Removing Rad For Decorating

[securespark]

I've had a look at various threads here, but can't find the exact info I need.

My plumber came to look at replacing some old corroded rads. Stupidly, I didn't think to ask him to take the old ones off and cap them off before he left.

He said something about buying some brass caps ¾ and ½ with a rubber seal.

I'm OK with shutting off both sides and removing the rad (will need old towel or similar to soak up water). But I can't find the caps with a seal. And are the sizes the same?

Thanks.

 

[opps]

In my experience, they are normally only needed for TRV valves. Old ones don't always close completely. Hence the need for a blanking plate and a rubber washer.

This is the kind of blanking plate you need

Flomasta BSP Blank Nut 3/4" x - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Brass blank nut. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

I normally use blind hole washers but the following will work

https://www.screwfix.com/p/arctic-hayes-shower-hose-washers-1-2-5-pack/3841j

Sometimes you need to use more than one washer though.

To empty the rad, if I don't want to drain down the whole system, I close both valves, untighten one, push a new bin bag up and let that catch the water, then open the bleed valve to accelerate the rate at which the water comes out. I allow the bag to reach about 25% full, then close the bleed valve and swap the bag for a new one.

If the carpet has already been removed, use a dust sheet to cover the gripper rods, otherwise it will puncture the bags.

Have a bucket handy to tilt the rad when empty, it is likely to be full of dark gunk. Put the bleed valve back in and turn it upside down before trying to carry it downstairs/outside.

I use a stilton or similar to prevent the rad valve from twisting when undoing the nuts (applying equal and opposite torque).

 

[Alec_t]

I use a stilton or similar to prevent the rad valve from twisting

Interesting choice of tool

 

[Madrab]

Cap size depends on the valve rad valve type - some are 1/2" some are 3/4"

Pics would be good.

 

[opps]

Interesting choice of tool

Cheese has always been my go to...

 

[ChrisJP]

Interesting choice of tool

Yes, very cheesey!

 

[ChrisJP]

Don't underestimate the amount of water that will come out of a radiator. I use old baking tins under the valves to catch the water, swapping them with empty ones as they fill, and tipping the contents into a 5L bucket as I go. Typically I've filled 2 or 3 buckets with the water from one radiator.

 

[securespark]

Wow, I didn't know there was so much in one rad.

I will get some pics soon.

Thank you everyone.

 

[Madrab]

Wow, I didn't know there was so much in one rad.

You can get at least a full bucket out of a K2 600x1200mm

Plumb tubs, excellent things for draining rads. Rads are one of those things though, you would think they would have come up with a fool proof way to drain them by now but alas .....

 

[opps]

Don't underestimate the amount of water that will come out of a radiator. I use old baking tins under the valves to catch the water, swapping them with empty ones as they fill, and tipping the contents into a 5L bucket as I go. Typically I've filled 2 or 3 buckets with the water from one radiator.

I was taught the bin bag trick by a plumber. It really does work well. You tuck the bag up as far as possible, and in between the valve and tail (and as high up the back of the rad as possible), it catches all of the water, but you need to keep an eye on it as it is filling, ensuring that the bag doesn't collapse and the water doesn't run over the top.

 

[securespark]

 

[opps]

The TRV doesn't look like it is weeping. Possibly no need for a cover. If you are concerned, cut up an old plastic milk bottle and place it under the trv

 

[Madrab]

1/2" blanks, with rubber seal, hand tight and 1/4 turn will be plenty

 

[securespark]

Thanks.

Are both sides ½"?

 

[opps]

Thanks.

Are both sides ½"?

They look like they are.