disconect solid fuel back boiler

[spencer]

Is it possible to disconect a solid fuel back boiler after draining down, in the cuboard next to the fire, ie cut the pipes, let what little water ramains in the back boiler burn off, and then use the fire without the back boiler, all the pipe work will be reconected to a alternative heat source , a outside oil boiler. would need to leave open ends for back boiler to burn of what little water remains , ie steam. Once this has happened is the solid fuel fire good to use. your thoughts please.

 

[justlead1]

Hi Yes but i would drill a hole or two in the back boiler, just in case some one caps of the F & R pipes in the future. Good Luck

 

[paul H]

Hi spence, make sure the old back boiler is left in a vented condition just in case some one wants to install a coal fire again in front of the heat exchanger
if sealed with water present in the exchanger could be explosive
i have attended a house in hendon (london) in which this has happened the windows were in the front garden, the fire place flat on the floor and the cast iron exchanger buried in the sofa and plastered walls
lucky no one was hurt, the occupants were watching TV about two meters away from the fire when it exploded they came out covered in soot like a cartoon
regards
paul

 

[expat]

You still need to BLOW ALL water out of the boiler and leave the ends open as the pressure from a small amount left in is huge

 

[dontknowitall]

Around these parts we empty then fill the back boiler with sand/salt, close the bottom end and leave the top end open.

 

[Bernie2]

Hmm!

If you Google it the HSE put out a leaflet with recommendations about this exact thing.

Basically its providing an opening for expanding air.