Draining a pipe to solder

[Bahco]

Been to a couple of jobs where there has been no drain off valve and had to drain manually
There always seems to be a little water left in the pipe even after bending it down there always seems to be a little more.
I have used the old plumbers trick of putting a bung of bread in the pipe in order to solder but I am wondering how you other guys get round this one aopart from the purchase of a wet and dry vac.
Also would this piece of bread cause any harm to a sealed system as opposed to a hw cw pipe which would be emitted at the taps.
Any tips guys

 

[blahblah]

If its still running then difficult. Otherwise (nothing original) but heat pipe to steam out excess or put a bit of plastic tube over and blow the water back. Suppose freezing would be an option. Do hate sucking it out through rubber hose- ugh!

 

[Slogger]

when working on wet jobs and drying is a prob the option of a speed fit ( pushfit) is a good one as long as its not to close to the boiler