It should be evident to anyone who owns a central heating system that it must be maintained regularly to ensure its longevity. Your central heating system’s performance is dependent on its upkeep. It should be cleaned and drained from time to time. There are many reasons why you might do this.
If you are handy with DIY and know your way around a toolbox. Then we have this step-by-step guide for you.
If you are not as confident, Safehouse Services provides plumbing services in London and the South of the UK.
Table Of Contents
- Why is it necessary to drain a central heating system?
- How To Drain Down your Central Heating System
- Drain Central Heating System without Drain Valve
Why is it necessary to drain a central heating system?
Your central heating system may need to be drained for maintenance reasons. It is necessary to drain your central heating system when trying to replace a radiator, carry out repairs to pipes or add an inhibitor.
It is also a good idea to drain central heating to remove accumulated limescale and sludge. It is important to remember that heating and boiler repairs can’t be done without draining the entire system.
If you want to remove sludge from your central heating system, to help it run more efficiently. Or if you are getting cold spots in your radiators from a build-up of sludge in the water circulating your heating system.
There is easier to remove the sludge without draining your central heating system. You can carry out a power flush. Safehouse services provide a power flushing service in London and the south of the UK.
How To Drain Down your Central Heating System
A central heating system is an essential addition to any home. It provides heat and hot water. The following steps will help you to handle this task properly:
Step 1. Let radiators cool down
As a precaution, turn off the system before you begin draining. Wait until the pipes are completely cooled down. Let them cool down if you plan to replace or restore your radiators.
Step 2. Make sure the fire is out.
If you have a boiler that burns solid fuel, make sure it is not burning, turn off the flames and wait until it is entirely out and cooled down.
Step 3. Turn off the water supply to your boiler.
Stop the water supply to the unit before draining it. You should have a separate stop tap. If turning is challenging, you can stop the water flow by attaching the ball valve to a piece of wood placed on top. This will prevent water from getting into the heating system while you are working.
There are two types of draining: combi and conventional boilers.
If you are trying to drain a central heating unit with a combi boiler, turn off the boiler and wait for it to cool completely before proceeding with the draining. However, the process for a sealed central heating system will be slightly different. First, shut off the water supply to the boiler.
Step 4. Find the radiator drain valve.
In this instance; the radiator is on the ground floor of your home. The drain valve is usually located at the bottom of the radiator. Clip a garden hose to the outlet with a secure metal clip. Clipping the hosepipe around the drain valve will stop it from slipping and causing water to leak out. You can tighten the clip using a flat-head screwdriver.
The inhibitor contains chemicals, so keep the hosepipe away from your lawn and plants. A bucket can also be used if you don’t own a hosepipe. You should close the valve each time you empty the bucket.
Step 5. Start bleeding your radiators
It’s now time to do the actual work. You should open the bleed valve so the water flows freely through the system. Start with the radiators at the top of the building to make the water flow faster. After waiting approximately 15 minutes, open the bleed valves at the radiators downstairs.
Sometimes air can get into the system and prevent the water from flowing. Fill the tank with approximately 15 cm of water; the water should run out of your hose. If this doesn’t, you may have trapped air. You can connect the other end to the cold tap. Then give water a blast into the radiator that you are draining.
Step 6. Remove the radiator valve
Check that all radiator valves are open in your home. If necessary, check again. Next, remove the radiator valve from which the hosepipe is attached. Finally, drain the central heating. This process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on what type of heating system you have. To speed up the process, open the bleed valves on all radiators.
Step 7. Fill Your Central Heating System
After you are done, it is time to fill the system:
- Close all valves that you have previously opened.
- Close the drain valve at the radiator. Allow the water to fill the system.
- Connect the hose to your feed tank. After the tank has filled, you can start to bleed the radiators down.
- You will need to repeat this process upstairs.
We recommend adding an inhibitor to the system to prevent limescale and corrosion build-ups. Make sure you have tightened all valves before turning on the power supply. Allow the radiators to heat up, and then bleed them again. To ensure that there are no radiator leaks, make sure to inspect all joints and valves.
Drain Central Heating System without Drain Valve
Have no drain-off valve? Follow these steps:
Step 1. Turn off your central heating
Turn off the system before you begin draining. Please wait for the radiators and pipes to cool completely before turning them on again. If your combi-boiler is on, turn it off and wait for the boiler to cool down before you start draining the water. However, isolate the water source and turn off your boiler if you have a traditional system.
Step 2. Isolate the radiator from the central heating System.
You must separate the radiator from the central heating system when draining it without a drain valve. You can close the valves by following these steps. You will need to turn the regulator clockwise. Once it reaches the lockshield, remove the plastic cap and grab your pliers to close the valve.
Step 3. Let the Air Out of the central heating system
To let the air out of the system, open the bleed valves. This will accelerate the process of draining.
Step 4. Drain the radiator.
This method is to drain your central heating system without a drain valve.
- Remove the coupling nut from the regulator side.
- Use a spanner to rotate the nut clockwise so that water is rushing into the bucket or tray. You can place a bucket under it and have an absorbent towel in your hand.
Step 5. Attach a hose to drain the system.
Once the radiator valve has been turned off, attach a flexible hose to it. Then drain your central heating system. To secure the hose, you will need a special fitting. The radiator should be removed from the wall once it is empty. Water can stain the walls. Make sure that both sides of the radiator are draining.
You can drain a central heating system with just a few tools and skills. If you take care and take your time. If you are unsure how to drain your central heating system and don’t want any damage to your heating system, then contact us. We are professional Gas Engineers in London. Covering Greater London and the South of the UK.
They will be able to do the job correctly and protect your floors, pipes, and fittings.
Preventive measures are better than Repairing problems. Install a soft water system, and leave the installation to a licensed water softener contractor.