Replacing sludge cock, with what ?

[RobTi]

Hi I have what I assume is a 15mm sludge cock order my floorboards (if other houses in street are the same)for draining down the old back boiler, now 10mm laminate flooring has been laid but I am getting a replacement boiler and would like to replace this valve(30+years), so I would have called it a fan headed plug cock, what would you fit in its place now(no low level access, so no drain cocks) ?
Thanks

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Basic rule of plumbing, all pipework should be drainable in the event of maintenance being needed. Either, leave a section of floor than can be removed to access it, or move it to where it can be accessed, doing away with it is not an option.

The boiler engineer should be able to advise when on site, let him sort it out as part of the job when fitting the new boiler.

 

[RobTi]

Extra cost so hoping to do it myself, that’s why I asked

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

That's fine, but take on my points above. Its there to drain the system down, you will need to retain some method for doing this, but without seeing the layout its difficult to say. Is there a low point externally where a pipe could be run to terminate in a drain off?

 

[RobTi]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, I am going to be replacing this and have permanent access but just wondered what 5he new breed of plumbers would use as a replacement now ?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

https://www.screwfix.com/p/drain-cock-15mm/99939

Remove innards before soldering, or you'll melt the washer and wreck it. Replace innards once joint is cold.

 

[RobTi]

https://www.screwfix.com/p/drain-cock-15mm/99939

Remove innards before soldering, or you'll melt the washer and wreck it. Replace innards once joint is cold.

Can’t use this as no access to low level

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

I'm not sure what you're hoping to achieve then? That fitting can be sued with a compression joint if that is the issue. Otherwise, fitting any type of valve at a higher point will not empty the system as required.

 

[RobTi]

Sorry maybe I’m not explaining it correctly, this old valve is at the lowest point in the system and because of its age I am looking to renew it, but don’t know if I should replace like for like

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Can you post a pic of what's there now? Usual practice is to replace like for like, but if a part is obsolete or a better, more modern alternative is available, then usually we recommend the better option. I am wondering about your description of a 'fan headed plug cock', which leads me to think of a gas cock.

 

[RobTi]

In central Scotland as far as I know you get these which look like a gas cock and they are situated below the floor to the side of the fireplace and you access them by a brass flap in an access panel approx 3” diameter, and you use a Toby key to turn it

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Then I'd either replace with similar, or alter as required to fit either a drain off of even a lever valve. As long as there is some method to drain the system if required, it shouldn't matter, although a valve with a washer may be preferable, as the washer can be replaced if required. Other types may seize up due to the infrequent nature of their usage, and require total replacement if/when they fail.

 

[dilalio]

Can you not put in a T and branch off a pipe to outside, through an external wall, below floor level? That’s what we usually do... low level drain point (on all drops) with the added benefit of being outside so no need to have front door open in middle of winter for hose to be run outside... and no mess... simples!

 

[RobTi]

Just to update thread, replaced this with a pegler 1/4 turn lever ball valve, hopefully going with the dearer pegler helps with longevity