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Boiler Problem-Can someone advise procedure to shut off the water system fully

  • 17-02-2013 08:53PM
    #1
    Widescreen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,194 ✭✭✭


    Guys, the boiler in the house I had rented out until recently looks like it needs replacing. I need to do up the place a bit which may take a few weeks and I wont be able to spring for a new boiler for a couple of months. My target is May 1 for everything to be done.

    In meantime can anyone advise what is the right way to ensure the water system is fully shut off and safe from possible burst pipe damage.

    thanks


Comments

  • #2
    Dtp79
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,097 ✭✭✭Dtp79


    Widescreen wrote: »
    Guys, the boiler in the house I had rented out until recently looks like it needs replacing. I need to do up the place a bit which may take a few weeks and I wont be able to spring for a new boiler for a couple of months. My target is May 1 for everything to be done.

    In meantime can anyone advise what is the right way to ensure the water system is fully shut off and safe from possible burst pipe damage.

    thanks
    Draining the system will prevent the house from flooding. But there shouldn't really be any worries about burst pipes unless its freezing badly. Is it an indoor or outdoor boiler?


  • #3
    Widescreen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,194 ✭✭✭Widescreen


    It's indoor-located in the attic(which would not have been my choice for location)and was there when i bought the house 10 years ago. Attic is floored and insulated and appears warm enough normally. Maybe I am being over cautious with some cold weather forecast but just in case I decide to do it- I wanted to find out the procedure and if there are any pitfalls to shutting it off(besides not being able to use it!)

    thanks


  • #4
    Dtp79
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,097 ✭✭✭Dtp79


    Widescreen wrote: »
    It's indoor-located in the attic(which would not have been my choice for location)and was there when i bought the house 10 years ago. Attic is floored and insulated and appears warm enough normally. Maybe I am being over cautious with some cold weather forecast but just in case I decide to do it- I wanted to find out the procedure and if there are any pitfalls to shutting it off(besides not being able to use it!)

    thanks
    If the boiler is in the attic it's a sealed system. As long as there is a filling loop and its detached like it should be I wouldn't worry. Because if the boiler burst there's isn't going to be a continuous flow of water, only what's in the pipes. But to put your mind at ease get a plumber to drain the system. What makes you think the boiler Is in need of changing?


  • #5
    Widescreen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,194 ✭✭✭Widescreen


    eng was saying heat exchanger is almost knackered and could go at any stage- my query also relates to other pipes getting frozen if the heating wasnt being used?


  • #6
    Dtp79
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,097 ✭✭✭Dtp79


    Widescreen wrote: »
    eng was saying heat exchanger is almost knackered and could go at any stage- my query also relates to other pipes getting frozen if the heating wasnt being used?
    Drain heating and plumbing pipes


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  • #7
    Widescreen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,194 ✭✭✭Widescreen


    thanks,can you just advise how to do that.


  • #8
    Merch
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,322 ✭✭✭Merch


    Widescreen wrote: »
    eng was saying heat exchanger is almost knackered and could go at any stage- my query also relates to other pipes getting frozen if the heating wasnt being used?

    Maybe someone else can answer this,
    while I realise the heat exchanger is a major component of a boiler, surely its not out of the ordinary to consider it a replaceable part, if it can be sourced? If it cant be located new, can a good condition second hand part be obtained?
    If you know whats wrong with it?
    How did they or how would they determine the heat exchanger is nearly gone?


  • #9
    Dtp79
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,097 ✭✭✭Dtp79


    Widescreen wrote: »
    thanks,can you just advise how to do that.
    Turn off the mains to your house. Find the lowest point of your heating system and open it ( that's why i recommend getting a plumber ). As its draining open the vents on your rads and they'll drain too. Upstairs first! Then run the bath till the water stops. Stuck a hose on your draincock of your cyclinder and empty it that way. Your entire system is now empty


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