Draining down

[Goldspoon]

I just drained down the heating system in my house (used protector after adding 3 rads a few weeks ago so now adding inhibitor). It's straightforward because there are lots of rads with drain taps on. But I did find I was having to go from rad to rad draining down to get it all out... presumably if there is only one drain tap then it must be very hard to empty a system? Do plumbers just get what they can out and accepts some is still in there? Do they suck it out with anything?

 

[JohnD]

do you have radiators fed from above with drop loops?

 

[Gas2Air]

I just drained down the heating system in my house (used protector after adding 3 rads a few weeks ago so now adding inhibitor). It's straightforward because there are lots of rads with drain taps on. But I did find I was having to go from rad to rad draining down to get it all out... presumably if there is only one drain tap then it must be very hard to empty a system? Do plumbers just get what they can out and accepts some is still in there? Do they suck it out with anything?

Your right, rads below are piped as a drop and thus need draining individually with each drain off. Did it refill ok?

 

[Goldspoon]

Aaaaahhh... thank you

I was draining downstairs at back of house and pipes, I think go upstairs and then back downstairs (up and over)... so although on same level would not drain. Spent ages wondering why half the downstairs rads would not empty!

It has all filled fine (combi system).

Do plumbers sometimes come across "dips of rads" with no drain plug? If so what do they do... have to disconnect a rad?

 

[Gas2Air]

Yes or cut and fit a tee into the flow/return. Open system can be a pain, depends on your snatch