How to Drain the Heating System

[PWIL]

Hi

I have a leaking Radiator which I would like to replace. I also would like to reroute the pipes. I live in a first floor flat. My problem is I have looked for the valve to drain the heating system but cannot find it. None of the radiators have a drain valve on them. The system uses a Combi Boiler.

Please can you advise me of the best way to drain the system.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Regards

paul

 

[seco services]

if you can shut both the rad valves on the rad and hold a rag on the air vent and release the pressure then place a tray under the valve slacken the joint to the rad and drain /remove the rad.
then you can drain the rest of the system from the rad valves.

place a hose on the rad valve open valve and drain.

when you fit the new pipework add a drain point.

 

[PWIL]

Hi Seco Services

Thanks for your advice. I'm not a Plumber so thought I would just confirm a couple of details. I have shut both rad valves. When you say hold a rag on the air vent. Is this the bleeder on the Radiaitor ??

Regards

Paul

 

[seco services]

at the top one of the ends you'll need a rad bleed key.

http://www.tradecounterdirect.com/prodimages/brasskey-sm.jpg

 

[PWIL]

Hi Seco Services

That's great. Thanks for your help.

regards

Paul

 

[PWIL]

Hi Seco Services

Sorry to bother you again. I think this maybe my last question. How do I refill the Heating system

regards

Paul

 

[barnetboy]

Paul,
Somewhere under your combi boiler is a flexible braided steel hose called a filling loop. This fills the central heating pipework from the incoming mains supply. It is not meant to be left connected to the pipework and so you may need to search for it or, if needs be, buy a replacement. However, most people leave it connected to the pipework, but with the tap closed.

Check the new rad is correctly connected with all joints tight and all radiator bleed screws closed. Open the filling loop and water will flow into the central heating pipework. The pressure dial on the combi will increase.
Fill until dial reads 2 bar and shut off filling loop.
Bleed all rads keeping an eye on pressure dial as it will drop when rads are bled. Top up pressure using the filling loop as required. When all rads are bled and you are finished the pressure dial should read approx 1.5 bar, with the system cold.

Good Luck.

Paul.

 

[PWIL]

Hi barnetboy

Thanks for your mail. That's great. I know exactly the flexi hose you are talking about. It is still connected.

Thanks again

regards

paul