Can I just shut off the valves off both ends and empty it ?
Or do I have to drain the whole system?
2007-01-24 20:56:20 · 8 answers · asked by Spiny Norman 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I would drain it down, disconnect and remove unwanted radiator, cut flow and return pipes below floor and cap both ends. Refill and bleed.
2007-01-24 23:16:24 · answer #1 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have valves on both ends, you probably can get away without draining the whole system. However, there are a few things to be cautious about:
1. often valves get corroded or built up with scale such that they do not close all the way. You want to make sure that both valves close all the way and you have a way to cap the lines quickly after the radiator is removed. Otherwise, you may end up draining the entire system onto the floor.
2. the fluid in the pipes is usually not straight water -- it may have antifreeze and very likely will have anticorrosion additives. These additives can be toxic to humans, and pets and not good for septic tanks.
3. Often radiators are part of a long loop. If you turn off two valves and saw out your radiator, you may be turning off the flow to other parts of the building. If that is the case, you may need to replace the radiator with a piece of pipe or otherwise complete the loop.
4. If you decide to work on your system without draining the whole thing, at least make sure that your make-up water valve is off and turn off the boiler -- that way if you break a pipe and get a large leak, you'll only lose the water in in the system and you won't risk cracking the heat exchanger in the boiler.
2007-01-24 21:14:04 · answer #2 · answered by emsjoflo 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Removing A Radiator Permanently
2016-11-16 20:29:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
jayktee96 and i would do the same thing.
removing the valves and removing the branch of pipe completely is the best solution. Second best is replacing the valves with solder caps out of sight. Both requires draining the system.
If you just remove the rad and are happy to leave the valves in place then you need to cap the ends. Thermo valves can open up in a cold night and flood the place.
To cap the ends either buy specific end compression caps or use a soldered cap on a 15mm pipe and union./compression them onto the valve.
Do this to both ends, even the check valve end because often they leak a bit and you are much better off with a properly sealed pipe rather than rely on a leaky valve.
2007-01-25 00:03:40 · answer #4 · answered by Michael H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am thinking that you will need to close off both valves you were correct in that respect but if the rest of the house is warmed by the same system you will have to drain down the whole system remove your unwanted radiator closing both valves and then reconnecting the two ends w/ proper care to maintain the seal of the more inconspicuiosnew copper straight pipe
2007-01-24 21:19:21 · answer #5 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you opt for not draining and leaving the valves in position, cap the outlets to prevent accidents. The union type valves normally require 3/4" BSP while others require 1/2".
Use brass and put some PTFE tape around the threaded part.
2007-01-24 22:38:26 · answer #6 · answered by Clive 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before you do anything turn off the boiler and let the steam condensate back to the boiler then disconnect the radiator. Do not throw away the radiator because you can sell them for a lot of money. Then disconnect it in the basement and plug or cap the hole. Also put a note on the boiler so you remember that you removed the radiator. That will help with sizing if you change your boiler.
2007-01-25 03:24:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Shut off boyh valves and drain the radiator, disconnect the valves, and lift it off. You do not have to drain the whole system.
2007-01-25 00:34:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋