Replace rad valve without draining down?

[AlexGas]

It's deffinately a good fun. Had to cut the olive too with one finger on the pipe - wrong thread.

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

It's deffinately a good fun. Had to cut the olive too with one finger on the pipe - wrong thread.

yep that can happen though personally i would drain down under those circumstances

 

[AlexGas]

It wouldn't work if you've got a small thumb though! And watch out for the sharp edge!

 

[SimonJohns]

It wouldn't work if you've got a small thumb though! And watch out for the sharp edge!

Especially if it's been cut with a slice and not been reamed

 

[PlumbBobBob]

if you do it live make sure everything you could possibly need is within reach!

 

[SimonJohns]

if you do it live make sure everything you could possibly need is within reach!

Or get an apprentice

 

[SimonG]

IMO It doesnt matter what system it is. If someone has buried a AAV in the house. You'll get wet and can be a pain. Takes a bit of experience to do a live valve change.

But. When it's open vented. I;
Isolate rad
Loosen valve. Rad connection not pipe
Drain rad in to dish/bowl
Hold vale in hand. Remove nut on pipe and rad
Change QUICKLY
Reconnect ad fill
Job done

The only thing I do different is not drain the rad. I have a roasting dish and a few old towels. I'll only drain down if it's 8/10mm and there's a few to do, as the 8 and 10mm threads are always different. Also had some success with a wooden dowel slightly tapered to push inside 15mm pipes, it saves the semi circular chunks of skin coming off your thumb. It gives you something to hold while you slice the old olive.

 

[johnnyplumb]

You can use a small squeeze off tool for this, obviously only for rad tails done in plastic pipe though, works a treat.

 

[Mbear]

I bung open systems all the time if it's possible. Primatic are the exception obviously.
It always usually works unless there is a hidden AAV as someone's already said.

Sometimes I prefer a massive open sys as opposed to a massive sealed sys, bunging the open sys saves alot of time

 

[PlumbBobBob]

i agree i bung every time if i can