incapable

turn off the valves both ends and remove the first valve, replace, and turn it off.
do other end the same then on to next rad! when you have done them all and are happy they are water tight then turn on each valve.

even my thickest apprentice could do this job.

 

[doitall]

Classic. best way is to bung the tanks, can`t be bothered to explain but mebbe another real plumber/engineer will guide you through the process.Let me tell you where I am. I`m not investing my advice. I`m out.

What tanks would that be Legion

 

[cozzmic]

Hoses this hoses that, this valve that valve, compressed air!!!
why not use a wet hoover if your worried about spillages, even if black gunk gets on carpet cup of clean water on it and hoover it up works every time if you do happen to have a mishap. Also will help empty the micro bore pipes too.

 

[tamz]

even my thickest apprentice could do this job

Just what i was thinking

 

[bengasman]

Once you have the radiator off the wall...

But that is exactly where I want to be. It is the getting it off the wall without mishaps like valves falling off or leaking or whatever causing a gallon or 2 of gunk to run all over the place that I want to avoid. Not a single connection or valve that I trust to work here.

 

[bengasman]

You don't need to get dirty or make a mess if you follow my instructions, as you have full control over everything.

Unknown quantity of pipe (and contents) invisible above the ceiling and coming down. What do you suggest I do if one of the valves just falls of the pipe when I lift the rad off?

 

[bengasman]

...towels at least 1 per rad and a plastic sheet will be enough...

It would be if I were sure that the valves will shut and not fall off when I move the rad/pipe.
I am not sure that anything will hold.

 

[Legion]

What tanks would that be Legion

Sorry doitall did reply but it was removed, yeah, it`s a combi whoopp, my point is made