Drain down advice...

[darrenh]

Hello all ... need some help to drain down a zone on my central heating (so i can fit a new rad where the old one is).

Freezing pipes not an option as feed coming out of the tiles floor. So ...

I have a complicated set up where the kitchen zone is controlled with an actuator. There is a second actuator for another zone. The rest of downstairs is with underfloor heating. Upstairs has a standard radiator set up.

I am trying to work out how to drain down the system of just this kitchen zone (if possible) - the zone has a shut off just before the actuator (the left hand one on photo) and also what I am assuming is the return just below (shut off without handle).

I see no pressure gauge on the JK manifold so assume both the central heating upstairs and UF are controlled by same expansion / feed to top up afterwards and check pressure.

Anyway, hope some one can help and sorry if this info isn’t enough ... wasn’t sure what else to provide for context ...

 

[dilalio]

Are there any drain cocks provided on the radiator zone? If not then you'll either have to use a drain cock on the manifold or use a wet vac and some towels at the rad in question and just keep at it until pressure drops and water level in the system is below that point. Vacuum will hold water back but could come at you at any time during the works if rads above you still hold water and have not had both valves shut off. I would leave all valves as they are so avoiding upsetting the balance, open air vents on the rads and just drain whatever you need to until the water stops.

Edit: try the same process of using a wet vac with both those lever valves off. It may enable you to just drain the zone you want, maybe not.