Stuck Valves

[Mr. Tickle]

Hello Board!

I'm trying to put some sludge remover into my CH heating system via the F&E tank. I need to drain down a bit to get the gloop into the circulation.

There's a very handy drain valve on the side of the little radiator in the bathroom downstairs. It's got a little point for a tube or hose, a white cap on with the ordinary on/off flow valve and then, on the left, a small square nut.

There is also another knurled ring around this nut that turns quite freely. I've assumed the nut on the end is the on/off for the drain valve, is that correct?

I can't turn it at all. I've got some great pliers but the thing won't budge at all! It's starting to round-off so i've stopped to see if i can get some advice.

Is there a knack to do it, is it opposite thread?

Thanks for any help!

 

[clarkerothwell]

They do get stuck, dont bother with it as it will snap off and then your stuck. Just turn either valve off and remove the small rad, empty it, re-connect and then re-fill, this should get the inhibitor in the system.

 

[gavinda]

and use the right tool for the job...

 

[Goldspoon]

I add inhibitor via a rad: take out the top bung (like the air bleed screw but just a blank). Insert one end of a 15mm iso valve and gently tighten. On other end of iso valve is small length of copper pipe connected to small length of hose and then funnel. Pour inhibitor into funnel which then flows thru hose and past iso valve into rad (make sure iso valve open lol). You may need to open opposite air bleed valve to allow air to escape as inhibitor enters. One can add inhibitor like this at any time - just drain down some water, add inhibitor to a upstairs rad, then refill.