Draining down but valve is stuck shut..

[ray316]

l need to drain down to change both my 2 port valves and one is stuck shut, both valve levers are sloppy and will not open or stop in the open position so how can l drain down the system with a valve in the closed position..


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[Dotty]

Take the head off.

 

[SimonG]

....and if you do what we do you wouldn't need to drain down. An extra valve after 2 port means that if you close pump valve and the extra valve it can be swapped over with just a bucket/cloth underneath.

 

[stevetheplumber]

if you mean the washer is stuck in the drain off its either get wet getting it not a good idea on carpet out or find somewhere else to drain from
floppy levers usually means the valve is open have you checked with a multimeter before changing valves?

 

[ray316]

if you mean the washer is stuck in the drain off its either get wet getting it not a good idea on carpet out or find somewhere else to drain from
floppy levers usually means the valve is open have you checked with a multimeter before changing valves?

It's stuck shut on the H/W valve as the pipe is cold after the valve but hot before and the lever moving makes no difference...
Cannot take the head off as it's the old type of ACL Valve.

 

[snowhead]

If you need to do it in a controlled manner due to location, then drill an 8mm hole in the pipe on the side that's got water stuck in it.
Use a straight connector where the hole is, or a valve as suggested above, not a restrictive service valve tho.

 

[Leo21]

Lots of towels.

 

[ray316]

If you need to do it in a controlled manner due to location, then drill an 8mm hole in the pipe on the side that's got water stuck in it.
Use a straight connector where the hole is, or a valve as suggested above, not a restrictive service valve tho.

Sorry not quite sure what you mean, can you explain it in more simple terms and connecter l need to use.

 

[Leo21]

Just drain it down as best you can, slacken the nut off. Drain remains into a bucket with lots of towels to hand. Job done.

 

[P J F PLUMBING]

If you need to do it in a controlled manner due to location, then drill an 8mm hole in the pipe on the side that's got water stuck in it.
Use a straight connector where the hole is, or a valve as suggested above, not a restrictive service valve tho.

I like the idea dril tiny hole in pipe I've had a few where the gate valve is stuck closed on cold feed of tank so you have a full tank above you and no way to drain or change broken gate valve

 

[Resolute]

I like the idea dril tiny hole in pipe I've had a few where the gate valve is stuck closed on cold feed of tank so you have a full tank above you and no way to drain or change broken gate valve

Bung the tank then change valve.

 

[P J F PLUMBING]

The last one I did the tank was nearly touching the ceiling in the ac and the gate valve was strait off the bottom of a galvy tank very rusty I cut the pipe bucket underneath oh sh!! Bucket full in 1 second dumped out window next to me another bucket full ahhhhhh 4 buckets

 

[WHPES]

Why do you need to drain the system? IF you take off the heads do the spindles move easily? If so simply replace the synchronous motors, or the heads

 

[Dave Walker]

drain down as much as you can then use a wet vac losen nut on valve and suck water out this way you can keep some control over the amount of water you let out and if there is more than a bucket full you can tight nut and empty with out water everywere.

 

[SimonG]

Or better still, pay a professional to come in and change them with no hassle!

 

[snowhead]

The last one I did the tank was nearly touching the ceiling in the ac and the gate valve was strait off the bottom of a galvy tank very rusty I cut the pipe bucket underneath oh sh!! Bucket full in 1 second dumped out window next to me another bucket full ahhhhhh 4 buckets

Simple rule when working with water and potential leaky situations.

Always have a spare empty bucket,, or 2 or 3 or 4 standing by,,, and a wet vac,,, and a plie of rags, and a lad with thick overalls on which will soak up plenty of water when he's got his finger over the end..

 

[jase158]

If its the 2 or 3 port valve then drain down as normal, then hold valve open. if it doesnt open the there should only be a little bit of water between pump and valve get this out an open the bottom nut slowly to let air in and push water out of cylinder.
if its drain valve and no other drain valves then get a self cutting washing machine valve and cut into any 15mm pipe downstairs, this gives you the option to turn off when your bucket/ wet vac is full.

 

[herbert]

Or better still, pay a professional to come in and change them with no hassle!

Really helpfull well done!