Removing and balancing sealed system radiators without LRV

[simbar]

(a) I have a sealed system-under Worcester 24CDi combi boiler.
(b) Only one radiator - the one downstairs by the door - has a LRV. The kitchen rad (which is close to the boiler) has two wheelhead valves, so is the small one in the bathroom. Four (three bedrooms and reception) has a wheelhead on one side, and a Dyfoss TRV on the other. I need to remove one radiator at a time to decorate. Question:
(1) Do I have to drain the system before I remove a rad?
(2) How do I balance them without the LRV?
(3) What are the possible mishaps that I may have to face?

 

[kevplumb]

1 no just turn both valves off

2 count the turns when you close them

3 make you know how to repressurise the system

also see this

 

[simbar]

Thanks kevplumb. I had to go to Swansea yesterday. I am just about to remove one of the rads. I have just read an article about refitting a rad and the author says that when refitting a rad the return valve must be left closed until the rad is full. He concludes:
"Having left the return valve closed until the radiator is full, you will have prevented air from being pushed round into the rest of the system."
My question is: How do I identify the return valve since I do not have the lockshield valves?

Thanks

simbar

 

[JPC]

my guess is ur going to struggle now.

when the system is up and running its the pipe that warms up last.

i would not worry about such thing. open both valves and bleed.

then bleed other just incase. pressurise system to recommended pressure. normally about 1.1 bar. (cold)

turn on system for 5-10 mins and bleed rads again as further air in the system might now have got to the high points (ie top of rads). check pressure