How to Replace a Radiator Valve Without Draining Your Central Heating System
If you're looking to replace a radiator valve without draining your central heating system, using a bungs can make the process much easier. In this post, we'll cover the steps involved in using a bung to replace a radiator valve and provide tips to help you get the job done.
What is a Bung?
A bung is a tool that is used to block a pipe temporarily. In the context of plumbing, it can be used to block the feed and expansion tank outlet, as well as the heating system's open vent pipe. By using a bung, you can create a vacuum in the system that allows you to replace a radiator valve without draining down the central heating system.
Is there a difference between a header tank bung and a regular tank bung?
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Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Radiator Valve Without Draining the System - using bungs instead of draining the central heating system
Step 1: Close off the feed and expansion tank outlet/feed into the heating system or fit a bung into the tank's outlet pipe. Repeat for the heating system's open vent pipe.
Step 2: Crack open one of the old radiator valves with a suitable container placed to catch water. Wait for the flow to stop. Assuming you've stopped the F&E tank supply from reaching the system and that the vent is sealed, you have successfully produced a vacuum/airlock in the system - this should pull the bungs in tighter.
Step 3: Remove the old radiator valve and clean up the pipe end. Ensure you have bare copper where the valve's olive will seal.
Step 4: Make up the valve, ensuring the retaining nut and olive are on the pipe. Position the new valve body suitably angled/aligned for your radiator's tails and hand-tighten the connections. Tighten everything up using a suitable pair of grips or wrenches, and ensure the valve is actually closed.
Step 5: Repeat step 4 for the other valve.
Step 6: Assuming nothing is leaking yet, open both the rad valves. Check for leaks as water starts to fill the new radiator, tightening any connections as needed. Open the radiator bleed valve to ensure all the air is removed and let the radiator fill. Once full, close the bleed valve and switch on the heating to check that the new radiator heats up as expected.
Benefits of Using a Radiator valve change bungs
Using a bung to replace a radiator valve without draining your central heating system has several benefits. First, it saves time and hassle by avoiding the need to flush and refill the system. It also reduces the risk of damaging the system by draining it down and eliminates the need for chemical cleaning before replacing a radiator.
Risks and Potential Issues to be Aware of When Using a Bung
Although using a bung to replace a radiator valve is generally safe, there are some risks and potential issues to be aware of. If the flow of water doesn't stop after cracking open one of the old radiator valves, you may need to drain the system down below the level of the work you need to do. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the bung is securely in place and that the vent is sealed to prevent air from entering the system.
Conclusion
Replacing a radiator valve without draining your central heating system can be done using a bung. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can successfully replace a radiator valve while avoiding the hassle of draining and refilling the system.
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