Radiator Drain Off Valve

[newportstu]

Hi all,

I'm relatively new to all this DIY melarky but I've recently taken off a radiator in my hallway (successfully, hurrahhh!) so we could get it plastered. I am now having the living room plastered also.

The issue I have is there are two further radiators to come off in the living room (so three off in total at the same time). Would this be safe to do or would I need to drain the system?

Also the radiators have drain off valves (which I didn't use last time, as the youtube video I used didn't show me how to ). Does anyone know how I use a drain off valve please?

I've searched high and low and can't find anything pointing me in the right direction.

Thanks for looking and any help really would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Stu

 

[newportstu]

I've tried to find a picture on the internet of the valve I mean (if drain off valve is not the correct term!) but I've not had any luck. I'll try and upload a picture when I get home from work.

EDIT - I think its a Lockshield drain off valve.

 

[Armo74]

What type of system do you have?
Are you still using your heating?
Turn valves off attach hose and run to outside drain open drain off,that should just empty the rad.
Also try and make a note of how many turns the lockshields take to close,
This will balance the system back to where it was.
Don't forget to top up with inhibitor.

 

[newportstu]

Hi Armo,

Thanks for taking the time reply. I have closed off each of the valves (as you can hopefully see in the attached pictures) what do I do from here? How do I get water flowing?

I'm not using my heating currently. Switched off a few weeks ago.



Thanks again,

Stu

 

[stardanny]

You see those nut just below drain off body, just above nipple? Loose it up and water will run, push the hose pipe to the nipple. While doing that, open up the air bleed valve on top of radiator to release vacuum and draining easlier.

When empty, tight up the nipple nut.

Daniel.

 

[Armo74]

You see those nut just below drain off body, just above nipple? Loose it up and water will run, push the hose pipe to the nipple. While doing that, open up the air bleed valve on top of radiator to release vacuum and draining easlier.

When empty, tight up the nipple nut.

Daniel.

Beat me to it

 

[newportstu]

Thanks for the replies. I've unscrewed the nut above the nipple and a few drops came out but nothing else. Do I need to unscrew the bleed key bit? Or turn it towards me or away from me?

Sorry to be a pain!

Thanks

 

[stardanny]

Yes, open the bleed valve at top of radiator and water should come out more from nipple.

beat me to it

 

[newportstu]

I've been turning the bleed key toward me but nothings happening.

There's a little screw in there do I need to remove that first?

Thanks again

 

[Armo74]

Are you turning the bit in the middle that will also take a flat head screwdriver?

 

[newportstu]

No, the big white bit.

Take it that's where I'm going wrong then!

 

[Armo74]

Yep
You don't need to take it all the way out.
The white ring has a small hole in it where the air vents from.

 

[newportstu]

It works!

Thanks so much for everyone for your help.

This forum has been a fortune saver over the years but I've never had to register before.

Fantastic stuff, thanks again!