Cleaning heating systems before further work
Cleaning heating systems before further work
If you want work carried out on your fully pumped heating system you may want to clear the system. To exchange heating radiator valves or add an additional heating radiator as an example. Whilst this will be executed typically by an experienced heating engineer it is something that the well-rounded odd-job man can execute if they have the knowledge of other household maintenance jobs.
The main reason for most people for Cleaning their gas central heating system is to clean the radiators. Before you do anything to the actual radiator you should switch off the gas boiler and any gas or electric that supplies the heating boiler. Prevention of any additional water entering the heating system is also a priority.
The expansion cystern in the attic is used to normally top up the system with water. A ball valve mechanism, as used in toilets, is used in the expansion cystern to influence the flow of water. As the water reaches maximum level the ball floats on the surface and closes the valve. As the water level falls, say through Cleaning, the ball drops in the water tank opening the valve and allowing more water to enter the gas central heating system. To fully clear the heating system this top up process will need to be stopped. Putting a small plank of wood across the water tank preventing the ballvalve from moving will check further water going into the heating system.
When all these safeguards have been performed, you should attach a hosepipe to the part of your heating radiator known as the outlet and run the end of the hose pipe outside. The central heating system can now empty by water flowing out of the metal radiator, through the outlet valve, and into the external flush. The hosepipe needs to be connected to the lowest point in your gas central heating system which will be one of the ground floor metal radiators. Before you commence any other work on this heating system you must now ensure that all the water has emptied out and no other the water is entering into the metal radiators.
The work can be speeded up by venting the bleed valves in the top floor metal radiators. When all the water has gone you can now start work on the system.