Useful Tool

I bought a "Drain Easy" Device, made by Drayton, which is designed to allow one to change Heating valves, pumps, radiators, etc., without draining down the system and losing your Inhibitor.

Working on the basis that the inhibitor costs over 10 quid this tool pays for itself (also around 10 quid in B&Q) at the first attempt.

It consists of two tapered rubber plugs connected by string. You put one plug in the expansion tank outlet hole and the other in the overflow pipe over the same expansion tank. It will fit 15 & 22mm.

After that you can (and I have ) take out the pump/TRV/etc with less than a teaspoon full of drip. I just used it to change the 3 way valve here.

You have to remember to remove the device before firing your boiler up (wonder why!!!)

Also you need to check for air locks after use!

Pretty fine tool though..Can't recommend it highly enough.

By the way, I have no connection with anyone in the manufacturing or selling of any product...I'm a retired old duffer.

Interesting but what happen if the plug come undone or can it not ?

I take it this work by suction ?

Any plumber out there, any comments on this ?

Been using a set for ages.

Alan

why do you need a plug in the overflow pipe?

Terminology, should have been vent pipe, not overflow.

Is it possible to use gate or ball valve instead of plug ?

masona said:

Interesting but what happen if the plug come undone or can it not ?

If one of the plugs came out the water would then be able to run out through the point where you have disconnected the pipes.

I take it this work by suction ?

Click to expand...

I's a bit of physics. e.g if you stick a bung in the end of a length of copper tube, then fill the tube with water, you can then turn the tube upside down and the water will not run out.

You can use a speeedfit cap on the end of the vent pipe, and a ball of plumbers mait in the header tank. I found my cones often wouldn't work in the header tank because of tank connectors with internal ridges for turning with, which some have.

Lucky to have it work ona 3 port, I'd have thought, because there's a circuit open at both ends - why shouldn't the water pour out?