Combi boiler - how to work on radiators but retain hot water ???

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shd1970

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Hi all,

I've got 4 new radiators to fit to replace some existing, but they will all need either new pipework, or at least some modifications on the piping due to different styles.
I'm competent, albeit not the quickest DIY plumber thus as i've got a worcester bosch Greenstar 37cdi combi boiler, when i drain the system down it will knock out the hot water too to taps and shower.

So that got me thinking, is it an acceptable solution to cut the flow and return within, lets say 5ft of the boiler before they get to the first radiator, and effectively connect them with a temporary pushfit flexi hose flexi hose so allowing me to re-pressurize the system, and then remove/reconnect, once i'm completed ?

Or is there a better solution with some sort of diverters that can be just turned, perhaps ?

Or is the answer to simply work faster !!! :giggle:

Hope this makes sense and TIA
 
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Thanks for the reply @jurassic sparkk

When you say isolate flow and return, is this something that is done on the boiler itself, or are they added at installation time ?

I believe the only additional isolation points are on the return which are either side of my Fernox filter to allow it to be cleaned
There is nothing on the flow if it should’ve been added when the boiler was installed
 
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Some boilers have built in flow and return valves for maintenance purposes. Not sure you are supposed to run the boiler (even HW ) with them turned off.
 

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Below the boiler (red and blue flow and return) turn the screws to isolate it from the pipework.
You can set the boiler control to hot water only. . By setting the boiler control to hot water only, it will prevent it trying to divert water to the central heating system.

After you're done you can turn them back on.
 
Last edited:
jurassic sparkk said:
Below the boiler (red and blue flow and return) turn the screws to isolate it from the pipework.
You can set the boiler control to hot water only. . By setting the boiler control to hot water only, it will prevent it trying to divert water to the central heating system.

After you're done you can turn them back on.
Click to expand...
Thanks @jurassic sparkk
I’d seen those but never looked closely at them tbh
Have you used them before then for this purpose ?
Are they not factory set or require some checking afterwards to check flow rates etc ?

I’ve no idea what the plumber needed to do when he installed the boiler as that was around 13 years ago, so don’t know if he had to dabble with these
 
dal5band said:
Some boilers have built in flow and return valves for maintenance purposes. Not sure you are supposed to run the boiler (even HW ) with them turned off.
Click to expand...
Thanks @dal5band
Check out my photos further down
Not sure if they are what you are referring to
I’ll see if I can find a manual online to clarify

Thanks again
 
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