Replacing valves??

[Screwed]

I did post earlier but as I'm a newbie I seem to have lost the post, apologies if it's floating around somewhere. I am decorating our lounge and want to fit new rads. Unforunately the ones we want (that match the others in the flat) do not come 2100mm long (which is what is in at the moment) only 2000 or 2200. I think getting longer rads and cutting the pipes and fitting new valves is easier than the other way round. As it is the cold season, getting someone in to do it before Christmas and without taking all my Christmas money is a bit tricky, so I am going to do it myself!! We live in a flat so just have a combi in the kitchen. Flooding downstairs is my worst nightmare. What is the best way to tackle this job, I would rather drain the whole system, any tips such as how to drain the boiler, cutting the pipes and soldering etc would be greatly appreciated!!

Many thanks,
Mike.

 

[Softus]

Jeepers Mike, you want an entire plumbing cource in a forum reply!?

Basically, concentrate on keeping control. Isolate the boiler electrically before doing anything, then isolate the mains cold feed to it, then start identifying a drain off cock.

If you shut all rad valves first then you'll drain/lose very little water.
Choose shorter rads and make up the different with extension pieces.
Mount the rads before altering the pipework.

If you're going to solder, get a wet vac and suck out all the water from pipes before heating up. Don't solder under the floorboards because of the risk of fire; use plastic pushfit fittings instead - much easier.

When refilling, fill and test the system for leaks, then drain off some water again and add a chemical inhibitor to prevent corrosion.

Come back for specific advice when you're ready.

 

[namsag]

Or just go for a 2000 rad and use 50mm chrome extensions on either side. Far easier for the diy person as only the rad needs draining

 

[nstreet]

IMO wrong time of year to do anything with the heating unless absolutley necessary. Wait until spring when your not reliant on it for heat and hw.

Its funny how even the most simplest of jobs often turns into your worst nightmare when you don't want it to.

 

[Softus]

Or just go for a 2000 rad and use 50mm chrome extensions on either side. Far easier for the diy person as only the rad needs draining

Choose shorter rads and make up the different with extension pieces.

 

[Softus]

IMO wrong time of year to do anything with the heating unless absolutley necessary. Wait until spring when your not reliant on it for heat and hw.

Its funny how even the most simplest of jobs often turns into your worst nightmare when you don't want it to.

Good advice!