Tricks of the trade

Charlie19

Any tips on how to free up a seized brass drain valve on a cylinder? Its a drain valve on the feed pipe. Cylinder was fitted about 30 years ago.
Thanks

wazzoraybelle

If you have a chefs torch handy or other gas torch, just heat it up, shouldn't take more than 30 seconds or so. Be careful not to set fire to anything around the valve! a thin chopping board between the torch and any insulation/lagging would be helpful.

Wazzo

Charlie19

Thanks Wazzo but will that work even though the pipe and cylinder is full of water? There looks to be some sort of white seal on face of the thread.
Thanks

wazzoraybelle

It should do, you really only want to heat up the exterior of the fitting that is around the spigot to allow the outside to expand and free up the valve.

maradonas

syphon the water out through the top of the old cylinder with a long hose to the outside or shower tray etc. then replace all and cash in on the scrap brass and copper!

Charlie19

maradonas wrote: »

syphon the water out through the top of the old cylinder with a long hose to the outside or shower tray etc. then replace all and cash in on the scrap brass and copper!

Think I might need the cylinder for hot water:)

maradonas

true. sure go on go on go on put in a new one anyway while your at it!!

JohnnieK

A thump with the back of a screwdriver. They drip like mad when there draining so have a few towels handy.