Plumbing/Heating Query

[Mark Hancock]

Is it correct to install a radiator on a closed system (combi boiler) without isolation values on that radiator? If there is a leak on that radiator the only way I can see of stopping it is to shut down the heating system and drain it which can't be right?

Cheers
Mark

 

[tsb]

I don't know how you can connect a radiator up without radiator valves and these will isolate the radiator if you needed to

 

[RogerBoyle]

Is it correct to install a radiator on a closed system (combi boiler) without isolation values on that radiator? If there is a leak on that radiator the only way I can see of stopping it is to shut down the heating system and drain it which can't be right?

Cheers
Mark

As long as it has valves either side then its fine (TRV and Lockshield valves) as they will usually isolate the heating pipes from the radiator when closed

If it only has the copper pipe and an amalgamation if pipe fittings to the radiator then i would suggest you get another plumber in

Roger

 

[Doug B]

I wouldn`t install a radiator without valves.

They used to donkeys years ago if the radiator was a "heat leak", a radiator put on the system to give uninhibited flow which couldn`t be isolated by the home owner. This was there so if other radiators where shut off or Thermostatic radiator valves (if fitted) had shut off, there was still a free path for the pumped water to circulate round & not burn the pump out. Also towel warmers on old systems didn`t tend to have valves this again was to allow uninhibited flow through the rail though this time usually on the gravity side of the boiler

You don`t need "heat leaks" these days as there are other ways of ensuring a continuous flow through the pump & gravity systems are a thing of the past, so I wouldn`t expect to see a valveless radiator on a modern system.

 

[Mark Hancock]

Thank you for the responses. It seems my fears are correct.

I don't know how you can connect a radiator up without radiator valves and these will isolate the radiator if you needed to

It's very easy; drain system, connect radiator with pipe work and refill system

Roger, that's my thinking "get another plumber in"

Doug
The system we have is a closed presurised system with a combi boiler. I'd be interested to know what the regulations/requirements are for this regarding values on radiators. By replacing a radiator in the bathroom with a heated towel rail radiator I find myself in the situation where if there is a problem with this radiator such as a leak the only way I can stop it is to shut down the heating, attach a hose to the drain value in the front room and lead it out the front door, and open the drain value with a key I don't have :? to drain the system and stop any leak and damage. This is apparantly okay with the plumber who put the heated towel rail in for us :?: :?

Mark :x

 

[stevep]

Yes valves should be fitted. Any plumber "worth his salt" would fit them. As for a special key for the drain cock, don't worry, an adjustable spanner does the job. In fact I ve never seen a drain cock key. Easy enough to retro-fit though.

 

[RogerBoyle]

Get a different plumber or do it yourself it really is a simple job
Decent valves will only be in the region of £10 - £20 although you can get cheaper and a lot more expensive LOL
It's probably a case of he forgot to get them and couldn't be bothered to go and fetch them sadly

Roger

 

[pip1954]

hi are you talking lock shields or drain valves lock shields yes drain valves only need one or two per systems,
you don't normal drain one rad at a time but drain the system from down stairs sort out any problem then fill system and
pressurise .
pip

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Make sure you get a decent drain cock - cheap ones will leak like baskets.

 

[Dusty]

All rads no matter where they are should have a valve , if not a trv then a manual valve , even rads in bathrooms have them , yes you can do with out but why ? towel rads also . also if you ever need to replace the rad due to failure or to remove for a power flush then the new rad will fit straight back in as they are "generaly" standard in sizes , ie 600 , 650 etc . Also a valve will make it possible to "balance " the system . If you dont you may find some rads get hot and others dont or just get luke warm .

I would not bother with ISO valves as it is just another valve , but if you do , make sure it is a full bore internal diameter as most are alot smaller in bore . and can affect the flow .

I hope this helps , kind regards Sam