central heating deadlegs

[Jennie]

Hi all,
I'm having a debate with my colleagues, regarding the future removal of a radiator.
We could just cap the tails (under the floorboards), but this would result in deadlegs. What are the implications of this?
I've said air in the system (as unable to bleed those legs) which is obviously not good. This unbled air could also make the pipes noisy. Legionaires isn't an issue in the ch pipes.
But would this air cushion affect the boiler?
Either way, we've decided to link the two tails to complete the circuit.
But we're enjoying the debate.
Jennie

 

[Chalked]

Cut them back as far as possible, bu don't join them. That make a short circuit in your sysem that can't be turned off, if needed to de-airate your system. Could also be a risk to freezing.

 

[Simon F]

as above, don't join them,

the rest of the heating would likely suffer, be immpossible to balance
if the pipes are only a short run from where they are teed of it is unlikely to be an issue.

but also depends on how everything else is set up in relation,
would the system vent without it??
is it the one with room stat??

 

[finchy01]

Haven't regs changed? We had to remove deadlegs from 2 commercial sites recently as it's possible to get legionella (it is now covered by ch water too!) But I would suggest if someone dies from drinking ch water then surely that's just one for the Darwin awards! That's what I've been told but I'm not sure it covers domestic too.

 

[Jennie]

Hi all,
Thanks for all your advice.
Ideally I'd cut the pipes back to where they tee off the main pipes, but that would mean cutting up a beautiful wooden floor on the landing/bedroom.
After reading your comments, I think we'll now cap off the pipes (and not join them). Balancing the rads, and getting rid of air locks in the system are good reasons not to join them. And if I cap the pipes on horizontal pipework, hopefully I can minimise any trapped air pockets.
Thanks again,
Jennie