Drain Easy Bungs

[Terry15]

Hi Lads.
I am going to install a heated towel rail in the bathroom in place of the radiator and the pipes need to be altered,
I have watched the british gas plumbers use the plastic bungs in the header tank so they can repair leaks on the valves before ,I am thinking of doing this to alter the pipes for the towel rail, I have noticed that both the valves on the radiator have drain plugs fitted to them but other radiators in the house only have one fitted in places,is there a reason that the bathroom radiator has 2. Will the bung method still work on this radiator. My header tank and boiler are both located in the loft of the house.Will be greatful for any help.

 

[Phil]

To bung the system get some proper tank bungs from a plumbers merchant or BES plumbing supplies and put one in the cold feed from the F+E tank and a 22mm bung in the open vent (turn boiler off first!).

Go in the bathroom, turn both rad vales off and remove the radiator, then open a valve into a tub untill it pulls a vacuum and stops running (normally about a beaker full +/-).

You can then work on that open end and that open end only, if you open the other valve you will break the vacuum and have a flood.

Me? I would just drain down to alter pipe work, I only bung to change rad valves.

 

[NickH]

I use bungs whenever I can, sometimes you still get a dribble of water and it can be tough to solder but mostly they work great and save a load of time.

 

[newbie1]

i would drain
picture this system open bung in place
then oh dear bung moves thats a shed load of kleenex to use

 

[Phil]

I don't know what bungs you're using newbie1 but mine have never and will never just come loose.

They are the expanding kind that you push into the outlet and do up the wingnut to lock it in place.

 

[newbie1]

thought you were talking about the plain rubber ones

 

[Phil]

Ah, not me old son.

 

[Terry15]

Thanks for the reply Phil, will take your advice and drain system to bathroom level, thanks again for all replies

 

[NickH]

I've been using the tapered rubber bungs for years and have never had one come loose, remember that once you've established a vacuum the bungs are being pulled tighter into the pipework. Why anyone would prefer to drain down is a mystery to me.