Help find my filling loop

[jimbojambo]

Bradford White Brute FT

I need do drain my system so I can replace some valves on old cast-iron radiators. I can't find the filling loop I'll use to refill the system. Please help!

I'm also curious -- which thread would you think to hook up the drain hose to? There are no hookups on any of the radiators or anywhere else in the system.

 

[ianmcd]

Below the boier there are two valves capped off, one with a blue handle and one with a red handle, (pic 6) you remove those caps and fit the filling loop hose between the two and open both valves, the hose will be lying around somewhere

 

[jimbojambo]

Below the boier there are two valves capped off, one with a blue handle and one with a red handle, (pic 6) you remove those caps and fit the filling loop hose between the two and open both valves, the hose will be lying around somewhere

I was afraid of this. The hose is nowhere to be found. Do I just need to purchase a standard flex hose with the right fittings or is there a particular type to use for a filling loop?

 

[Jurassicspark]

Do I just need to purchase a standard flex hose with the right fittings or is there a particular type to use for a filling loop?

15mm 1/2 bsp male flexi would do.

 

[ianmcd]

I was afraid of this. The hose is nowhere to be found. Do I just need to purchase a standard flex hose with the right fittings or is there a particular type to use for a filling loop?

No you need the correct hose but they are only a few quid and you will have spare valves

Combi Straight Filling Loop - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Combi Straight Filling Loop with non-return valve. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[jimbojambo]

A appreciate you both. Thank you!

Any thoughts on where to hook up the drain hose? There seems to be a drain with shutoff right above the expansion tank which seems to be the lowest point in the system. The manual seems to suggest I use the drain off the hot water outlet.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

If you’re doing all the valves at the same time, you shouldn’t need to drain the system fully, can be done at the valves. Failing this, is there a drain off on a radiator valve or on the pipework somewhere?

 

[dilalio]

Don't get it confused with your filling hoop!

 

[jimbojambo]

If you’re doing all the valves at the same time, you shouldn’t need to drain the system fully, can be done at the valves. Failing this, is there a drain off on a radiator valve or on the pipework somewhere?

I need to replace some of the valves that don't work, do some patchwork around the radiators, and take them to get cleaned. They will be off for an extended period of time so my thinking is to drain the whole system. If that's not necessary, let me know what to do! I think there may be a drain somewhere in the pipework in the basement.

Another question that's come up: Once the system is drained, will I lose use of hot water for my shower etc.? Will I be able to keep the combi on and just use it for domestic instead of heating?

 

[Jurassicspark]

Another question that's come up: Once the system is drained, will I lose use of hot water for my shower etc.? Will I be able to keep the combi on and just use it for domestic instead of heating?

Probably no a few boilers will take it but quite a lot would get damaged by doing it.

If you have an immersion heater, and an indirect cylinder you can turn that on for the hot water.

 

[jimbojambo]

I think I found a solution to draining the whole system... does this look like a shutoff to you?

If so, there appears to be one on the feed for each radiator. Shutting these off will stop flow through the radiator and let me disconnect each valve, yes?