Problem draining heating All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[hullahke]

Hi.

I need to move a radiator but have a problem with draining the system...

I cannot find a drain cock anywhere on the system, what other options do i have ?

Thanks Kevin

[marrtin]

This is really an annoying problem that happens only too often.

Check near the boiler as there is often one fitted even in the heat exchanger.

Really the only other way is to disconnect a radiator and connect a hose to the valve and use it as a drain tap.

[peter the plumber]

This is a real problem, but it’s easy to fix.

Pop down the diy store and get a self-cutting washing machine fitting, (there about £5).

Work out where you think the lowest point is and pop it on and connect to hose pipe.
You could get some spillage, but make sure the hose goes on properly and but something down.

After the system has emptied, repair the damage and fit a drain off valve.

[hullahke]

Thanks guys...

What I didn't add was....

The Boiler is upstairs in one of the bedrooms, so not the lowest point !!

The rads run on 10mm Microbore so I guess a washing machine break-in valve won't be available in that size, but I love the idea...

Looks like its off with one valve and catch the water :-)

[peter the plumber]

Get an elbow and a stop end (push fit or other)

Bang some plastic pipe on the elbow then cut the pipe bang it on so the water is flowing.

And bang the stop end on the other end of the cut pipe.

[hullahke]

All sorted thanks...

I found an old 12" piece of 15mm copper with a nut and olice on each end. I also found a spare drain cock.

Put drain cock on one end, closed both rad valves on the rad near the front door. Unfastened the valve from rad and replaced with my piece of copper and off we went...

Rad moved and now a new problem... took my a while to bleed the system till the boiler would fire up (apparently it has a sensor, if there is air it will not fire).. Anyway got it fired...

Upstairs rads are redhot...... But I can't get any rad downstairs warm, there is obviously air trapped somewhere but i cant shift it.. any clues..

I have tried bleeding, turning off some of the other rads, but still no joy..