Moving a radiator by air-locking it

[DforDave]

I need to move a radiator a couple of feet along a wall. I have been told that a 'proper' plumber would not drain the system down but would instead either freeze the pipes or "air-lock" them. Could someone explain this "air-lock" technique please ? I am replacing all of the floor boards, so I have easy access to the pipe-work.

 

[kevplumb]

you need acess to the head tank block the expansion pipe and cold feed
apparently plumbers mait does the trick or you can get a kit with rubber bungs
it works but only open one pipe at a time
or you get wet

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

Have some towels handy, a small container and a bucket, I have a bung kit and it works to a degree, have some push fit cap ends handy in case you need to cap off quick

 

[kevplumb]

forgot that bit

 

[DforDave]

Thanks for the explanation. The only thing is I neglected to say the installation in question is a sealed system, so there is no header tank.

 

[kevplumb]

cant do it then
option is freeze it or drain it

 

[dan21mag]

better go for the freeze option then

 

[kevplumb]

i would but then i know what im doing

 

[ChrisR]

WHy not airlock it? Just close any aav in the boiler or wherever, open drain until it stops, close it, done.

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

Sealed system is allready airlocked innit if no auto vents open

 

[ChrisR]

swotImeeeninnit

 

[DforDave]

I drained it - because I wouldn't know an AAV if it jumped out and bit me !