Combi Drain to fit radiator?.

[Jos66]

I had to get rid of my plumber who was doing an awful job of fitting a new bathroom, and want to try and finish the project myself. The problem is that he moved the radiator pipes across the room, and I need to move them back as it won't fit where he put them. I am not sure how to drain the system as I have a New Worcester Condensing Combi boiler, and when he did it he used a pipe under the floor which has since had a new floor laid, any help on 1) how to drain the system 2) do I need to and 3) any other tips (apart from the obvious get a better plumber).

Many Thanks Jos

[Octavius]

If you are removing pipes from the central heating system then you will most likely need to drain the system as it is unlikely you will have an isolation valve (like when you only remove a radiatior). There should be a drain valve, often this is either near the boiler, or if your installer was good enough there may be a pipe outlet on the ground floor leading to the outside of the house where you can turn the valve and let the water out of the system Ensure that the system is off though as you might damage the boiler when the pressure drops.

Once the system is drained you can work on the pipes. You will need a certain level of competence though so if you are unsure get a qualified plumber.

[surecall]

if you can't find a draw off point in the system , it's far easier and quicker to cut another one in to the pipework at a low point usally a rad tail by the front door , use a self bore washing machine valve to drain the system , work when completed , change the valve over to a standard draw off fitting , bye the bye as a plumber of forty odd years exp i have come across the odd customer who decides after the intial ripping out then decide they want to finish the job them selves and will create problems to get you leave , normaly i just go charging normal day work rates , but recently a customer tried this on with me after removing cast iron baths from the third floor almost doing my back in in the process , he tried to get out of paying anything , i won �4.500 + costs in the county court .

[Jos66]

Thanks Surecall for your excellent advice. For your info, the first plumber I appointed, walked off-site after 2 hours and never came back, no reason, call or anything, could I sue him? doubt it. I also appreciate there are people who 'try it on' when you do work for them and have every right to seek compensation, but equally there are standards of work that are unacceptable and that you should not have to be held to ransom by a plumber, purely because they are in short supply. I believe in paying a fair price for a job well done, with the emphasis on 'well done'. Thanks again for your advice and comments. ........... Jos