Draining down a central heating system

[goldiegee]

I need to drain down my conventional gravity fed system to fit a towel radiator in my downstairs loo (new valves)
I know how to do this but what is the best way? Shut of all the radiator valves (and locksheilds?), or just drain down and refill? ny other tips?

Any advice appreciated (or pointing to a previous post I have missed)


TIA

 

[David937]

Have a look at this:

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=175736

 

[goldiegee]

Thanks, I had already looked at that, but it does not say the best way to do a partial drain, if possible

 

[Rico99]

Hi there,

Depends on if you have to change any of the pipework, or its just the valves that are being changed and also on what type of system you have.
Open Vented or sealed.

If sealed easiest to just to drain whole lot.

If open and just changing valves you could "BUNG" the system as you would then lose only a small amount of water. but if you're needing to alter the pipework best to drain down.

Rico

 

[goldiegee]

Thanks rico99 - I am replacing a conventional radiator with a towel one so have to modify the pipes. The system is vented.

Sounds like a full drain down then???

 

[Rico99]

Hi again,

Depends on how you're going to change the pipework, if soldering, then yes full drain down is best, as you can't solder wet pipes.

If using compression fittings, then you should be able to "bung" the system and just alter ONE pipe at a time to hold the vacuum in the pipework.

Rico